Blinking Clean Light on Kenmore & Whirlpool Dishwashers

The blinking "clean light" is a common problem with some of the Kenmore and Whirlpool models dishwashers.
The problem is usually attributed to water supply temperatures being too low when filling.

Apparently, there are some issues with the temperature sensing circuits in some dishwashers that causes an error code to be generated if a certain water temperature is not achieved in a specified time interval (this time may differ between models).
There is a reset sequence that you can try to clear the fault.
Push the NORMAL WASH then HEATED DRY buttons in that sequence two to three times.
The unit will enter diagnostics mode, but can be stopped by pressing the CANCEL button.
This will clear any existing faults and should return the dishwasher to normal operation.

To keep the fault from returning, it is recommended that you run your hot water faucet in the kitchen until it runs hot BEFORE you start the dishwasher.
This will heat the water in the supply line for the dishwasher (most dishwashers are fed from the kitchen sink supply line).

The theory is that if you fill the dishwasher with hot water from the start of the wash cycle instead of the cool water that is normally in the lines (especially if you have a hot water tank located far away from the kitchen), this should satisfy the requirements of the temperature sensing circuits.
If the fault reappears, there should be a tech sheet located inside the lower panel under the door that explains what the fault is.
The flashing light will be a series of flashes, followed by a pause.
If you indeed have a component problem, it will depend on the number of flashing lights in the sequence.
Refer to the tech sheet to determine WHAT component is affected and how to troubleshoot.

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Hi,
   The blinking "clean light" is a common problem with some of the Kenmore and Whirlpool models dishwashers. The problem is usually attributed to water supply temperatures being too low when filling. Apparently, there are some issues with the temperature sensing circuits in some dishwashers that causes an error code to be generated if a certain water temperature is not achieved in a specified time interval (this time may differ between models). There is a reset sequence that you can try to clear the fault. Push the NORMAL WASH then HEATED DRY buttons in that sequence two to three times. The unit will enter diagnostics mode, but can be stopped by pressing the CANCEL button. This will clear any existing faults and should return the dishwasher to normal operation.

To keep the fault from returning, it is recommended that you run your hot water faucet in the kitchen until it runs hot BEFORE you start the dishwasher. This will heat the water in the supply line for the dishwasher (most dishwashers are fed from the kitchen sink supply line). The theory is that if you fill the dishwasher with hot water from the start of the wash cycle instead of the cool water that is normally in the lines (especially if you have a hot water tank located far away from the kitchen), this should satisfy the requirements of the temperature sensing circuits. If the fault reappears, there should be a tech sheet located inside the lower panel under the door that explains what the fault is. The flashing light will be a series of flashes, followed by a pause. If you indeed have a component problem, it will depend on the number of flashing lights in the sequence. Refer to the tech sheet to determine WHAT component is affected and how to troubleshoot.

Thanks for using fixya.

Here's what I could find on the your error code:

A blinking clean light that flashes 7 times and cannot be reset, occurs when the electronic control does not detect a water temperature increase during the main wash. This could be an indication of a failed heating element, in line thermostat, electronic control board and/or wiring. This problem can also occur if the main wash pump becomes clogged and it not spraying sufficiently. I hope this helps you.

PS A faulty door latch can also cause this error code.

The blinking "clean light" is a common problem with some of the Kenmore and Whirlpool models. I believe the problem is attributed to water supply temperatures being too low when filling. Apparently, there are some sensitivity issues with the temperature sensing circuits in some dishwashers. There is a reset sequence that you can try to clear the fault. Push the NORMAL WASH then HEATED DRY buttons in that sequence two to three times. The unit will enter diagnostics mode, but can be stopped by pressing the CANCEL button. This will clear any existing faults and should return the dishwasher to normal operation. To keep the fault from returning, it is recommended that you run your hot water faucet in the kitchen to heat the water in the supply line for the dishwasher (most dishwashers are fed from the kitchen sink supply line). The theory is that you will fill the dishwasher with hot water instead of the cool water that is normally in the lines before the hot water from the hot water tank heats the line. This should satisfy the requirements of the temperature sensing circuits. If the fault reappears, there should be a tech sheet located inside the lower panel under the door that explains what the fault is. The flashing light will be a series of flashes, followed by a pause. If you indeed have a component problem, it will depend on what the flashing light sequence is in determining WHAT component is bad. Let me know if this helps you. Post back with your comments or questions.

PS Your dishwasher is actually manufactured by Whirlpool.

The blinking "clean light" is a common problem with some of the Kenmore and Whirlpool models. I believe the problem is attributed to water supply temperatures being too low when filling. Apparently, there was some sensitivity issues with the temperature sensing circuits in some dishwashers. There is a reset sequence that you can try to clear the fault. Push the NORMAL WASH then HEATED DRY buttons in that sequence two to three times. The unit will enter diagnostics mode, but can be stopped by pressing the CANCEL button. This will clear any existing faults and should return the dishwasher to normal operation. To keep the fault from returning, it is recommended that you run your hot water faucet in the kitchen to heat the water in the supply line for the dishwasher (most dishwashers are fed from the kitchen sink supply line). The theory is that you will fill the dishwasher with hot water water instead of the cool water that is normally in the lines before the hot water from the hot water tank heats the line. This should satisfy the requirements of the temperature sensing circuits. If the fault reappears, there should be a tech sheet located inside the lower panel under the door that explains what the fault is. The flashing light will be a series of flashes, followed by a pause. If you indeed have a component problem, it will depend on what the flashing light sequence is in determining WHAT component is bad. Let me know if this helps you. Post back with your comments or questions.