Why Won’t my Dishwasher Turn On?
Nothing throws off your kitchen routine like a dishwasher that suddenly won't start. Before calling for professional help or resigning yourself to hand-washing dishes, let's explore common reasons why your dishwasher might not be turning on—and easy steps you can take to fix the issue yourself. We'll also provide advanced DIY steps to fix the problem if you're confident in your appliance repair capabilities.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Before assuming your dishwasher has a severe malfunction, verify the power supply, circuit breaker, outlet connection, and switch beside the sink.
- Issues such as blown thermal fuses, faulty control panels, or malfunctioning door latches frequently prevent dishwashers from starting, but they're often straightforward repairs.
- While many minor problems can be solved at home with basic troubleshooting, complicated electrical or mechanical issues might require professional appliance repair service.
Power Supply Issues
The most basic reason a dishwasher won’t start is a power supply problem. When the control panel doesn’t light up at all, follow these initial troubleshooting steps to restore power.
1. Check the Light Switch Beside the Sink
Often, dishwashers are connected to switches near the kitchen sink—which can accidentally get turned off. Make sure the switch is flipped to the "on" position.
2. Check the Power Cord
Look under your kitchen sink to confirm the dishwasher is securely plugged into the electrical outlet. Plug the power cord back in if you find it partially or fully unplugged.
3. Reset the House Circuit Breaker for the Dishwasher
A tripped house circuit breaker for the dishwasher outlet will render the outlet plug useless. Reset the house circuit breaker if it’s tripped.
4. Test the Electrical Outlet for Power
Check the outlet by plugging in a different item, such as a nightlight, to see if it’s getting power. If the outlet is dead, reset the circuit breaker again to see if the nightlight works. If not, you’ll need to have an electrician repair the electrical outlet.
These simple steps can save you from an unnecessary service call.
Advanced Troubleshooting Steps for a Dishwasher with No Power
When the basic troubleshooting steps described above don’t restore power to your dishwasher, follow the advanced troubleshooting steps described in this video:
Finding and fixing a power supply wiring failure in your dishwasher can restore power.
If you’re not completely confident that you can complete the advanced troubleshooting steps described in the video, schedule dishwasher repair service to have a technician fix the power supply problem.
Blown Thermal Fuse
Some dishwashers have a thermal fuse that will prevent the dishwasher from working when the fuse is blown. This safety device blows if there's a short circuit in the wire harness. The fuse can also blow or trip due to a failure of a major component such as the heating element or pump.
Replacing the thermal fuse can restore power to your dishwasher but the fuse may blow again if there’s an unresolved short in wiring or a failed component.
If you want to resolve this problem on your own, unplug the dishwasher or shut off the house circuit breaker and check the heating element, pump and wiring for any problems.
If you find and resolve a wiring or component problem that likely caused the thermal fuse to blow, you can then replace the fuse using the steps in this illustrated repair guide: How to replace a dishwasher thermal fuse.
If the fuse continues to blow or you’re not confident that you can resolve this problem on your own, schedule appliance repair to have a service technician fix the dishwasher.
Control Problems
When the dishwasher powers up but the controls are unresponsive, follow these troubleshooting steps to fix the dishwasher:
- Reset the control board: Shut off the light switch beside the sink, unplug the dishwasher power cord or shut off the house circuit breaker for the dishwasher to completely disconnect power for 2 minutes. Restore power to the dishwasher and see if the controls work.
- Check the control lock: Many dishwasher control panels have a child lock feature that renders the control panel inoperable when the lock is turned on. Turn off the control lock if you find it enabled.
- Check for a delayed start: See if the control is set for a delayed start and adjust the control to start the dishwasher immediately if you find that feature set.
Dishwasher control panels feature touch pads or buttons, which, over time, can malfunction or fail to respond. If buttons aren’t lighting up or activating the cycle you select, you may have a faulty control panel. Have a service technician check the control panel and replace it if it isn’t working properly.
Door Latch Issues
The dishwasher won’t start if the door isn’t fully shut. Press in firmly on the door to make sure it’s shut properly.
If the dishwasher still doesn’t start, a faulty door latch or problems with the door strike could be preventing the cycle from starting.
Check your dishwasher door latch carefully. Look closely for damage or obstructions such as food particles, utensils, or debris that could interfere with the latch mechanism.
If the latch appears intact but isn't engaging properly, a quick clean-up might resolve the issue.
If you find that the door latch is physically damaged or won’t close completely, you’ll likely need to replace it. Door latch replacement is typically an affordable and straightforward repair. Here’s a video that shows how to replace the door latch in a common dishwasher:
If you’re not confident that you can replace the door latch on your own, schedule service to have a repair technician fix the dishwasher.
Final Thoughts
Dishwashers typically have a lifespan of 7 to 12 years, but minor issues can happen even to newer units. Checking simple things like power supply, door latch mechanisms, and performing basic resets often resolve the issue quickly. For more complicated problems involving electronic components like control panels and boards, contacting a professional service technician is advisable.
A timely repair not only restores convenience but also extends your dishwasher’s life, keeping your kitchen running smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Repair Dishwasher Resources
Learn how to drain a GE dishwasher with our step-by-step guide. Keep your dishwasher running smoothly with our expert tips.
If you've ever encountered a dishwasher with standing water, you understand the frustration of a drainage issue.
If the dishes in your dishwasher are no longer getting clean, it could be the spray arm is clogged.
Many common issues stem from simple misuse.
Glossary Terms
A dishwasher impeller is a rotating component within the dishwasher's pump that circulates water throughout the unit during a wash cycle, ensuring efficient cleaning by spraying water at high pressure.
A dishwasher sump is located at the bottom of the dishwasher, serving as a collection point for water during the wash cycle. It houses the main pump and filter, facilitating the recirculation and drainage of water, essential for the cleaning process.
A dishwasher turbidity sensor is an advanced feature that measures the level of food particles and debris in the water, allowing the dishwasher to adjust the wash cycle length and water usage for optimal cleaning efficiency.
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.
Common Repair Dishwasher Symptoms
The most common reasons your Bosch dishwasher has no heat are a defective electronic control board, clogged water valve or a broken detergent dispenser.
The most common reasons your Electrolux dishwasher is not heating are a defective electronic control board, faulty pump and motor assembly or a damaged user interface control.
The most common reasons your Kenmore dishwasher is not washing are a faulty pump and motor assembly, defective electronic control board or a clogged spray arm.
The most common reasons your Kenmore Elite dishwasher is not washing are a faulty pump and motor assembly, defective electronic control board or a clogged spray arm.
The most common reasons your Bosch dishwasher display is not working are a defective electronic control board, damaged user interface control or a damaged power supply board.
The most common reasons your Electrolux dishwasher display is not working are a defective electronic control board, damaged user interface control or a damaged power supply board.