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Encountering dishwasher dilemmas like dishes refusing to dry or stubborn food residue can turn kitchen cleanup into a headache.
Bosch dishwasher won't start cycle
Common reasons your Bosch dishwasher won't start cycle
The most common reasons your Bosch dishwasher won't start a cycle are a defective electronic control board, damaged power supply board or a failed door switch.
47% of the time it's the Electronic Control Board
15% of the time it's the Power Supply Board
12% of the time it's the Door Switch
26% of the time it's the Something else
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Most common repairs needed to fix a Bosch dishwasher
Electronic Control Board Replacement
When your dishwasher won’t start a cycle, a defective electronic control board could be causing the problem. The control board will freeze up and fail to start a cycle when its internal memory and logic is corrupted. A failed internal electronic relay or bad electronic part on the circuit board could be causing the control board to freeze up and not start a cycle. Determining whether a control board is defective is difficult. Have a Sears Home Services technician diagnose and repair your dishwasher when it won’t start a cycle.
Power Supply Board Replacement
A damaged power supply board could be causing the problem when your dishwasher won’t start a cycle. The power supply board provides the electrical current needed to operate components such as the fill valve and pumps in the dishwasher. A damaged power supply board won’t provide power to components to operate the dishwasher. When your dishwasher won’t start a cycle, have a Sears Home Services Technician check the power supply board and replace it if it’s damaged.
Door Switch Replacement
When the dishwasher won’t start a cycle, a failed door switch may not be detecting that the dishwasher door is shut. Microswitches in the door switch assembly can break or short out. If the control doesn’t detect that the dishwasher door is closed, the dishwasher will not fill with water and start washing. Because the door switch is hard to access and test, have a Sears Home Services Professional visit your home and repair your dishwasher when you suspect that the door switch failed.
What to expect when you experience a Bosch dishwasher won't start a cycle issue
How is the won't start a cycle problem fixed?
Correcting most won't start a cycle problems usually involves replacing the electronic control board, power supply board or door switch. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.
Sears Home Services recommendations for a dishwasher that won't start cycle
When the dishwasher won't start a cycle it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dishwasher failures.
What to look out for with a dishwasher won't start a cycle diagnosis
Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dishwasher problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.
How to Troubleshoot a Bosch Dishwasher that Won’t Start and Just Blinks
To fix a Bosch dishwasher that won’t start and just blinks lights, make sure that the dishwasher door is fully shut. Press in on the door to make sure the door latch fully engage the door catch.
If that doesn’t help, check the dishwasher settings. If you find the child lock engaged, disable the child lock feature to start the dishwasher. Failing to select a cycle can also cause a blinking light and the dishwasher won’t start. Select a cycle before starting the dishwasher.
If your Bosch dishwasher won’t start and just blinks after following these basic troubleshooting tips, schedule dishwasher repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the problem.
Why is my Bosch dishwasher not starting the cycle?
When your Bosch dishwasher has power but is not starting the cycle, follow these troubleshooting steps to determine the cause of the issue and fix the problem.
Check that the Dishwasher Door is Closed Properly
Push in on the dishwasher door to make sure that it is fully shut. Check to see if the cycle starts after pushing in on the dishwasher door.
Dishwasher Door Not Closing
When your Bosch dishwasher door isn’t closing properly, check the installation manual guidelines to make sure the counter opening is the right side (see image above).
Also, make sure that the dishwasher is properly leveled so the frame is square and the door will shut proper and engage the door switch so the cycle will start.
Turn Off the Child Lock
The cycle won’t start if the control panel Child Lock is enabled. Follow these steps to disable the Child Lock on your Bosch dishwasher:
- Find the child lock button on the control panel. The location varies between models, however you’ll find a padlock icon next to the button.
- Press and hold down the lock button for three to five seconds until you hear an audible beep and/or see the lock symbol turn off.
With the Child Lock disabled, you should be able to start the dishwashing cycle.
Reset the Electronic Control Board on Your Bosch Dishwasher
A power surge or glitch through the electrical supply lines going to your home may have corrupted the operation of the electronic control board in your Bosch dishwasher.
Follow these steps to reset the electronic control board in your Bosch dishwasher:
- Unplug the dishwasher power cord or shut off the house circuit breaker for the dishwasher to completely disconnect electrical power.
- Leave the power disconnected for 2 minutes.
- Plug the dishwasher power cord back in or reset the house circuit breaker to restore power.
The control board in your Bosch dishwasher will reboot and reset.
The dishwasher may start and work normally after resetting the control board.
Check the Dishwasher Door Latch Assembly
Your Bosch dishwasher won’t start if the door latch assembly is defective.
Disconnect electrical power from the dishwasher as described above and follow the steps in this safe DIY troubleshooting video to check the door latch assembly in your Bosch dishwasher:
If you’re not confident in your technical abilities to check and/or replace the dishwasher door latch assembly on your own, schedule dishwasher repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix your Bosch dishwasher.
A Bosch dishwasher stuck on standby may have a faulty door latch or a misfiring control board. This idle state prevents any real washing from taking place. Turn to dishwasher repair in my area so your Bosch can resume normal operation. Getting that cycle going again ensures a swift return to sparkling dishes.
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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.
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Luke was great. Polite and knowledgeable even though the dishwasher was older than he!
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Daniel
Daniel went above and beyond to fix my dish washer. Very pleasant to deal with.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t my Bosch dishwasher begin its wash cycle?
A broken door latch, faulty control panel, or a tripped thermal fuse can prevent the cycle from starting. Confirm the door is fully closed and latched.
How do I test the door latch on a Bosch dishwasher?
Disconnect power, remove the inner door panel, and check the latch switch for continuity with a multimeter. Replace if it shows no reading when closed.
Does a blown thermal fuse stop the wash cycle from initiating?
Yes. A fuse protects the dishwasher’s circuitry. If it’s blown, the machine won’t run at all. Replacing the fuse usually restores power.
When should I contact a technician for a Bosch dishwasher that won’t start?
If you’ve ruled out the latch and fuse, the electronic control board or wiring may be the issue. A professional can perform a detailed diagnosis.
Repair Dishwasher Resources
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Learn about the costs of replacing your dishwasher in 2025 and get expert advice on dishwasher replacement from Sears Home Services.
Find out the most common problems with Bosch dishwashers and learn effective troubleshooting tips. Get expert advice from Sears Home Services.
Glossary Terms
A dishwasher basket is a removable container designed to securely hold small items like cutlery and utensils during the wash cycle, ensuring efficient cleaning without loss or damage.
A dishwasher end panel is a finishing piece installed on the exposed side of a dishwasher, primarily when it is at the end of kitchen cabinetry, to ensure a seamless and aesthetically pleasing look in the kitchen.
A dishwasher diverter motor controls the direction of water flow to different spray arms within the dishwasher, ensuring optimal water distribution during each wash cycle for thorough cleaning.
A dishwasher drawer is a compact, space-saving kitchen appliance designed to clean dishes efficiently, resembling a standard kitchen drawer that slides out for easy loading and unloading.