If your Bosch dishwasher won’t start and the lights are blinking, something might be wrong. Check the door latch, control panel, or power supply. Blinking lights on Bosch dishwashers mean a safety or operational feature is stopping the machine from starting. Fixing this requires checking a few critical components.
Why is my Bosch dishwasher blinking and not starting?
When the Bosch dishwasher is blinking and won’t start, it could signal various issues. Here are the most common reasons:
- Door Not Latched: If the door isn’t closed securely, the dishwasher won’t start. Make sure it clicks shut.
- Control Lock/Child Lock Active: The control panel won’t respond if child lock is engaged. Hold the lock button 3–5 seconds to disable it.
- Power Disruption: A tripped breaker, loose plug, or surge can stop the dishwasher. Reset the power and check the outlet.
- Software Glitch: Sometimes, a minor glitch prevents operation. Resetting the unit often solves this.
How to Fix a Bosch Dishwasher That Won’t Start (Step-by-Step)
When your Bosch dishwasher won’t start and the lights are blinking, here’s a structured way to diagnose and fix it. These steps resolve over 80% of non-starting Bosch dishwashers.
Step 1: Check the Door Latch
The dishwasher won’t start if it senses the door isn’t securely shut. Blinking lights on Bosch dishwashers often say a latch issue.
- Open the door and close it firmly until it clicks. Avoid overloading racks.
- Inspect the latch mechanism for wear or misalignment. Replace it if it is visibly broken.
Step 2: Disable the Child Lock feature
A common reason for blinking lights and unresponsive buttons is the child lock. This feature stops accidental starts.
- Look for a padlock icon or “CL” on the display.
- Press and hold the corresponding button (usually “Delay Start” or “Lock”) for 3 to 5 seconds.
Step 3: Reset the Bosch dishwasher
Resetting clears temporary glitches from the control panel. It’s a key fix when your Bosch dishwasher won’t start but shows blinking lights.
- Soft Reset: Press and hold the “Start” button for 3–5 seconds until it beeps.
- Hard Reset: Power off at the breaker for 5 minutes, then restart the unit.
Step 4: Check the Power Supply
Power issues can trigger blinking lights. Bosch dishwashers need a consistent power supply to start.
- Ensure the plug is secure and the breaker hasn’t tripped.
- Test the outlet with another appliance or use a voltage meter.
Step 5: Inspect the Door Latch Assembly
If resetting doesn’t work and the door clicks shut, the internal latch might be faulty. A bad latch sends the wrong signal to the control board.
- Remove the front panel to access the latch mechanism.
- Check for corrosion or broken parts, and replace the latch if needed.
Run Bosch Dishwasher Diagnostic Mode
For ongoing problems, use your Bosch dishwasher’s diagnostic mode. It will help find specific errors. This step is crucial when lights keep blinking after basic troubleshooting.
- Turn off the dishwasher and press & hold the “Start” button while turning it on.
- When lights flash, release the button to enter diagnostic mode.
- Note the error codes shown and refer to your user manual or Bosch’s official site.
Bosch Dishwasher All Lights On: Quick Troubleshooting Tips
FAQ
Why is the red light blinking on my Bosch dishwasher?
A blinking red light usually means the door is open or not fully latched. It may also signal a power issue or that the control lock is on.
How do I reset a Bosch dishwasher that won’t start?
Hold the “Start” button for 3–5 seconds to soft reset. For a full reset, turn off the circuit breaker for 5 minutes, then restore power.
What should I do if my Bosch dishwasher still won’t start?
If the blinking lights keep showing up after troubleshooting, talk to a Bosch technician. You can also check the service manual for what the error codes mean.
Can a faulty control board cause blinking lights?
Yes, if the control board fails, it may misread the door latch or power input. This can cause blinking indicators and prevent the machine from starting.
Final Thoughts on Bosch Dishwasher Troubleshooting
If your Bosch dishwasher won’t start and the lights are blinking, don’t panic. Most issues stem from door latch problems, child lock settings, or power disruptions. Use this guide to resolve the problem quickly, and if all else fails, call a Bosch technician for help. Always follow your user manual for model-specific support.
