GE Dishwasher Error Code LIGHT flashes

The LIGHT flashes code indicates a water intake fault. The dishwasher's control monitors a flow meter that generates pulses as water enters the tub. If fewer than 80 pulses are counted within 60 seconds, or the required total pulse count is not reached within 255 seconds, the control stops the program and displays this fault. It means the appliance cannot confirm that enough water entered the tub to run the wash cycle safely.

No. When this fault is triggered, the control board stops the wash program to prevent the dishwasher from running without adequate water. Running a cycle without proper water fill could damage the pump and heating element. The fault should be diagnosed and resolved before running additional cycles.

Repair costs depend on which component has failed. Cleaning an inlet valve screen or adjusting the supply valve costs nothing beyond your time. Replacing a water inlet valve typically runs between $40 and $120 for the part, while a flow meter replacement is generally in the $30 to $90 range. Adding professional labor, a service call can total anywhere from $100 to $300 or more depending on your location and the specific repair needed.

Some causes of this error are DIY-friendly. Start by confirming the water supply valve under the sink is fully open and that the inlet hose is not kinked. Cleaning a clogged inlet valve screen is also a task most homeowners can handle. Testing or replacing the inlet valve solenoid and flow meter requires basic electrical testing skills and comfort working with water supply connections, so some users may prefer to call a technician for those steps.

A reset may clear the fault temporarily and allow the dishwasher to attempt another cycle, but if the underlying cause is not corrected, the error will return. To reset, cut power to the dishwasher at the circuit breaker for a few minutes and restore it. If the same fault appears again on the next fill cycle, the root cause involving the water supply, inlet valve, flow meter, or wiring must be addressed.