A flashing control panel is usually the panel telling you something specific rather than failing outright. What matters is exactly what's flashing: a single symbol points to one cause, general flickering points to another. Work out which one you've got before doing anything else.
Applies to: shower cabins and steam showers
If your shower cabin control panel is flashing, flickering, or showing symbols, it can look like a serious fault — but in most cases, it’s simply the system trying to tell you something specific.
The key is identifying what is flashing. A flashing symbol (such as a tap icon) usually points to a clear issue like no water supply to the steam generator, whereas general flashing or erratic behaviour is more likely related to moisture or power supply issues.
Understanding the type of flashing will help you quickly pinpoint whether it’s a simple fix or something that needs further investigation.
Compatible with many shower cabin brands including
Quick diagnosis
If your shower cabin is showing these symptoms:
- A single symbol flashing on the display, such as a tap icon
- The whole panel flickering or behaving erratically
- Buttons pressing themselves or responding without being touched
- The screen showing "00" or "--" instead of a normal reading
- The panel flashes but the rest of the cabin still works
Likely causes, most likely first
- No water reaching the steam generator. Shows as a single flashing symbol, usually a tap icon, and traces back to a closed valve, a kinked hose, low supply pressure, or a blocked filter on the inlet solenoid rather than a fault with the panel itself.
- Moisture behind the panel. Steam and condensation work their way in over months and cause random flickering or buttons that seem to press on their own, sometimes called “ghosting”. On Vidalux cabins, if drying the panel doesn’t clear it, the panel seal itself has failed and the panel will need resealing or replacing.
- A short power interruption or unstable supply. A brief cut to the mains, or unstable voltage reaching the panel from a failing transformer, can leave the panel in a confused state that a full reset usually clears.
- A connector working loose on the cabin roof. Roof wiring is joined section to section with plug connectors, and vibration or a knock can walk one loose enough to affect the panel without touching anything else.
- A lost connection between the panel and the control box. Shown by “00” or “–” on the display rather than a symbol, and points to the data cable rather than the panel electronics.
Likely cause
Most flashing panels on a shower cabin or steam shower are doing their job rather than failing. A tap symbol means the generator isn't getting water, which is usually a closed valve, a kinked hose or a blocked inlet filter rather than anything wrong with the electronics. Flashing with no clear symbol, or buttons triggering by themselves, more often comes down to moisture that's worked its way behind the panel over time. If the display shows a letter-number code instead, such as E1, E2 or E3, that's covered on our page "What Do the Error Codes on My Steam Shower Mean?" rather than here.
Check this first
- Note exactly what’s on the display before doing anything else, since a symbol and a blank code point in different directions
- Check the water supply valve to the generator is fully open and the inlet hose isn’t kinked
- Think back to whether the power’s been interrupted recently, which points to a reset rather than a fault
How to identify your part
Control panels are matched to their own steam generator and electronics rather than being interchangeable across brands, so check the model code on the back before ordering a replacement. The cutout in the tower panel is roughly 148mm x 85mm on the common MK117 family. A photo of the front and back of the panel is the fastest way for us to confirm what you have.
Parts that fix this problem
This issue is usually related to water supply, moisture, or connections rather than a failed component. Always carry out basic checks before considering replacement parts.
Not sure what your control panel is trying to tell you? Send us a photo of the screen and we’ll help you identify the issue and the right fix.
How to fix it
- Note exactly what the display is showing before you do anything else
- Isolate the power at the wall spur before touching the panel or roof wiring
- Check the supply valve to the generator is fully open, then turn the water off before checking the inlet hose and solenoid filter for kinks or blockages
- Dry the front of the panel gently with a hairdryer on a low, cool setting if it’s flashing randomly or without a clear symbol
- Check the plug connectors on the roof of the cabin, including the one at the transformer, are pushed home
- If the display showed “00” or “–“, check the data cable between the panel and the control box is seated properly
- Restore the power, and if the panel’s still misbehaving, isolate it again for five minutes before switching back on to force a full reset
Also described as
- Flashing shower control panel
- Shower screen flickering
- Steam shower display flashing
- Control panel glitching
- Shower panel showing symbols
When to call a professional
If the panel still flashes after a full reset with the water supply confirmed fine, isolate the power and get a qualified electrician to check it rather than keep powering it up to test. Send us a photo of the panel, front and back, and we'll help you find the right replacement if one's needed.
