Samsung Dishwasher Heavy Light Blinking? (here’s why & what to do)

Many dishwashers nowadays display error codes to indicate any faults or potential faults. However there are still some models that don’t have a display screen and rely on blinking lights to notify you of any problems.

If you own a Samsung dishwasher that uses a system of blinking lights to notify you what’s going on, keep reading. In this article we take a close look at what it means when the heavy light is flashing or blinking, what it means when the heavy light is blinking in combination with other lights, as well as offering useful ways to solve any issues indicated.

Why Is The Heavy Light Blinking On A Samsung Dishwasher?

When it comes to blinking lights on a Samsung dishwasher, it depends on whether there is just the one light blinking or a combination of lights. 

Lights Blinking	Indicates
Heavy Light Blinking	Moisture detected in a normally dry area
Heavy & Auto Lights Blinking	Too much water detected in the dishwasher
Heavy, Quick & Delicate Lights Blinking	Temperature sensor fault
Heavy & Delicate Lights Blinking	Heater failure
Heavy & Express 60 Lights Blinking	Dishwasher fails to heat up sufficiently
Heavy, Normal & Express 60 Lights Blinking	Defective thermistor
Heavy, Normal & Quick Lights Blinking	Insufficient water

Let’s take a look at each of them in more detail:

Heavy Light Blinking

The heavy light blinking on its own is an indication that one (or more) of the internal sensors has detected moisture in an area that should be dry.

This is a specific code limited to Samsung dishwashers that don’t have the express 60 option. Whilst the heavy light is blinking, the dishwasher will not turn off even if the cycle has completed. This is because it has detected water in an area it shouldn’t be which means the dishwasher will continue to try to drain the water away.

This can be caused by water accidentally being splashed close to one of the sensors which just needs time to dry off to clear. But it can also actually indicate a problem with the drainage function on the dishwasher.

You should check the drain hose, and anything the drain hose is connected to including;

• Waste disposal unit
• Air gap
• Sink drain

Whilst the filter and drain pump should also be checked inside the dishwasher. If all of the above checks out fine, the problem could be caused by a sensor fault. We recommend contacting the Samsung Support Centre and getting them to send someone to check and replace the sensor for you.

Heavy & Auto Lights Blinking

If the heavy and auto lights are blinking, it indicates that one (or more) of the internal sensors has detected too much water in the appliance. Initiating a drain cycle can often be enough to clear this problem albeit only temporarily.

However, the problem is likely to return until you actually fix the underlying issue. This issue could be caused by water accidentally getting splashed on one of the sensors.

But it could also be caused by a leak in the water inlet system (including the inlet valve, inlet hose and solenoid), a drainage issue, a blocked drain hose, waste disposal, air gap or a faulty drain pump. There are other blinking light combinations that can indicate the same problem which are;

• Heavy (this is on models with express 60)
• Heavy & Smart Auto
• Heavy & Quick

Heavy, Quick & Delicate Lights Blinking

If you see this combination of lights blinking, it indicates a problem with the temperature sensor. Samsung dishwashers have a number of sensors to monitor the performance of the appliance and ensure it is running at its optimum best.

They include door sensors, moisture sensors and temperature sensors that monitor the water temperature. In some cases, this is just a glitch that can often be cured by running a normal cycle.

However, if it keeps recurring, there’s probably a faulty sensor to blame. Which will need to be replaced.

On Samsung dishwashers that don’t have the quick option, this same fault will be displayed by the following lights blinking;

• Delicate, Heavy & Smart Auto
• Heavy, Quick+ & Smart Auto

Heavy & Delicate Lights Blinking

This light combination indicates that the internal heater has failed. The dishwasher relies on hot water to clean the dishes. Plus, the drying is done by evaporation which also relies on hot water to provide the heat that then evaporates allowing condensation to be drained away.

Which means that if the water isn’t hot enough, the dishes will not get cleaned properly or dried properly either.

In some cases, this can be cleared by running an empty cycle but it invariably returns again and again until it is fixed. This means replacing the heater in most cases.

Heavy & Express 60 Lights Blinking

This combination is also connected to the dishwasher failing to heat up sufficiently but is more generic than the heavy & delicate light combination.

This same issue can also be indicated by the Heavy & Quick+ lights blinking.

As there are so many possible causes for this light combination, we recommend contacting Samsung directly to get this fixed. 

Heavy, Normal & Express 60 Lights Blinking

If you see these 3 lights blinking, it indicates that there’s a fault with the thermistor. The thermistor helps to control the heating and temperature inside the dishwasher.

It checks on the water temperature ensuring it doesn’t get too hot which could cause damage to one of the components. If the thermistor develops a fault, it can turn off the heating element. This would mean that the dishes wouldn’t wash or dry correctly.

In some cases this can be cleared by simply disconnecting the power supply for 10 to 15 minutes to allow any residue electricity to dissipate. Once the power is restored, the error has disappeared. 

This issue can also be indicated by a combination of the heavy & normal lights blinking.

If the same lights continue to blink, it indicates that the problem is real and you’ll need to get the thermistor replaced.

Heavy, Normal & Quick Lights Blinking

If you see these 3 lights blinking at the same time, it indicates the dishwasher’s sensors have detected a lack of water. If this combination of lights are flashing, the dishwasher will not operate because it needs a certain amount of water before it can safely start.

There are several reasons for this which include;

• Insufficient detergent
• The water supply has been turned off
• There is a leak in the inlet system somewhere

This fault can also be indicated by the heavy, normal & smart auto lights blinking.

How To Contact Samsung Support

You can contact Samsung Support by following this link or by telephoning this number 0333 000 0333.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Dishwasher Touchpad Not Working? Here’s why & what to do

Frequently Asked Questions