Are you facing the frustrating issue of your Bosch dishwasher’s red light blinking on the floor, and it refuses to start? Bosch dishwashers are renowned for their reliability and efficiency, but like any appliance, they can also face issues.
The blinking red light indicates an error or malfunction. It can be caused by various factors, such as a faulty door latch, circuit board, or spray arms. These components are crucial for the dishwasher to operate correctly, and when they fail, the dishwasher will refuse to start.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the reasons behind the blinking red light on your Bosch dishwasher and provide you with practical solutions to get your dishwasher normal again.
What Does the Bosch Dishwasher Blinking Red Light on the Floor Mean?
When the red light on your Bosch dishwasher blinks, it indicates an error or issue with the appliance. This flashing light serves as a warning that something is wrong and the dishwasher cannot operate normally. It’s a visual indicator that tells you to investigate and resolve the problem before using the dishwasher again.
What Are the Causes of a Red Light Blinking on the Floor of the Bosch Dishwasher?
After knowing the meaning of this red light, you must have thought about the causes of this issue. I have got you. Here are the most common causes for a flashing red light on the floor of a Bosch dishwasher:
| Cause | Explanation | Fix |
| Doors Not Closed | The door must be securely latched for the dishwasher to operate. If it is not fully closed, the dishwasher will flash a red light and not start the cycle. | Check for obstructions (e.g., food debris, racks, utensils). Inspect the door latch for damage or misalignment, and check the door seal for damage. Clear obstructions or replace the latch if needed. |
| Didn’t Press Start Button | Temporary errors or glitches in the control board, such as those caused by power outages, can prevent the dishwasher from starting. | Reset the dishwasher by pressing and holding the “Start” button for 3-5 seconds or perform a hard reset by turning off the circuit breaker for 5-7 minutes. |
| Empty Rinse Aid Cup | An empty rinse aid cup can cause the InfoLight to blink, as rinse aid is necessary for effective drying and dealing with hard water. | Refill the rinse aid cup. |
| Damaged Door Seal | A damaged or dirty door seal can prevent the door from sealing properly, triggering the red light. | Clean or replace the door seal. Inspect the seal for wear or damage. |
| Wrong Setting Selection | Incorrect settings like child lock, Delay Start, or a paused cycle can cause the light to blink as a reminder. | Resume the paused cycle or deactivate the Delay Start setting. Check and adjust the settings as needed. |
| Dishwasher Is Stuck | Software glitches or memory issues from power outages can cause the dishwasher to get stuck, indicated by a flashing red light. | Reset the dishwasher by holding the “Start” button for a few seconds or performing a hard reset. |
| Error Code Detected | Error codes indicate specific problems, such as water supply or drainage issues, and trigger the red light. | Check the control panel for error codes and refer to the user manual for solutions. Clear the code by addressing the underlying issue (e.g., E15 indicates water in the base pan). |
| Malfunctioning Components | Complex issues such as faulty sensors or control board problems may require expert diagnosis and repair. | Contact a professional technician for accurate diagnosis and repair. They can provide expert advice and ensure safe and effective repairs. |
The Doors Are Not Closed
When the door of your Bosch dishwasher is not closed properly, it can trigger a blinking red light on the floor. Bosch dishwashers are designed to operate only when the door is securely latched. If the door is detected as open or not fully closed, the dishwasher will flash a red light and will not start the cycle.
This issue is common with 300, 500, and 800 series dishwashers. The main reasons behind a non-closing or latching dishwasher door are:
- Obstruction due to food debris, racks, or utensils.
- Faulty or broken door latch
- Misalignment of the door
- Damaged door
- Door seal damage
You Didn’t Press the Start Button
If your Bosch dishwasher is stuck and the red light is blinking, it could be due to temporary errors, software glitches, or bugs in the control board. A sudden power outage can cause software glitches in the control system, leading to the dishwasher getting stuck.
Empty Rinse Aid Cup
An empty rinse aid cup can also be the culprit. Rinse aid is essential for Bosch dishwasher drying technologies like Pure Dry and Crystal Dry to function effectively. When the dishwasher detects a low rinse aid level, it triggers the InfoLight to start blinking. Additionally, rinse aid is crucial for dealing with hard water; Bosch recommends using it if your area’s water hardness exceeds 21° dH.
Damaged Door Seal
If the door seal on your Bosch dishwasher is damaged or dirty, it can cause the red light to blink. The door seal is a flexible rubber or silicone strip that lines the edges of the door, ensuring the dishwasher is watertight when closed.
