Lg Dishwasher: flashing control panel, not completing cycles

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your LG dishwasher's control panel is flashing and it fails to complete wash cycles, it may indicate a problem with the door latch, control panel, or drainage system. This issue can prevent your dishwasher from operating efficiently, resulting in stalled cycles and potential error codes.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Lg Models

  • LG dishwashers use flashing lights and error codes (e.g., OE, IE, HE) to indicate specific faults; consult model’s error code list from official LG support.

Possible Causes

Door latch/switch fault (dishwasher thinks door open)

How to Identify: Flashing often occurs at start or mid-cycle; dishwasher stops; clicking sound absent when closing door; multimeter shows no continuity in latch switch. LG often shows error codes related to door switch.

Part: Door latch assembly/micro switch

Control panel / user interface malfunction

How to Identify: Erratic or phantom inputs, unresponsive buttons, flashing lights without starting cycle; moisture around panel; intermittent behavior; resets don’t resolve.

Part: Control panel / touchpad or UI board

Main control board fault

How to Identify: Flashing lights persist across functions; errors appear unrelated to specific components; other parts checked good; diagnostics show control board error.

Part: Main control PCB

Heating element failure or related error

How to Identify: Flashing during or after heating phase; cycle stops without completing; multimeter shows no continuity in heating element.

Part: Heating element/assembly

Drain pump or drainage issue

How to Identify: Dishwasher halts mid-cycle; water remains inside; flashing indicates drainage error codes such as OE; cycle won’t complete until drained.

Part: Drain pump/drain system

DIY Solutions

Perform a control panel reset

Easy 5-10 minutes
  1. Turn off dishwasher at power switch/circuit breaker.
  2. Wait 1–5 minutes to allow full power discharge.
  3. Restore power and attempt to start a cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure dishwasher power is off at breaker before starting.

Check and secure the door latch

Moderate 10-30 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, multimeter (optional)
  1. Open door and inspect latch area for debris or misalignment.
  2. Clean latch mechanism to remove food debris.
  3. Close door firmly until a solid click is felt.
  4. Optionally test door switch for continuity with multimeter.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before testing electrical components.

Inspect and clean drain system

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: Gloves, bucket, screwdriver
  1. Remove bottom rack and filters.
  2. Check and clear debris from drain area.
  3. Inspect drain hose for kinks or clogs and clear if needed.
⚠️ Safety First: Turn off water and power before accessing drain components.

Professional Repairs

Replace door latch or internal switch

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

Replace control panel/UI board

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

Replace main control board

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

Replace heating element or drain pump

Estimated Cost: $80 - $250

When to Call a Professional

Flashing persists after reset and door latch checks
Visible water leakage inside dishwasher
Error codes indicating specific component faults
Unresponsive control panel after power cycle

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean filters and drain regularly: Drain blockages and mid-cycle failures
    Frequency: monthly
  • Check door latch and seals: False door-open signals causing cycle interruption
    Frequency: monthly
  • Perform occasional resets: Accumulated minor control panel errors
    Frequency: quarterly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Dishwasher flashing control panel, not completing cycles?
Common causes include a faulty door latch, control panel malfunction, or issues with the drain system.
How do I fix LG Dishwasher flashing control panel, not completing cycles myself?
You can reset the control panel, check the door latch, and inspect the drain system for clogs.
How much does it cost to fix flashing control panel, not completing cycles?
Professional repair costs range from $50 for a door latch to $400 for a main control board replacement.
When should I call a technician for flashing control panel, not completing cycles?
Call a technician if basic troubleshooting fails, as complex issues may require professional expertise.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

65%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty control board due to moisture exposure or electrical issues
  • Blocked or malfunctioning door latch preventing cycle completion
  • Faulty wiring or loose connections within the appliance

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace the control board if damaged. Ensure to disconnect power before accessing. Look for signs of moisture or burn marks. If damaged, replace with a compatible part.

  2. Check the door latch for proper operation. Ensure it is not blocked by debris and that it closes securely. If faulty, replace the door latch mechanism.

  3. Inspect wiring and connections for any loose or damaged wires. Reconnect or replace as necessary. Ensure power is disconnected during inspection.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. You can fix it for $2.40-flashing control panel, sounds, and...

Community Discussions

flashing control panel, sounds, mid cycle shut off

Sealed the circuit board with silicone and clear nail polish to prevent moisture issues.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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