Clean light flashes seven times is a very common error code on Kenmore, Whirlpool, and Kitchen Aid dishwashers. The error code is triggered by a heating circuit issue. Defective heater, Control not sending power to the heater, defective door switch, wash motor not working properly, sump filter plugged, defective water inlet valve or thermostat has failed.
As you can see there are a good number of items that can cause the code to come up. The first thing you need to do is check for the obvious. Look at your heater is it damaged? Look to see if your door lock is lined up correctly and making a good connection when closed. Next clear the code, push the high temp scrub then high temp dry do this five times. This with put the machine into a diagnostic test cycle when complete the code will be reset. Start a new cycle and when the unit is done filling check the water level, it should be just below the heater on most models. If there is little or no water replace the inlet water valve. Do this after you verify the water is on and the control is sending power to the valve.
The next step you will need a voltage meter. Uninstall the dishwasher, if possible keep it still hooked up. Start the dishwasher and when it go’s into the second wash cycle (approx 10 min) the control should be sending power to the heater, check for 120v at the heater. If there is no power you will need to OHM out the thermostat if it checks out OK replace the main control board.
The motor should be working good spraying water evenly over the heating element, when the unit is running quickly open the door you should get sprayed in the face or notice water dripping from the top rack. Check the bottom filter for any debris if the motor is not spraying water properly.
If all items
