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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% of the time it's the Electronic Control Board
25% of the time it's the User Interface Control
8% of the time it's the Wire Connector
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.
A dishwasher that refuses to start often has a defective latch or shorted control board. Stacks of dirty plates won’t shrink on their own. Rather than guessing, opt for dishwasher repair near me.
What our customers say about us
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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
Frequently Asked Questions
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Glossary Terms
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.
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.