There are so many reasons why you would need to reset your whirlpool dishwasher. Some dishwashers have issues of overflowing even when their float switches are working fine. This reset could work on dishwashers that won’t start. Some units stop in the middle of the washing cycle. It has even worked for a dishwasher that won't dry dishes. Just like most electronic appliances, a simple reset can fix whatever issue you’re having. So you don’t have to call service or even throw away your dishwasher for a new one. Sometimes all you gotta do is reset your dishwasher.
Steps to reset your Whirlpool dishwasher
When you find that your dishwasher is behaving unusually. Or it’s showing some error codes. You might resolve that issue by resetting your whirlpool dishwasher. Before you do anything please do what all appliances usually need to be reset. Turn off the dishwasher. Wait a few seconds before turning it back on. Sometimes this can resolve the issue you are being faced with.
If you can’t find a switch, just turn off the dishwasher by turning off the dishwasher’s circuit breaker.
The disadvantage with whirlpool dishwashers is that they do not have a reset button. However, simply turning the dishwasher off and then waiting it out for one minute will reset the dishwasher.
But before you reset your dishwasher please first find out exactly what is wrong with your dishwasher from your error codes. Compare the error code showing on the dishwasher with the one in your owner’s manual to check for the specific problem.
Resetting the control board.
Sudden fluctuations in your power can mess up the control board of your dishwasher.
When this happens, a control board reset could resolve your issue.
To reset the control board, turn off the dishwasher and then disconnect the cord from the wall.
Wait for around 16 minutes then you turn on the dishwasher to see if it’s working.
If your problem is not resolved then on the dishwasher and select pots and pans or high.
Select any heat cycle and wait for three minutes. Then repeat these selections and check if your problem has been resolved.
Diagnostic mode
This mode was designed in your dishwasher to enable it to identify and try to solve problems that are wrong with your dishwasher.
Entering diagnostic mode will be different depending on the dishwasher model that you have.
If you have your user manual, please follow the instructions there to enter into diagnostic mode.
This is the most common method that could allow you to enter into diagnostic mode.
First, make sure the dishwasher is off. Turn it on and select “rinse”.
Press “off” and wait for the machine to power down.
Hold the start button while you’re trying to power on the dishwasher. Let the start button go when you start seeing the lights of the dishwasher blinking.
Press “start” just one time and close the dishwasher door. The dishwasher will enter diagnostic mode and while it is trying to look for the specific error it could take even 10 minutes. If it finds the problem, it will display an error code on the control panel.
Newer models resetting
Resetting newer models of whirlpool dishwashers is a bit less complicated. This method will reset your dishwasher and also help you enter into diagnostic mode.
On newer models, you can press the three consecutive buttons three times to enter into diagnostic mode.
For purposes of this troubleshooting guide; press the first three buttons from the left-hand side of your control panel three times consecutively.
That means you are going to press the buttons nine times in total.
After pressing The buttons thrice all the lights on your control panel will light up and you should press cancel. You’ll hear a long beep. When it stops, your dishwasher has been reset.
What to do after a reset
Sometimes resetting your dishwasher will temporarily remove an error code.
However, this does not mean that you have solved the problem with your dishwasher.
After resetting your dishwasher, try to see if it is working as it did before it got problems.
Sometimes the error code will be back in just a few days or moments after you have done a factory reset. So for this reason you have to keep on checking if the error codes come back.
If the error code comes back please cross-check the specific good with your dishwasher’s user manual.
Then follow the user manual to solve the specific problem that is displayed by the error code.
When and when not to reset
When to reset
Some situations will be fixed by a simple reset of your dishwasher and others will not be fixed by a reset.
If your unit is showing codes or blinking icons, or not receiving power, you can reset it to make sure it was not a miscommunication on display
Reset your whirlpool dishwasher if it’s not completing wash cycles. Or your dishwasher can not start and you have a feeling that it’s the control panel with a problem.
When not to reset
If your dishwasher is showing an error code or blinking lights that indicate that you have a clogged drain hose, you can reset the dishwasher but this error code will only disappear for a
moment and it will surely be back.
If your unit is functioning properly there is no need to reset it.
How to get the reset instructions for your model
The reset instructions for your dishwasher are written in your dishwasher’s user manual.
If you are like most people, you lost your whirlpool dishwasher’s user manual. Don’t feel bad about that.
If you can’t find the manual, just get your dishwasher’s model number from the machine itself. Then perform a google search with the words whirlpool dishwasher and add the model number at the end. Also, add the word pdf at the end. Your model’s user manual will most times come up on the first page of the search results.
If your dishwasher is a bit old and the words on the machine have faded, just follow the basic instructions that we have offered in this guide.
Safety considerations when resetting your dishwasher
To safely reset your dishwasher it is always advised to follow your whirlpool dishwasher’s user manual.
Resetting your dishwasher involves unplugging it from the wall switch and switching off the circuit breaker. While doing these actions make sure that your hands are not wet to avoid being electrocuted.
You could wear safety gloves just to be sure.
Seeking professional help
If you have followed our Tips and your dishwasher is failing to reset, you need to seek the help of a qualified technician.
This might be because you lost your dishwasher’s user manual. You also have to call a technician if the model number has faded off from your dishwasher’s body. In this case, you have no idea about the right sequence to follow to reset your dishwasher.
It’s also possible to successfully reset your whirlpool dishwasher but the problem has not been resolved.
In such cases, you need an experienced technician to fix your dishwasher.
Conclusion
Resetting your dishwasher is a simple procedure. Sometimes it’s as easy as unplugging and replugging back in your dishwasher.
Whirlpool dishwasher models are different and every dishwasher is going to require a different solution for you to be able to reset it.
Resetting your dishwasher will resolve minor issues that you are facing. However, resetting your dishwasher will not be able to solve problems like a clogged drain hose.
Always follow your user manual and if you fail to reset a dishwasher you can always call a qualified technician to help.
