Are you saying that water does not enter the machine and that a warning light comes on?
I suspect the light is indicating a water-related problem rather then a filter issue - what does the user manual say?
Operating the controls when the power is turned off will achieve very little.
Your machine will not work unless it has water - you would do well to investigate the water inlet solenoid - or have an expert look at it.
Good luck...
April 2015