Error Code: SANITIZE LIGHT FLASHING Difficulty: Easy
Problem: The water is not hot enough to sanitize the dishes.
How to Fix SANITIZE LIGHT FLASHING Error (Step-by-Step)
- This light flashes when the water entering the dishwasher is not hot enough to meet sanitization temperatures.
- Before starting the dishwasher, turn on the hot water at your kitchen sink and let it run until it is fully hot.
- This ensures that the initial water fill for the dishwasher is hot from the start.
- Check that your home’s water heater is set to a minimum of 120°F (49°C) for optimal performance.
- Avoid using other major hot water appliances, such as a washing machine or shower, at the same time as the dishwasher.
- Select a ‘Hi-Temp Wash’ option on your dishwasher if available to use the internal heater to boost the temperature.
- Restart the wash cycle and confirm the error stays cleared during a full test cycle.
- Turn the appliance off, wait about 2 minutes, then turn it back on.
What to Check Next on This Amana Dishwasher
Focused repair path: dishwasher fill, drain, wash motor, heating, leak, sensor, and control checks. Do not treat a returning fault as a reset-only problem; use the point in the cycle where the fault appears to choose the next check.
- Disconnect power before opening panels, then confirm the door latch, float, inlet valve, drain path, and harness connections are seated.
- Match the timing of the failure to the likely path: fill, wash circulation, drain, heat, leak detection, or control communication.
- Clear debris from filters, sump areas, spray arms, and the drain loop before treating the fault as a failed board.
- If a part is suspected, verify voltage or continuity where appropriate and match the complete Amana dishwasher model number before ordering.
Check, inspect, clean, test, measure, remove, reconnect, clear, and replace parts only when the symptom supports that path. If these checks point toward a part, verify the complete Amana model number from the appliance tag before ordering. Similar error wording can use different valves, sensors, pumps, motors, heaters, locks, switches, fans, or control boards depending on the exact model.
Recommended Parts to Check
No exact official OEM part number is listed here because the correct Amana dishwasher part can vary by complete model number. These are targeted part-category searches, not universal fit claims.
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Whirlpool dishwasher drain pumpCommon replacement category: Drain pumpFit note: Exact OEM part number varies by complete Amana dishwasher model number. Confirm compatibility before buying.Why this category can matter: standing-water, drain, and no-complete-cycle symptoms after the filter and hose are checked.
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Whirlpool dishwasher water inlet valveCommon replacement category: Water inlet valveFit note: Exact OEM part number varies by complete Amana dishwasher model number. Confirm compatibility before buying.Why this category can matter: fill, low-water, or no-water symptoms after supply and float checks.
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Whirlpool dishwasher control boardCommon replacement category: Electronic control boardFit note: Exact OEM part number varies by complete Amana dishwasher model number. Confirm compatibility before buying.Why this category can matter: repeating error-code or control faults after wiring and latch checks.
Before ordering: match the part to the complete Amana dishwasher model number on the appliance tag.
When It’s Better to Replace Than Repair
Dishwasher repairs can add up quickly when the pump, control, heater, or leak-related parts fail.
Confirm cabinet width, water line, drain routing, electrical connection, and panel style before ordering.
For repair parts, verify exact fit with the full dishwasher model number before buying; these links are general replacement-appliance shopping options.
- [OK]Drain pump or circulation pump failure
- [OK]Leaking tub, door, or float-switch issues
- [OK]Heater or control failures on an older unit
- [OK]Repeated poor washing or drying performance
Recommended Dishwasher Replacement Options
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Still Not Working?
If the replacement part didn’t fix the issue, you may have a wiring problem or main board failure.
More options (for a better recommendation)
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Expert: Mike Sullivan
EPA Section 608 Certified Technician with 18+ years experience.
Read Editorial Standards →Browse all Amana error codes: Amana Error Codes
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