Over time, the seal can get dirty, damaged, or worn, which can lead to issues with the door locking properly. If the seal is not sealing properly, the dishwasher may detect this as a problem and trigger the red light to blink. In such cases, cleaning or replacing the door seal can resolve the issue and stop the red light from blinking.
Wrong Setting Selection
Common settings that can cause the red light to blink include the child lock, Delay Start, and paused cycle. If you’ve paused the cycle, the InfoLight might blink as a reminder to resume the wash.
Similarly, if the delayed start feature is activated, the dishwasher won’t start until you cancel the setting, causing the red light to blink. To resolve this, simply press the On/Off button to resume a paused cycle or deactivate the delay start setting to start the wash cycle.
Your Dishwasher Is Stuck
Bosch dishwashers are equipped with advanced technologies, but they can also experience temporary software glitches and gets stuck. These issues may arise from sudden power outages, causing memory or software malfunctions in the control system.
When the dishwasher gets stuck, it may fail to start, respond to commands, or progress through its cycle. This malfunction can be indicated by a flashing red light on the floor.
Error Code Detected
When your Bosch dishwasher detects an error code, it can trigger the red light to blink on the floor. Error codes are the dishwasher’s way of indicating that something is wrong and requires attention. If the red light is flashing, check the control panel for any displayed error codes by opening the door.
The user manual will provide information on the meaning of the error code and the recommended actions to resolve it. One common error code, for example, is E15.
How to Fix the Blinking Red Light on the Floor of the Bosch Dishwasher?
Now, look at the below-given methods to fix the bosch dishwasher flashing red light:
Fix the Door Issues
Fixing door issues can resolve the Bosch dishwasher blinking red light on the floor. When the dishwasher door is not closing properly or is obstructed, the dishwasher may detect this as an open door and refuse to start, causing the red light to blink. To address this, first, check for any obstructions around the door latch or along the door’s path. Ensure that all racks are fully pushed back and that there are no large items obstructing the door.
Next, inspect the rubber gasket or door seal for any damage or misalignment. If everything appears clear, examine the door latch assembly. Close the door to feel for any resistance or unusual sounds. Check the latch mechanism for signs of wear, damage, or looseness. Perform a continuity test on the door switch to ensure it’s functioning correctly. Additionally, inspect the edges of the door for any damage that could prevent proper latching.
If the issue is due to obstructions, removing them should resolve the problem. However, if the door latch mechanism is damaged or faulty, it will need to be replaced.
Below is the video guiding you on how to replace the door latch:
Reset Your Dishwasher
Resetting the dishwasher can often resolve the issue of the blinking red light on the floor. This process reloads the dishwasher’s settings and clears any software errors that may be causing the fault. To reset the dishwasher, simply press and hold the “Start” button for 3-5 seconds with the door shut. The display should indicate “0:00” during this process.
Another method is to perform a hard reset by turning off the circuit breaker box for about 5-7 minutes. After resetting, the dishwasher will force drain the water out, which can be heard, and reset the computer system. Once the reset is complete, try running the dishwasher to see if the problem is resolved.
Clear the Error Code
An error code displayed on your Bosch dishwasher can cause the red light to blink on the floor.
To identify the error, open the dishwasher door and look for any error codes displayed on the control panel.
Here is the list of error codes with their meaning:
| Error Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| E01 | Water supply error |
| E02 | Heating element error |
| E03 | Not filling with water |
| E04 | Water not draining |
| E05 | The door not closing properly |
| E06 | Water sensor error |
| E07 | The intake opening is covered |
| E08 | Low water level |
| E09 | Water intake fault |
| E12 | Limescale build-up |
| E14 | Flow sensor error |
| E15 | Water in the base pan |
| E16, E17, E18 | Water flow problem |
| E24 | Drain pump error |
| E22 | Filter is blocked |
| E25 | The drain pump is blocked, the Filter is clogged Pump impeller is jammed |
| E27 | The voltage is too low |
Consult a Professional Technician
Seeking help from a professional technician can be the most effective solution for resolving the blinking red light issue. A technician has the expertise to diagnose the problem accurately, whether it’s a faulty electrical sensor, a damaged door seal, or a more complex issue with the control board. They can also provide expert advice on the best course of action to fix the problem permanently.
Additionally, a professional technician can ensure that the repair is done safely. They have access to specialized tools and equipment to diagnose and repair the dishwasher correctly.
