Bosch Dishwasher Red Light On Floor Blinking [Fix It Now]

By: Talen Quire

Bosch dishwasher red light blinking

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:

CauseExplanationFix
Doors Not ClosedThe 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 ButtonTemporary 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 CupAn 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 SealA 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 SelectionIncorrect 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 StuckSoftware 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 DetectedError 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 ComponentsComplex 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

Unclosed doors of Bosch dishwasher

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:

  1. Obstruction due to food debris, racks, or utensils.
  2. Faulty or broken door latch
  3. Misalignment of the door
  4. Damaged door
  5. 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

Dishwasher's 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

Bosch dishwasher showing error code on screen

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.

Start button of dishwasher

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 CodeMeaning
E01Water supply error
E02Heating element error
E03Not filling with water
E04Water not draining
E05The door not closing properly
E06Water sensor error
E07The intake opening is covered
E08Low water level
E09Water intake fault
E12Limescale build-up
E14Flow sensor error
E15Water in the base pan
E16, E17, E18Water flow problem
E24Drain pump error
E22Filter is blocked
E25The drain pump is blocked, the Filter is clogged Pump impeller is jammed
E27The voltage is too low

Consult a Professional Technician

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:

NameModel Number
Bosch – 300 Series 24″ Bar Handle Dishwasher with Stainless Steel TubSHXM63WS5N
Bosch – 300 Series 24″ Scoop Handle Dishwasher with Stainless Steel TubSHSM63W55N
Bosch 300 Series 24″ Custom Panel Dishwasher with 16 Place Setting CapacitySHVM63W53N
Bosch SHPM65W55N 24″ 500 Series Built-In Fully Integrated DishwasherSHPM65W55N
Bosch 500 Series 24 In. Built In Fully Integrated DishwasherSHXM65W55N
Bosch 24″ 800 Series Built In Fully Integrated DishwasherSHPM78W55N
Bosch 800 24″ Dishwasher, 42 dB, 6/5 cycles – Flex 3rd Rack, InfoLightSHXM78W55N
Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher with 3rd Rack, InfoLight®, and AquaStop®SHVM78W53N
Bosch 800 Series 24 Inch Built In Fully Integrated DishwasherSHPM98W75N
Bosch 800 24″ Dishwasher, 39 dB, 6/6 cycles – MyWay 3rd Rack, InfoLightSHXM98W75N
Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher with MyWay™ 3rd Rack, RackMatic®, AquaStopSHVM98W73N
Bosch Series 4 Fully Retractable Dishwasher 60cmSMV4EDX17E
Bosch 24″ 500 Series Pocket Handle Dishwasher with 16 Place SettingsSHPM65Z55N
Bosch 24″ 800 Series Fully Integrated Pocket Handle Dishwasher with Flexible 3rd Rack, InfoLight and CrystalDrySHPM78Z55N
Bosch – 800 Series 24″ Top Control Built-In Dishwasher with CrystalDry, 42 dBaSHXM78Z55N
Bosch 800 Series 24 Inch Fully Integrated Panel Ready Dishwasher with Touch Control TechnologySHVM78Z53N
24″ Bosch 800 Series Top Control Built-In Dishwasher with Stainless Steel TubSHVM78Z53N
24″ Bosch Benchmark Fully Integrated Smart DishwasherSHV88PZ63N
Bosch 500 Series 24 Inch Built In Bar Handle Dishwasher with 5 Wash CyclesSHXM65Z55N
Bosch Dishwasher 24” Stainless steelSHX65T5XUC
Bosch 300 Series SHS63VL2UC Fully Integrated DishwasherSHS63VL2UC
BOSCH Fully Integrated Dishwasher – 13 Place Setting – InfoLight – D EnergySMV2HAX02G

Infographic: Fixing Bosch Dishwasher Blinking Red Light on the Floor

Here’s the infographic of the Bosch dishwasher red light on floor blinking:

Infographic of fixing Bosch dishwasher blinking red light on the floor

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.

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