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

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.

How to replace a dishwasher electronic control board

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.

How to replace a dishwasher user interface control

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.

How to repair broken or damaged wires

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

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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

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Glossary Terms

What is Hard Water?

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.

What is a French-Door Refrigerator?

A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.

What is a Furnace?

A furnace is a major appliance that heats air distributed throughout a home or building via a ductwork system.

What is a Furnace Blower Motor?

A furnace blower motor is a crucial component of a home heating system that drives the fan responsible for circulating air throughout the HVAC system and into the living spaces of the home.