Most Affected Models
Here is the table of dishwasher models mostly affected by the blinking red light on the floor:
| Name | Model Number |
|---|---|
| Bosch – 300 Series 24″ Bar Handle Dishwasher with Stainless Steel Tub | SHXM63WS5N |
| Bosch – 300 Series 24″ Scoop Handle Dishwasher with Stainless Steel Tub | SHSM63W55N |
| Bosch 300 Series 24″ Custom Panel Dishwasher with 16 Place Setting Capacity | SHVM63W53N |
| Bosch SHPM65W55N 24″ 500 Series Built-In Fully Integrated Dishwasher | SHPM65W55N |
| Bosch 500 Series 24 In. Built In Fully Integrated Dishwasher | SHXM65W55N |
| Bosch 24″ 800 Series Built In Fully Integrated Dishwasher | SHPM78W55N |
| Bosch 800 24″ Dishwasher, 42 dB, 6/5 cycles – Flex 3rd Rack, InfoLight | SHXM78W55N |
| Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher with 3rd Rack, InfoLight®, and AquaStop® | SHVM78W53N |
| Bosch 800 Series 24 Inch Built In Fully Integrated Dishwasher | SHPM98W75N |
| Bosch 800 24″ Dishwasher, 39 dB, 6/6 cycles – MyWay 3rd Rack, InfoLight | SHXM98W75N |
| Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher with MyWay™ 3rd Rack, RackMatic®, AquaStop | SHVM98W73N |
| Bosch Series 4 Fully Retractable Dishwasher 60cm | SMV4EDX17E |
| Bosch 24″ 500 Series Pocket Handle Dishwasher with 16 Place Settings | SHPM65Z55N |
| Bosch 24″ 800 Series Fully Integrated Pocket Handle Dishwasher with Flexible 3rd Rack, InfoLight and CrystalDry | SHPM78Z55N |
| Bosch – 800 Series 24″ Top Control Built-In Dishwasher with CrystalDry, 42 dBa | SHXM78Z55N |
| Bosch 800 Series 24 Inch Fully Integrated Panel Ready Dishwasher with Touch Control Technology | SHVM78Z53N |
| 24″ Bosch 800 Series Top Control Built-In Dishwasher with Stainless Steel Tub | SHVM78Z53N |
| 24″ Bosch Benchmark Fully Integrated Smart Dishwasher | SHV88PZ63N |
| Bosch 500 Series 24 Inch Built In Bar Handle Dishwasher with 5 Wash Cycles | SHXM65Z55N |
| Bosch Dishwasher 24” Stainless steel | SHX65T5XUC |
| Bosch 300 Series SHS63VL2UC Fully Integrated Dishwasher | SHS63VL2UC |
| BOSCH Fully Integrated Dishwasher – 13 Place Setting – InfoLight – D Energy | SMV2HAX02G |
Infographic: Fixing Bosch Dishwasher Blinking Red Light on the Floor
Here’s the infographic of the Bosch dishwasher red light on floor blinking:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I continue to use my Bosch dishwasher with a blinking red light on the floor?
If your Bosch dishwasher has a blinking red light on the floor, it’s signaling an issue that needs attention. Continuing to use it could worsen the problem. Common causes include a door not properly closed, water supply issues, or an error code. Check these areas and resolve any issues before using it again.
Why is my dishwasher blinking and not starting?
Your dishwasher may be blinking and not starting due to a faulty water inlet valve. Use a multimeter to test the valve’s solenoids for electrical continuity to determine if it’s functioning properly.
Can you run a Bosch dishwasher without rinse aid?
Running a Bosch dishwasher without rinse aid can decrease drying performance and may leave water spots, especially with hard water.
What is the flashing symbol on Bosch Series 4?
The flashing symbol on Bosch Series 4 indicates the child lock is turned on. To turn it off, press and hold the DRYING TIME and READY IN buttons together for about 5 seconds.
How do I know when my Bosch dishwasher needs rinse aid?
Know your Bosch dishwasher needs rinse aid when the rinse-aid refill light appears on the control panel. By default, Bosch dishwashers are set to level 2. Adjust the settings according to your needs using the user manual.
Conclusion
Understanding why your Bosch dishwasher’s red light is blinking on the floor is important for effective troubleshooting. Common causes include a faulty door latch, circuit board issues, or wrong setting selection. Low rinse aid levels, kinked water supply hoses, and error codes can also trigger the blinking light.
Additionally, issues with the door not closing properly, software glitches, or damaged door seals can lead to the red light blinking. It’s important to check for obstructions, reset the dishwasher, and address any error codes displayed. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the door seal and ensuring proper water supply, can prevent future blinking light issues. This was all from my side. I hope you liked this article. If you think I have missed something, comment below.
