Hotpoint all lower lights flashing.

[t3rm3y]

We have a he7l692p machine. It is a few months out of its 1 year warranty (typical) and tonight's wash sounded funny, then after 1 hour the row of lights(5 lights) all rapidly flashed on and off constantly.
The lights along the right side didn't flash or go on other then the door lock.which remained solid red. We can't aford a replacement or a hotpoint engineer. Any idea on fixes?
I can't see any other threads or posts for this machinew or similar lights.

 

[t3rm3y]

additional info - we tested a 30 min wash this morning, it completed but took longer (more like 40 mins) it still sounded different when filling or emptying, im not 100%, but sounded like it was not doing either correctly.
Im wondering if there was a problem, with one of these, or both, would this delay a cycle which would then cause the lights to flash?

 

[rocks1]

Have you checked the filter at the bottom.

 

[t3rm3y]

No. How do I access this? Tilt/lift up machine or from the inside ?

 

[rocks1]

At the front bottom right under the kick strip. Turn the black knob anticlockwise. Put a towel or bowl under.