What Pots/Pans + Heavy Flashing Means
On Viking's older DFUD-series undercounter dishwashers, the "Pots/Pans" and "Heavy" icons flashing together flag a blocked drain — documented directly in this platform's own owner's manual.
Common Causes of Pots/Pans + Heavy Flashing
- Coarse or fine strainer is clogged with food debris
- Drain hose is kinked behind the unit
- Air gap fitting at the sink is clogged
🔧 One Safe Check You Can Try
Remove and rinse the coarse strainer at the bottom of the tub, then unscrew and clean the fine strainer underneath it — trapped food debris in one or both is the most common cause. While you're at it, check that the drain hose isn't kinked and that the sink air gap, if your setup has one, isn't clogged.
⚠ Why You Shouldn't Go Further Than That
- If clearing both strainers and checking the hose and air gap doesn't stop the lights from flashing, that points to a failing drain pump or motor rather than a clog, and that's technician work.
- A drain pump reinstalled with even a slightly loose fitting is a common source of a slow leak that doesn't show up right away.
Opening a panel to inspect or repair something yourself doesn't automatically cancel your manufacturer's warranty — but it can risk accidental damage, and some manufacturers do have specific service conditions. Check your product's warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.