KitchenAid Dishwasher Control Light Flashing Three Times: control lock is on

What Control Light Flashing means

On KitchenAid built-in dishwashers with the F#E# control, such as the KDTM404KPS and KDFE104HPS, the control light flashing three times means the controls are locked and a button was pressed. Control Lock is a convenience feature, not an error. Hold the Control Lock button for about three seconds to unlock the panel. Until then the other buttons do not respond.

Common causes of Control Light Flashing

Control Lock was turned on, often by accident.
Someone pressed the panel while it was locked.
A child lock habit forgot that the panel was locked.

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Notice whether the light flashes three times when you press a button. 2. Press and hold the Control Lock button for about three seconds. 3. Press a cycle button to confirm the panel responds. 4. Start your cycle as usual. 5. If the buttons stay dead after unlocking, switch the breaker off for a minute and back on.

! Why to stop there

Control Lock is a normal convenience, so no repair applies.
Only buttons that stay dead after unlocking suggest a control problem.
If that happens, expect a written price first and a 30-day guarantee.

Opening a panel yourself does not automatically cancel a manufacturer warranty, but it can cause accidental damage, and some manufacturers set their own service conditions. Check your warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.

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Other Dishwasher codes

Sanitized light blinking (legacy)KitchenAid Legacy Dishwasher Sanitized Light Blinking: load is not sanitized Start/Resume light blinking (legacy and current)KitchenAid Dishwasher Start/Resume Light Blinking: cycle paused, press within 4 seconds F7E2KitchenAid Dishwasher Code F7E2: wash motor error F8E1KitchenAid Dishwasher Code F8E1: not detecting water, same as H2O F8E2KitchenAid Dishwasher Code F8E2: fill valve electrical error F8E4KitchenAid Dishwasher Code F8E4: water in the base, drain sequence runs F8E5KitchenAid Dishwasher Code F8E5: the fill valve is stuck open F9E1KitchenAid Dishwasher Code F9E1: long drain, check filter and hose

Control Light FlashingControl Light Flashing questions

Why does the light flash three times?

You pressed a button while the controls were locked. The dishwasher answers with three flashes to tell you the lock is active. Nothing is wrong with the dishwasher itself.

How do I unlock it?

Hold the Control Lock button for about three seconds. When the lock releases, the other buttons work again and you can start a cycle. Locking again is just as quick.

What if unlocking does not work?

Reset power at the breaker for a minute. If the panel is still unresponsive, call us; we inspect the keypad, quote in writing first and give a 30-day warranty.