Washing machine lights flashing
If your washing machine has no digital display, it communicates fault codes through flashing or lit indicator lights. Count the number of flashes in a repeating sequence to identify the error code number. Note which option lights are lit, counting from the left or top, and report them as LED 1, LED 2 etc. – not by their label names. This information is essential when booking an engineer or researching the fault.
Many washing machines – particularly older and more basic models – have no digital display to show error codes. Instead, they communicate fault information through flashing or illuminated indicator lights. Reading these correctly requires knowing what to count and how to describe what you see.
Two Types of Light-Based Fault Indication
There are two distinct methods a machine may use, and they work differently. Identifying which type you are dealing with changes how you read the code.
Repeating Flash SequencesA single light flashes a set number of times, pauses, then repeats. The number of flashes is the error code. Count one complete cycle carefully before noting the number.
Illuminated Option LightsOne or more of the programme or option buttons are lit up rather than flashing. The combination of which lights are lit is the error code. Count their positions from the left or from the top.
How to Read a Repeating Flash Sequence
When a single indicator light is flashing in a repeating pattern, count the flashes in one complete cycle. For example, if the door lock light flashes seven times, pauses, then flashes seven times again in a continuous repeating loop, the error code is 7.
Watch the full sequence at least twice to confirm the count before noting it down. It is easy to miscount on first observation.
If a light is flashing constantly without any pause or repeating pattern, it is not indicating a specific error code – it may simply mean the machine is active or waiting. Look for a clear group of flashes followed by a definite pause before the sequence repeats.
How to Read Illuminated Option Lights
Some machines indicate fault codes by illuminating one or more of the programme selection or option buttons rather than flashing a single light. The combination of which lights are on is the code.
The critical point here is how to describe what you see. Engineers’ technical manuals list option lights by number – LED 1, LED 2, LED 3 – not by their printed labels. A light labelled “Extra Rinse” or “Delay Timer” on the fascia will be LED 3 or LED 5 in the fault code list, depending on its position.
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Count the option lights from left to right across the panel, or top to bottom if arranged in a column.
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Note which numbered positions are illuminated.
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Report the fault as “LED 1 and 3 are lit” or “LED 2 and 4 are on” – not by their label names.
This information is essential when booking an engineer or looking up the fault code in a brand-specific guide. An engineer who is told “the extra rinse and delay timer lights are on” may not be able to help – an engineer told “LED 2 and 4 are lit” can cross-reference the fault code table immediately.
Before Booking an Engineer: What to Note Down
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Which light is flashing – its position on the panel, counting from the left or top -
How many times it flashes before pausing – watch at least two full cycles to confirm -
Which option lights are lit – report as LED numbers, not label names -
Where in the cycle the fault occurred – filling, washing, rinsing, or spinning
For more context on how error codes work and their limitations, see our guides on appliance error codes – friend or foe? and the full washing machine error codes guide.
Need a Qualified Engineer?
Once you have noted the flash count and LED positions, Whitegoods Help can connect you with a vetted repair company.
Brand-Specific Flashing Light Guides
Hotpoint Aquarius Lights FlashingSpecific flashing light error codes for Hotpoint Aquarius washing machine models.
Hoover Nextra Lights FlashingFlashing light fault codes for the Hoover Nextra range of washing machines.
Indesit Washer Dryer Light Flashing 13 TimesWhat the 13-flash error sequence means on Indesit washer dryer models.
Selector Dial Clicking Round ContinuouslyAnother fault-indication method used on older machines – what it means and how to diagnose it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I read a flashing light error code on a washing machine?
Count the number of flashes in one complete repeating cycle – for example, seven flashes followed by a pause then seven more flashes indicates error code 7. Watch the full sequence at least twice to confirm the count. If the light flashes continuously without any pause, it is not indicating a specific error code.
Which light should I be counting?
Usually the door lock indicator or a dedicated fault light flashes the error code sequence. On some machines, the light that flashes is the one relevant to the fault type. Check your instruction manual if you are unsure which light carries the fault code information for your model.
