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  1. Repair

Dishwasher not starting

Common reasons your dishwasher not starting

The most common reasons your dishwasher is not starting are a defective electronic control board, damaged user interface control or a stripped wire connector.

  • 50%

    50% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 25%

    25% of the time it's the
    User Interface Control

  • 8%

    8% of the time it's the
    Wire Connector

  • 17%

    17% of the time it's the
    Something else

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    Common dishwasher repair parts you may need

    Replacing one of these dishwasher parts may fix your problem.

    Electronic Control Board Replacement

    If your dishwasher isn't initiating a cycle, it might be due to a faulty electronic control board. When the control board's internal memory and logic become corrupted, it can freeze up and prevent the cycle from starting. A malfunctioning internal electronic relay or defective electronic component on the circuit board could also be responsible for this issue. Diagnosing whether the control board is defective can be challenging. It's advisable to have a Sears Home Services technician examine and repair your dishwasher if it fails to start a cycle.


    User Interface Control Replacement

    If your dishwasher isn't starting, a damaged user interface control might be the culprit. This control links to the electronic control board via a wire harness and sends signals to initiate the dishwashing cycle. A malfunctioning start key on the user interface control can hinder the dishwasher from commencing the cycle. Additionally, a stuck key on the user interface control can halt all dishwasher operations, rendering it non-functional until the damaged control is repaired. Consider having a Sears Home Services Repair Expert assess and replace the user interface control if it's damaged.

    Wire Connector Replacement

    If your dishwasher isn't starting, it might be due to a damaged wire connector between the user interface control and electronic control board. This wire harness needs to remain connected for the dishwasher to operate correctly. If it's damaged or disconnected, the control board will prevent the dishwasher from starting. If your dishwasher isn't working, consider having a Sears Home Services Repair Expert come to your home to address the issue.

    What to expect when you experience a dishwasher not starting issue

    How can I fix the not starting problem?

    Fixing most issues with dishwashers that won't start often requires changing the electronic control board, user interface control, or wire connector. However, since there could be various reasons, it's crucial to conduct a thorough diagnosis to resolve the problem accurately. Understanding the issue correctly is vital for determining the cost of the repair.

    Sears Home Services offers solutions for a dishwasher that is not starting

    If your dishwasher isn't starting, there could be various reasons for it. To prevent replacing parts unnecessarily, we suggest having a Sears Home Services professional conduct diagnostic tests to pinpoint the exact issue. Our technicians are skilled at identifying all kinds of dishwasher problems.

    What to look out for with a dishwasher not starting problem

    Understanding and diagnosing modern appliances without adequate knowledge and training can be challenging. Without employing proper diagnostic techniques, resolving issues with your dishwasher might only involve replacing parts based on guesswork. Over the past decade, appliances have significantly advanced, with many models incorporating complex electronic components that are hard to assess. As a result, do-it-yourself repairs on the latest appliance models are growing more challenging.

    What our customers say about us

    With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it

    Thorough

    James called to give an estimated arrival time. He was professional and personable. He had 2 professional ideas of the problem and found 1 was correct, but he didn't stop there. He did a thorough check of the appliance. 1 small part was needed. He ordered the part to my house. Fortunately, he was able to schedule for the next week, just before Thanksgiving. As before, he called ahead, arrived and quickly fixed the problem. My appliance is working perfectly.


    Kirsten A, Oxford, PA

    Service Call

    Luke was great. Polite and knowledgeable even though the dishwasher was older than he!


    James G, Hillsboro, MO

    Daniel

    Daniel went above and beyond to fix my dish washer. Very pleasant to deal with.


    Paul F, Hghlnds Ranch, CO

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    Glossary Terms

    Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.

    A furnace flame sensor is a safety device designed to detect the presence of a flame when the furnace is on, ensuring that gas flows only when it is ignited to prevent dangerous gas leaks.

    A microwave diode is an electrical component that allows current to flow in one direction only, playing a crucial role in converting incoming electrical power into the microwave energy that cooks the food.

    A microwave sensor is a technologically advanced feature in modern microwave ovens that measures vapor (steam) emitted by the food, adjusting the cooking time and power levels automatically for optimal results.

    Common dishwasher symptoms to look out for