Bosch manufactures some of the best dishwashers in the market; they are quiet, efficient, and flexible. However, like any other technological gadget, Bosch dishwashers are not without their shortcomings. One of the areas that may need improvement is your dishwasher’s flashing time.
When a Bosch dishwasher keeps flashing, it may be due to a faulty drain pump, heating element, insufficient water pressure, or a loose door seal. Solutions include replacing the drain pump, replacing the heating element, and latching the dishwasher door tightly.

In the rest of this article, I’ll discuss why your Bosch dishwasher keeps flashing. I’ll also cover how to fix the problems to get the dishwasher working. Let’s get started!
1. A Faulty Drain Pump Is Behind Bosch Flashing Time
A drain pump is an essential component in your dishwasher. The pump forces water through the drain hose to clean all dishes. If the pump breaks through wear and tear or damage, the water will not drain, making the dishwasher’s display flash to alert you of the problem.
You can check if your drain pump is faulty by listening to unusual noises during operation or checking for leaks.
How To Fix
The only solution to a defective drain pump is to replace it. Dishwasher drain pumps are unrepairable, and you will need to replace them. You can purchase a new drain pump from online retailers or your local appliance store.
It’s advisable to hire an experienced technician to install the pump. Doing the work yourself can cause more harm than good as it involves disassembling and reassembling some components within the dishwasher.

2. A Faulty Heating Element Is Causing Flashing Time
Your dishwasher’s heating element is responsible for heating the water to clean and sanitize your dishes. The dishes need a functional heating element to be adequately cleaned and sanitized.
Since it’s challenging to know when you heat the water to the desired temperature, manufacturers design the dishwasher to alert you by flashing. The flashing light on the control panel indicates that the water failed to attain the required temperature within the set time.
In most cases, low water temperature results from a burned-out heating element. You can use a multimeter to confirm if the heating element is functional.
How To Fix
If the multimeter indicates that the heating element lacks continuity, the only fix is to replace it.
You can replace the faulty heating element yourself or hire a professional technician. The process involves removing the dishwasher’s bottom panel to access the component.
Remember to reset your dishwasher after replacing the heating element by pressing and holding the “Start” button for three to five seconds.
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3. Low Water Pressure May Cause a Flashing Time Display
Your dishwasher requires a certain amount of water pressure to function correctly. If the water pressure is too low, it can result in the flashing time display on your Bosch dishwasher.
Low water pressure may be due to a clogged or faulty water supply valve. The issue may also result from a clog in the filter where the water supply valve connects to the dishwasher.
How To Fix
Check and clean the filter near the water supply valve to fix low pressure. If this doesn’t solve the problem, inspect the water supply valve for any faults, leaks, or blockages.
You can unclog blockages from the water supply valve using a needle or other narrow object to clear debris. Otherwise, you’ll have to replace the valve if it’s faulty with some leaks. The leakages are responsible for the low water pressure in the dishwasher.
4. Loose Door Seal My Prompt Bosch Flashing Time
A loose door seal can cause water leakage and flashing time on your Bosch dishwasher’s display.
When water leaks from the door, the dishwasher’s sensor detects and activates the flashing time light.
A dishwasher’s door seal may become loose due to the following:
- Damage from detergents
- Normal wear and tear
- Improper installation
How To Fix
The following are some appropriate ways to fix a loose dishwasher door seal:
- Clean the door seal thoroughly: You should clean the filters and ensure you do not have a pinched drain hose. Go along the seal’s gasket and clean everything, ensuring no food debris is stuck within.
- Fasten the door screws: Loose door screws can make it hard for the door to seal correctly. An easy way around this is to inspect the screws and fasten them. You can also replace them if they are old and worn out.
- Replace the door seal: Inspect the door seal for cracks and other faults like kinks that may hinder the door from latching correctly. If you notice cracks, the only solution is to replace the door seal.
Replacing the door seal requires disassembling and reassembling some parts of the dishwasher, so it’s best to hire a professional technician for this fix. It also helps ensure that the dishwasher is installed and sealed correctly.

5. Display Panel Error Flashing Time
Display panel error may also prompt the flashing time on your Bosch dishwasher.
In this case, the dishwasher’s control panel may be faulty or damaged. It can also result from a power outage or surge while the dishwasher is running.
How To Fix
The best solution for the display panel error is to reset the dishwasher.
Resetting the dishwasher involves unplugging it from the power source for at least five minutes. After plugging it back in, try running a cycle to check if the display panel error is solved. If not, it means the error was not due to an issue with the display panel.
6. Bosch Dishwasher Flood Sensor Fault
A flashing tap light indicates a flooding problem in the Bosch dishwasher. The flood sensor activates the flashing tap light when it detects water draining where it shouldn’t. In most cases, the error code E15 accompanies the flashing light.
The error code E15 indicates that a leakage in the dishwasher has activated the flood sensor.
How To Fix
It would help if you inspected the water channel underneath the dishwasher for any blockages or clogs. Clear them out to prevent water from leaking and activate the flood sensor.
If the issue persists, it may mean that the dishwasher’s drain pump is faulty and needs replacing. In this case, you should contact a professional technician for help.
If all else fails, you can diagnose the problem using the procedure below:
- Press and hold the regular wash and power scrub plus buttons simultaneously.
- Power on the dishwasher and release the buttons.
- Press the two buttons again to start a test cycle.
- Wait for the test cycle to end and display an error code for the problem. Follow an appropriate procedure to fix the problem.
Summary
There you have it! I hope this guide has enlightened you about what could be causing the flashing time on your Bosch dishwasher. You should apply the necessary fix to get the dishwasher up and running again.