Is your Bosch dishwasher’s red light blinking? Don’t panic! This common issue usually points to a simple problem you can fix yourself. This guide will help you understand what the blinking red light means and how to resolve it.
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Why Red Light Blinks in Your Bosch Dishwasher
Bosch dishwashers are known for their reliability. When a red light blinks, it’s often an “InfoLight” on the floor, or a light on the control panel. This light is your dishwasher’s way of telling you something isn’t quite right. It’s a signal to check specific areas of the appliance.
The meaning of a blinking red light can vary slightly between Bosch models. However, the most common reasons include:
- Door not closed fully: The dishwasher needs a secure door to run.
- Water supply issues: Not enough water is getting to the dishwasher.
- Drainage problems: Water cannot drain properly.
- Low rinse aid: The rinse aid dispenser is empty.
- Child Lock activated: The controls are locked.
- Temporary glitch: A simple reset might be needed.
Let’s dive into each possible cause and how to fix it.
Common Causes & Solutions
Here’s a breakdown of why your Bosch dishwasher’s red light might be blinking and what you can do about it:
1. Door Not Fully Closed
This is the most frequent reason for a blinking red light. Bosch dishwashers have safety features. They won’t start if the door isn’t properly latched.
Solution:
- Open and close the door firmly. Make sure you hear a “click” sound.
- Check for obstructions. Ensure no dishes, racks, or utensils are blocking the door.
- Inspect the door latch. Look for any visible damage or misalignment on the latch mechanism itself. If it appears broken, it might need replacement.
2. Water Supply Issues
Your dishwasher needs a steady water supply to operate. A blinking red light can indicate a problem with water intake.
Solution:
- Check the water supply valve. Make sure the valve connected to your dishwasher is fully open.
- Inspect the inlet hose. Look for any kinks, bends, or blockages in the water inlet hose. Straighten any kinks.
- Clean the inlet screen. There might be a small filter screen where the water hose connects to the dishwasher. Turn off the water supply, disconnect the hose, and clean this screen if it’s clogged.
- Verify water pressure. Ensure your home’s water pressure is sufficient. You can test a nearby faucet to see if water flow is normal.
3. Drainage Problems
If your dishwasher can’t drain water properly, it might trigger the red light. This often means a clog.
Solution:
- Clean the dishwasher filter. The filter is usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher tub. Remove it and clean away any food debris or grime. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific filter removal instructions.
- Image: (Placeholder for an image showing how to locate and remove a Bosch dishwasher filter)
- Check the drain hose. Look for kinks or blockages in the drain hose, which connects the dishwasher to your sink drain or garbage disposal.
- Inspect the air gap (if applicable). If your dishwasher has an air gap on your sink, ensure it’s not clogged.
- Run a cleaning cycle. Use a dishwasher cleaning product to help clear any internal buildup.
4. Low Rinse Aid
Some Bosch models use the blinking red light to signal low rinse aid. Rinse aid helps dishes dry better and prevents water spots.
Solution:
- Refill the rinse aid dispenser. Locate the rinse aid compartment, usually next to the detergent dispenser. Fill it with a recommended rinse aid.
- Image: (Placeholder for an image showing where to refill rinse aid in a Bosch dishwasher)
5. Child Lock Activated
If the child lock feature is on, it will prevent the dishwasher from starting and may cause lights to blink.
Solution:
- Deactivate the child lock. Consult your Bosch dishwasher manual for specific instructions on how to disable the child lock. This usually involves pressing and holding a specific button for a few seconds (e.g., the “Start” button or a dedicated “Child Lock” button).
6. Temporary Glitch / Control Board Issue
Sometimes, a simple electronic glitch can cause the red light to blink.
Solution:
- Perform a soft reset. Press and hold the “Start” button for 3-5 seconds until the lights turn off or the display changes.
- Perform a hard reset. Unplug the dishwasher from the power outlet for 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, flip the circuit breaker for the dishwasher off for a few minutes, then turn it back on. This can clear any temporary errors.
Troubleshooting Table: Bosch Dishwasher Blinking Red Light
Here’s a quick reference for the most common issues and their fixes:
Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
Red light blinking, won’t start | Door not fully closed | Firmly close the door until it clicks. Check for obstructions. |
Child Lock active | Refer to manual to deactivate child lock. | |
Red light blinking, no water | Water supply off/kinked hose | Open water valve, straighten hose, clean inlet screen. |
Low water pressure | Check home’s water pressure. | |
Red light blinking, water not draining | Clogged filter or drain hose | Clean filter, check drain hose for kinks/blockages, inspect air gap. |
Red light blinking after cycle finishes | Low rinse aid | Refill rinse aid dispenser. |
Random blinking, no clear cause | Temporary electronic glitch | Perform a soft reset (hold “Start” button) or hard reset (unplug/circuit breaker). |
When to Call a Technician
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps above and the red light continues to blink, it might be time to call a professional technician. More complex issues could include:
- Faulty door latch assembly: If the latch is physically broken.
- Malfunctioning water inlet valve: The part that controls water flow into the dishwasher.
- Defective drain pump: If the pump isn’t working to remove water.
- Control board failure: A problem with the main electronic board.
- Leakage: The dishwasher’s flood protection system has detected water in the base. This often results in an E15 error code.
Always describe the blinking pattern and any other symptoms to the technician. This helps them diagnose the problem faster.
FAQ
What is the “InfoLight” and why does it blink red?
The InfoLight is a red light projected onto the floor by some Bosch dishwasher models. It glows steadily when the dishwasher is running. If it blinks, it often indicates the door is not fully closed or there’s a water supply issue preventing the cycle from starting or continuing.
My Bosch dishwasher is blinking red and beeping. What does this mean?
A blinking red light accompanied by beeping often points to the door not being latched properly. The dishwasher is trying to tell you it cannot start or resume because the door is open. Firmly close the door until it clicks.
How do I reset my Bosch dishwasher if the red light is blinking?
To reset, simply press and hold the “Start” button for 3-5 seconds. This will usually clear minor errors. For a more thorough reset, unplug the dishwasher from the power outlet for 5-10 minutes, or turn off its circuit breaker.
Can a dirty filter cause the red light to blink?
A4: Yes, a clogged filter can prevent proper drainage or water circulation, which can sometimes trigger the red light or an error code. Regularly cleaning your dishwasher’s filter is important for its performance.
The red light is blinking, but there’s no water inside the dishwasher. What’s wrong?
A5: This usually points to a water supply problem. Check if the water supply valve is open, ensure the inlet hose isn’t kinked, and inspect the inlet screen for clogs. The dishwasher isn’t getting the water it needs to start the wash cycle.
Bottom Line
A blinking red light on your Bosch dishwasher can be unsettling, but it’s rarely a sign of a major breakdown. Most of the time, it’s a simple fix related to the door, water supply, or drainage. By following these troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve the issue yourself and get your dishwasher back to sparkling clean dishes in no time. Remember to always consult your specific Bosch dishwasher manual for detailed information and error codes relevant to your model. Regular maintenance, like cleaning filters and checking hoses, can also prevent many common problems.
