Viking Dishwasher Error Code Flash all LEDs but start

The "Flash all LEDs but start" error on a Viking dishwasher indicates that the moisture sensor located in the base pan has detected the presence of water. This sensor is designed to monitor the area beneath the wash tub, and when its output signal rises to a level equivalent to standing water in the pan, the control board interprets this as a flood or leak condition. In response, the unit halts normal operation and triggers the all-LED flash pattern to alert the user and prevent further water damage.

The moisture sensor works by measuring electrical conductivity or resistance across two contact points in the base pan. When water bridges those contacts, the output crosses a threshold that the control board registers as a fault. This is a protective feature, not a random error, meaning the control system has a specific, measurable reason for stopping the cycle. The first and most important diagnostic step is to physically inspect the base pan for standing water, which could have originated from a door gasket failure, a leaking spray arm, a cracked tub component, or a faulty water inlet valve.

If water is confirmed in the base pan, the source of the leak must be identified and corrected before the dishwasher will resume normal operation. If the base pan is dry but the error persists, the moisture sensor itself may have failed, producing a false-positive output. In that scenario, the sensor wiring harness and the sensor component should be inspected for damage, corrosion, or shorts that could cause the control board to misread the sensor signal.