How do I report lit option lights to an engineer?
Count the option lights from left to right across the panel, or top to bottom if in a column, and report them by number – for example, “LED 1 and 3 are lit”. Do not describe them by their label names such as “delay timer” or “extra rinse” as engineers’ fault code tables use LED numbers, not label names.
What if the light is just flashing continuously with no pattern?
Continuous flashing without a pause or repeating sequence is not a counted error code. The machine may still have a fault, but the flashing is not providing specific diagnostic information in this case. Note what else is happening – which lights are lit, where in the cycle it stopped – and report this instead.
Are flashing light error codes reliable guides to the fault?
They are a starting point, not a definitive diagnosis. Like digital error codes, flashing light codes indicate which part of the machine’s self-diagnostic system has flagged a problem – not necessarily the exact component that has failed. The same code can have several possible underlying causes. See our guide on appliance error codes for more on their limitations.
16 Comments
Grouped into 8 comment threads.
3 replies Some Hotpoint and Indesit washer dryers with all lights flashing can mean a faulty dryer heater relay but this is likely to be part of the main pcb and not available as a spare part - only the full pcb. I wouldn't recommend buying one as error codes are too unreliable to risk buying expensive parts.
3 replies Lights continuously flashing "Wash Enhance & Mini load" model WF541 Aquarius. How can this be fixed?
Lights continuously flashing “Wash Enhance & Mini load” model WF541 Aquarius. How can this be fixed?
Likely replying to Andy Trigg (Whitegoodshelp)
Hi Andy,
I hope you can help
I have the same problem that Robin Clark had on his wdl540. which the 4 bottom lights flash fast.
i was wondering if you are able to help me narrow down the problem. i understand it could be a dryer heater open circuit? meaning the dryer element has stopped working and required replacement. if so are you able to send me a link on the part required?
much appreciated.
1 reply My Indesit WIDL126 has 4 green vertical Leds on the left, and 4 buttons with green Leds horizontally at the top, as well as a red Led lock/reset light between the reset and start buttons. Whenever I turn on at the mains switch, Led 4 (bottom left) flashes 3 times a second, and so do the horizontal button Leds, and the red lock light. What ever I do with dials or buttons makes no difference, even with the door open or closed. All this happens with a load in the drum or empty. Nothing changes - power on, flashing. Power off, after 3 seconds, the Leds all fade out. It was all working one day, and then it wasn't. Any ideas!!
My Indesit WIDL126 has 4 green vertical Leds on the left, and 4 buttons with green Leds horizontally at the top, as well as a red Led lock/reset light between the reset and start buttons. Whenever I turn on at the mains switch, Led 4 (bottom left) flashes 3 times a second, and so do the horizontal button Leds, and the red lock light. What ever I do with dials or buttons makes no difference, even with the door open or closed. All this happens with a load in the drum or empty. Nothing changes – power on, flashing. Power off, after 3 seconds, the Leds all fade out. It was all working one day, and then it wasn’t. Any ideas!!
Likely replying to Keith Jones
Hi Keith, the Indesit WIDL error codes are supposed to be displayed via the option buttons. If all 4 option buttons are flashing it is presumably showing F15 which is “Drying Relay – check heater relay”. This refers to the dryer section. The heater relay may be inside the main PCB. I would get an engineer to deal with it or assume it’s not going to be cheap. Note that if the machine doesn’t have a good earth either in the plug or socket they can generate false errors.
1 reply My indesit washing machine won't spin. It just stops and then the delay timer light plus the lock light continuously flash. This started happening last night after my partner had to put the bolts that go where the motor is back on as the belt kept slipping off. The belt is now ok but the lights keep flashing and my washer won't spin. It fills up with water, goes round a bit, drains but doesn't complete the cycle.
My indesit washing machine won’t spin. It just stops and then the delay timer light plus the lock light continuously flash. This started happening last night after my partner had to put the bolts that go where the motor is back on as the belt kept slipping off. The belt is now ok but the lights keep flashing and my washer won’t spin. It fills up with water, goes round a bit, drains but doesn’t complete the cycle.
