Why Are Your Samsung Dishwasher’s Lights Blinking?

Troubleshooting common error codes that indicate an issue with your dishwasher

Co-authored by Trevor Storey and Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: November 11, 2024 Fact Checked

Do you want to know why the normal cycle light on your Samsung dishwasher is blinking? This is most common with dishwashers that don't have a digital display to show errors, so the light blinks instead. You can figure out what the blinking lights mean by observing which lights are blinking and the blink pattern. Follow the steps in this guide to troubleshoot your Samsung dishwasher's blinking lights.

Diagnose Samsung Dishwasher Normal Lights Blinking

You can tell what's wrong with your dishwasher by looking at which lights are blinking. For example, if "Auto" and "Express 60" are blinking, there is something different wrong than if "Heavy" and "Delicate" are blinking.

1

"Auto" & "Express 60" Blinking

Download Article

The panel has a stuck button. This is also the case if "Auto", "Normal", and "Express 60" are blinking. To fix this, turn off the dishwasher and press every button on the panel.
- Turn the washer back on to see if pressing every button solved the error.
- You might also see "Normal" & "Delicate" blinking or "Normal" & "Quick+".

2

"Auto" & "Heavy" Blinking

Download Article

Too much water is in the dishwasher. This is most likely a drain issue, and this wikiHow article covers how you can fix a dishwasher that isn't draining.
- Make sure the connected sink drain is working properly. Your dishwasher won't drain if the sink drain is clogged.
- This is also the case if the "Delicate" button is blinking or if you see "Heavy" & "Quick" blinking. You might also see "Heavy" and "Smart Auto" blinking.
- If you have a dishwasher with the "Express 60" button, "Heavy" will blink to indicate a drain issue.

3

"Auto" & "Normal" Blinking

Download Article

The dishwasher is too hot. In this case, you want to empty the dishwasher and run a normal cycle.
- You might also see "Normal" & "Quick" or "Normal" & "Smart Auto" blinking.

4

"Auto" or "Quick" Blinking

Download Article

The water pressure or temperature is not correct. This might be the case if you live in a colder climate and suspect a broken pipe in one of your walls. Check the incoming water hoses to make sure they aren't kinked or preventing water flow.
- Floodsafe hoses are not compatible with Samsung dishwashers.
- Make sure the valve for your water supply is completely open.
- This is also the case if "Express 60" or "Smart Auto" are blinking.

5

"Delicate" & "Quick" Blinking

Download Article

To fix this, make sure the door is shut firmly and properly.

6

"Heavy", "Delicate" & "Quick" Blinking

Download Article

The temperature sensor is failing. To fix this, empty the dishwasher and run a normal cycle.
- This is also the case for "Heavy," "Delicate" & "Smart Auto" blinking as well as "Heavy", "Quick+" & "Smart Auto".

7

"Heavy" & "Delicate" Blinking

Download Article

To fix this, empty the dishwasher and run a normal cycle.

8

"Heavy" & "Express 60"

Download Article

The dishwasher is unable to heat. You need to request service if this is the case.
- You might also see "Heavy" & "Quick+" blinking.

9

"Heavy" or "Normal" (models without "Express 60")

Download Article

The dishwasher detects moisture. In this case, the dishwasher will turn on and won't turn off. While on, it will try to drain the water detected.
- Read this wikiHow article to get rid of leaks.
- Remove the washer from under your cabinets to see where the water is coming from; if you just replaced a sink drain, the P-trap under your sink can cause water to backflow and flood your dishwasher. In that case, use a bucket to clean the P-trap so water can flow normally.
- Check your hoses for any visible damage.
- Give sitting water time to dissipate or use a towel to dry the area.
- Using too much detergent for your dishwasher can also cause the blinking error; use less detergent in the future to avoid excessive foaming which can cause leaks.

10

"Normal", "Delicate" & "Quick"

Download Article

The water is too hot. Make sure the water supply is not set above 176 °F (80 °C).
- You'll also see "Normal", "Delicate", & "Smart Auto" blinking as well as "Normal", "Quick+", and "Smart Auto".
- If you change the temperature of the water supply but still see this error, there might be a mechanical problem with the dishwasher that's causing the water to overheat. In this case, you'll need to request service.

11

"Normal", "Heavy" & "Express 60"

Download Article

The thermistor has short-circuited. You need to request service if this is the case.
- You might see "Normal" & "Heavy" blinking in this case.

12

"Normal", "Heavy" & "Quick"

Download Article

There isn't enough water in the dishwasher. To fix this, empty the dishwasher and run a normal cycle. If that doesn't work, request service.
- You might also see Normal", "Heavy" & "Smart Auto" blinking.

13

All Four (or more) Lights Blinking

Download Article

The control panel can't communicate with the dishwasher. To troubleshoot this issue, turn off the dishwasher at the circuit breaker, wait 2 minutes, then turn it back on. Request service if the lights are still blinking.
- Dishwashers with four cycles will show all four lights blinking.
- Dishwashers with more than four cycles will have all lights blinking.

14

Other Combinations

Download Article

Some Samsung dishwasher models blink according to the cycle that's currently running. You'll be able to tell the difference between normal blinking and error blinking if you look at what lights are blinking.^{[1]
X
Research source}