Whirlpool dishwasher start light blinking in normal mode. Works fine in 1 hour mode

Brand: whirlpool dishwasher
Model Number: wdf320pads1
Main Symptom: start light blinking in normal mode.
What happens & when:

When I select normal mode, sometimes it starts, and if it does, then it stops mid cycle typically after draining and before the rinse. Then when I open the door and close it, and press start again, it usually continues the cycle, though sometimes it takes a while and will then start after multiple presses.

The dishwasher works fine on the 1 hour cycle mode with no issues.

Note that I can no longer even select heavy cycle.

Error Code (if any): unknown
Parts or tests already tried: reset at breaker, 1 hour mode works fine

Hi,

I found: Won’t Run and LED for Start/Resume Key is Blinking Slowly

Is this what is happening?

This error says the door lock or door lock switch is not operating properly. That might be a good place to check.

jeff sr.

Hi Jeff, Yes but only in normal cycle. When it does start running in normal cycle, it will then stop mid cycle between the drain and rinse stages. I then open the door, close it, and press start again (sometimes it starts right away, other times I have to keep pressing it until it restarts).

If I use the 1 hour wash cycle, it runs fine, no issues whatsover.

“This error says the door lock or door lock switch is not operating properly. That might be a good place to check.”

The door handle and switch feel fine but there is some play, but I thought that would be normal? When the door closes, it latches shut and you cant open it without pressing the handle.

Thanks,
Jawad

Oh and happy birthday!

Door switch/door switch mechanism/door switch mechanism cracked related seems very possible.
Not sure why the 1 hour cycle works fine??
Guess maybe an intermittent board or wire (esp where the door bends to open and close) is possible??

Thank you :slight_smile:

jeff sr.