0 replies I would have thought you'd need special software to be able to do anything with the serial port Gary. Engineers have a physical device (not a laptop) that they plug in which then displays the last error code. They don't interact with the pcb, just read the code although they may have advanced since I last used one. If one light is flashing continuously in a pattern with a 1 second pause before repeating then reporting the number of flashes in a cycle gives the error code. If it's not doing that and using option lights instead you need to count them from left to right or top to bottom and report which ones are lit up such as LED1 & 4
I would have thought you’d need special software to be able to do anything with the serial port Gary. Engineers have a physical device (not a laptop) that they plug in which then displays the last error code. They don’t interact with the pcb, just read the code although they may have advanced since I last used one.
If one light is flashing continuously in a pattern with a 1 second pause before repeating then reporting the number of flashes in a cycle gives the error code. If it’s not doing that and using option lights instead you need to count them from left to right or top to bottom and report which ones are lit up such as LED1 & 4
0 replies Hi There, i have a Hotpoint/Indesit WDL540 which keeps stopping during a wash. I noticed every time it does this it clicks the door lock solenoid six times. It did it a couple of times about 6 months ago then was fine again, but it now does it nearly every wash. When it fails, the lights from the bottom up 1: start/pause button pulses 2: after 6 click/flashes then stays off and the top but one stays on, all others off. Looking at other comments, there seems to be a consensus that the brushes are going. I have the lid off and assume the motor is placed underneath the drum or it is direct drive. The door catch looks and fine and got a strong return spring effect. Can anyone please help. I understand there is a serial port on the back of this machine, Is it RS232 because i could interrogate the unit via my laptop.
Hi There, i have a Hotpoint/Indesit WDL540 which keeps stopping during a wash. I noticed every time it does this it clicks the door lock solenoid six times. It did it a couple of times about 6 months ago then was fine again, but it now does it nearly every wash. When it fails, the lights from the bottom up 1: start/pause button pulses 2: after 6 click/flashes then stays off and the top but one stays on, all others off. Looking at other comments, there seems to be a consensus that the brushes are going. I have the lid off and assume the motor is placed underneath the drum or it is direct drive. The door catch looks and fine and got a strong return spring effect. Can anyone please help.
I understand there is a serial port on the back of this machine, Is it RS232 because i could interrogate the unit via my laptop.
0 replies Basically all errors are supposed to be trapped and cause an error code so the all lights flashing issue is not a proper error code. It's not really supposed to do it. It could be a problem with one of the boards or lack of communication between them.
Basically all errors are supposed to be trapped and cause an error code so the all lights flashing issue is not a proper error code. It’s not really supposed to do it. It could be a problem with one of the boards or lack of communication between them.
0 replies Hi I have a hotpoint washing machine that has stopped working. After a while of being left on, all the lights flash quickly. Here is a short youtube clip of it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGKS8QjFh-M What do these lights mean?
Hi
I have a hotpoint washing machine that has stopped working.
After a while of being left on, all the lights flash quickly.
Here is a short youtube clip of it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGKS8QjFh-M
What do these lights mean?
Some Hotpoint and Indesit washer dryers with all lights flashing can mean a faulty dryer heater relay but this is likely to be part of the main pcb and not available as a spare part – only the full pcb. I wouldn’t recommend buying one as error codes are too unreliable to risk buying expensive parts.
Likely replying to Andy Trigg (Whitegoodshelp)
hi Andy
thanks for the reply. I checked the system, and found a damaged wire to the thermistor. snapped due to heat
Likely replying to Rav
Hello Rav. Thanks for the update, this just proves my point about how unreliable error codes can be. The thermistor is completely different from a heater relay. Glad you sorted it.
hi Andy,
yes they can be. error codes can help, but never is certain. if we can locate the area of the problem, we can narrow it down, but need to be a little technical minded to understand the system in order to find the problem.
much appreciated.
Rav