Diagnosis
The sanitize indicator only illuminates if the final rinse water reached 155°F. The water heater may be set too low, the cycle was interrupted, or the heating element is faulty.
How to Fix It
Increase your household water heater temperature and run a diagnostic.
- Set your home's water heater to 120°F minimum (this gives the dishwasher enough incoming heat to boost to 155°F).
- Run a Sanitize cycle with the dishwasher empty. Ensure no one uses hot water elsewhere during the cycle.
- After the cycle ends, wait 5 minutes. The light should illuminate if the temperature was achieved.
If That Didn't Work
The internal heating element or its high-limit thermostat may have failed. This requires a multimeter test for continuity and is a common repair.
Heads Up
The sanitize light is a status indicator, not a guarantee of sterilization. Dishes are still cleaned in other cycles. The light often won't come on if you use the 'Energy Saver' dry option.