Whirlpool Dishwasher Start/Resume Light Flashing — What It Means & How to Fix It
Also shown as Start Light Flashing, All Lights Flashing, Start/Resume Blinking on some models.
A flashing Start/Resume light — or all cycle and option lights flashing — means the cycle or start-up was interrupted: press Start/Resume and push the door firmly closed within 3 seconds.
What this code means
Whirlpool says the Start/Resume light flashing indicates the cycle or start-up was interrupted, by opening the door or a power interruption. If the door is not closed within 3 seconds of pressing Start/Resume the light flashes and the cycle will not start. On some models all cycle and option lights flash while the door is open mid-cycle and stop when it is latched, with the cycle resuming after a slight delay.
Select Whirlpool built-in and portable models. A delay-start setting also holds the cycle until the delay time is reached.
Most likely causes
| Cause | How likely | DIY-fixable? |
|---|---|---|
| Door opened mid-cycle | Very common | Yes — no tools |
| Door not latched within 3 seconds of pressing Start/Resume | Very common | Yes — no tools |
| Power interruption | Common | Yes — no tools |
| Delay wash set | Common | Yes — cancel delay |
What you can try yourself
- Press Start/Resume.
- Push the door firmly shut within 3 seconds.
- If it is waiting on a delay, press Cancel/Drain, then Start/Resume.
- If the lights keep flashing with the door latched, disconnect power for 30 seconds.
When to call a technician
- Flashing continues with the door latched after a reset.
- The door will not latch.
- The cycle never resumes.
Typical professional repair cost: Free; a door latch repair costs about $100–$200.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Start light blinking on my Whirlpool dishwasher?
The cycle or start-up was interrupted, usually by the door being opened.
How fast must I close the door?
Within 3 seconds of pressing Start/Resume.
All the lights are flashing — is it broken?
On some models that just shows the cycle is suspended while the door is open.
Sources checked
- Whirlpool Product Help: Lights Flashing or Blinking - Portable Dishwasher
- Whirlpool Product Help: All Cycle And Option Lights flashing - Dishwasher
Error meanings can vary by model. This guide was checked against the documentation above; use the manual for the model number on your own appliance when it differs.
Related Whirlpool codes
- Whirlpool Dishwasher 1-1 The control board detected one of its own relays stuck on — a long power-off clears the false alarms, while a genuinely welded relay means board-level repair.
- Whirlpool Dishwasher 6-4 The overfill float switch — the machine's anti-flood backstop — is reading open, usually because the float is stuck or obstructed, occasionally because the inlet valve is dribbling water in when it should be shut.
- Whirlpool Dishwasher 1-2 F1E2 means the dishwasher's main control has logged a communication error — disconnect power for 30 seconds to reset it, and book service if the code returns.
- Whirlpool Dishwasher 2-1 F2E1 points to a stuck key or a console error on the control panel; cycling power for 30 seconds is the fix to try, and a repeat means the console needs professional attention.
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