My dishwasher starts the cycle ok and pumps the water away, then the inlet/drain light starts flashing and nothing happens. I have cleaned the inlet filter many times. Some times it works on pre-wash and some times not. Some times it works on universal and some times not. At this time water is in the dishwasher and is not being used to clean.What is the electrical thing do that is connected onto the water inlet

Cardiff Greg, January 2009

It is a servo valve operated by the machine to prevent flooding.
It carries mains voltage and this is one of the reasons why the manual has strict instructions not to cut it.

Rigsby, August 2009

"What is the electrical thing do that is connected onto the water inlet"

Inlet tap/valve probably. Controlled by an electromagnet (solenoid). Water inlet solenoid valve

Peccavi, January 2009