Brand: Samsung Model Number: DW80J3020US Main Symptom: Stops functioning What happens & when:
Hey guys, my dishwasher auto light blinks after the wash cycle when reaching the rinse cycle. Each time, I can simply switch it off and switch it on then start a new full cycle without issue.
I’ve read that it’s an issue with the water supply, but I don’t understand how it wouldn’t fail on the initial wash cycle, or why it doesn’t fail at all on the full (wash+rinse) subsequent run.
I tried priming the hot water beforehand and during the cycle to make sure hot water is always available, but it didn’t work.
Based on what you’ve described, I don’t think this is a simple water supply problem.
On this Samsung model, the Auto light flashing after the wash cycle usually indicates the control detected a fault and stopped the cycle. While Samsung often associates the Auto light with a fill issue, the fact that it always completes the initial wash, then stops when transitioning to the rinse cycle, tells us we need to look a little deeper.
Here are the most likely causes, in order of probability:
Water inlet valve beginning to fail
The dishwasher fills more than once during a cycle. A weak or partially restricted inlet valve may allow enough water for the initial fill but fail to provide enough water during the rinse fill.
Sediment in the valve screen or a weak solenoid can cause this intermittent behavior.
Low household water pressure or restricted supply
Verify the shutoff valve under the sink is fully open.
Inspect the supply hose for any kinks.
If your home has recently had plumbing work or hard water buildup, the inlet screen may be partially clogged.
Drain problem causing the control to misinterpret the water level
Make sure the dishwasher is draining completely before the rinse cycle.
Check the drain hose for kinks or restrictions and verify the garbage disposal knockout was removed if the disposal is newer.
Water level (case break/pressure) sensing issue
A dirty pressure chamber or faulty water level sensor can cause the control to think the tub hasn’t filled correctly even though water is entering.
Main control board
Less common, but if the valve and water supply check out, the control board may be failing to energize the inlet valve consistently during the rinse fill.
A few tests I’d recommend
1. Observe what happens when it stops
Open the door after it flashes.
Is there water standing in the bottom?
Is the tub empty?
Does it sound like it is trying to fill or trying to drain?
2. Check the water fill
Start a normal cycle.
After the initial fill, open the door.
The water level should be just below the heating element.
3. Listen during the transition to rinse
When the dishwasher finishes washing:
Does it drain completely?
Does it attempt to refill?
Do you hear a humming noise with little or no water entering?
A hum without water entering is a strong indication of a failing inlet valve.
I’d also like to know:
Does the Auto light blink by itself, or are any other lights flashing?
Approximately how many times does it blink before repeating?
Is there water left in the bottom of the tub when the cycle stops?
Those answers will help narrow down whether we’re dealing with a fill problem, a drain issue, or a stored fault code. Based on your description so far, my leading suspect is the water inlet valve, with the water level sensing system as the next most likely possibility.