Diagnosing and Fixing Amana Dishwasher Start Button Flashing
Amana dishwashers try to make our life easier by giving us a reprieve from the agony of dishwashing. Nevertheless, when the start button flashes, it’s a source of frustration and perplexity. Flashing start button mostly indicates that the dishwasher isn’t starting its cycle. In this comprehensive tutorial, we are going to explain what a flashing start button means, its likely causes, and step-by-step repair methods to help you diagnose and repair the issue and have your dishwasher running.
What Does a Flashing Start Button Mean?
If the start button on your Amana dishwasher is flashing, there is a high likelihood that the dishwasher isn’t starting up its cycle. This could be due to any one of a myriad of factors, from as simple as a door not closed properly to something as complicated as a control board failure. With some knowledge of what the likely causes might be, you’ll get to the diagnosis and ultimately to the repair much faster.
Common Causes for Flashing Start Button
To identify and fix the flashing start button efficiently, having some knowledge of likely causes comes in handy. Some of the most likely causes of a flashing start button include:
Door Not Closed
The most common reason flashing start button happens is because the dishwasher door is not properly closed. The dishwasher has a safety feature that will not allow the dishwasher to start when the door is not closed.
Child Lock On
If the child lock feature has been activated, it will prevent the dishwasher from starting and will flash the start button.
Water Supply Issue
In case of a shortage of water for the dishwasher, it will not initiate, and the start button flashes. This occurs because the water valve is closed or partially closed, there is a low water pressure, or the water inlet hose is pinched.
Door Latch Issues
The door latch holds the door shut. A defective one would have the dishwasher unaware of when the door is shut and will not initiate.
Control Board Issues
The control board is a mind to the dishwasher, carrying out some of its operations. In case it is faulty, it would not carry out instructions to run the dishwasher and illuminate the start button blinking.
Drain Problems
In case the dishwasher does not drain, it will not begin a new cycle, and the start button will flash.
Overheating
If the dishwasher is overheated, it can make the start button malfunction and blink.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
If your Amana dishwasher’s start button is blinking, use the following troubleshooting guide to identify and fix the problem:
Check the Door:
- Make sure the dishwasher door is tightly closed and locked.
- Check the door gasket for damage or tear. Replace if damaged.
Turn Off Child Lock:
Check if the child lock mode is activated. If activated, turn it off by holding the child lock button for a few seconds.
Check Water Supply:
- Ensure the water supply valve is fully opened.
- Make sure there’s no kinking or blocking of the water inlet hose.
- Check for proper water pressure by running water in an adjacent faucet.
Check the Door Latch
- Locate the door latch and ensure that it’s not worn or broken.
- Test the latch mechanism to ensure that it functions normally. Replace it if damaged.
Test the Control Board:
- Look at the control board for physical signs of damage such as charred components or loose wiring.
- If you believe that the control board is malfunctioning, reset it by shutting off the dishwasher for several minutes before restoring the power.
- If the issue persists, you may need to replace the control board.
Check the Drainage System:
- Check for kinks or blockages in the dishwasher drain hose.
- Check the drain pump for blockages or trash. Drain out if necessary.
- Ensure the garbage disposal (if fitted) is clear.
Overheating Check:
- Let the dishwasher cool down in case it overheated.
- Ensure the dishwasher is not overfilled, which could cause overheating.
Solutions to Fix the Start Button Flashing
Since you know now why the start button is flashing, you can now follow the right step to solve the issue:
Right Door Closure
Check if the door of the dishwasher is properly closed and locked. If damaged or worn out, replace the door gasket.
Disable Child Lock
In case child lock option is active, deactivate it by pressing the child lock button for some seconds.
Provide Sufficient Water Supply
Ensure the water supply valve is fully open and ensure the water inlet hose is not clogged or kinked. If your home has low water pressure, you will need to repair the plumbing issue at your home.
Replace the Door Latch
Replace your door latch if it is broken. Ensure the new latch is suitable for your dishwasher model.
Replace the Control Board
If your control board is damaged, you may need to replace it. This is a more complex repair, so you may want to have a professional technician replace it if you’re not confident you can do it yourself.
Clear Drainage Issues
If the dishwasher won’t drain, clear any blockages in the drain hose or pump. Ensure the garbage disposal (if you have one) is clear.
Prevent Overheating
Prevent overloading the dishwasher and allow proper ventilation to prevent overheating.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
To prevent the start button flashing issue in the future, observe the below preventive maintenance tips:
Clean the Dishwasher Regularly
Clean food particles and grime from the filter, spray arms, and dishwasher interior regularly.
Check and Replace Parts as Needed
Inspect the door gasket, door latch, and other parts for wear and tear on a regular basis. Replace any part that is worn out.
Check Water Pressure
Have your home water pressure at the best level for your dishwasher. Fit a water pressure regulator if necessary.
Use the Right Detergent
Use a good dishwasher detergent that is compatible with your dishwasher model. Don’t overuse the detergent, as this will cause buildup and affect the functioning of the dishwasher.
Run Maintenance Cycles Periodically
Some dishwashers have a maintenance or cleaning cycle that will clear buildup and maintain the machine in the best working condition. Refer to your dishwasher manual on how to run these cycles.
When to Call a Pro
Though all start button flash problems can be fixed by home troubleshooting, there are others which require the attention of a professional technician:
Difficulty Repairs
If the repair involves replacing the control board or other complex components, it is advisable to hand it over to a professional.
Electric Issues
If you do not feel safe with electric components, it’s advisable to seek the services of a technician to avoid getting an electric shock or further damaging your machine.
Recurring Issues
If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps and the issue continues to persist, a professional will be better able to diagnose and repair the issue.
Conclusion
Amana dishwasher start button flash can be inconvenient, but using proper information and steps to troubleshoot, it is mostly possible to repair the issue yourself. By being aware of the typical causes, after standard maintenance, and aware of when to call in the professionals, you can keep your dishwasher running at its best and prevent issues from arising in the future. If ever unsure, don’t hesitate to call in a professional technician to get your dishwasher repaired correctly and safely.