Dishwasher not turning on

Common reasons your dishwasher not turning on

The most common reasons your dishwasher is not turning on are a defective electronic control board, damaged user interface control or a damaged power supply board.

  • 48%

    48% of the time it's the Electronic Control Board

  • 19%

    19% of the time it's the User Interface Control

  • 10%

    10% of the time it's the Power Supply Board

  • 23%

    23% of the time it's the Something else

Schedule your dishwasher repair now!

We can help! Our service technicians have repaired over 19.7M dishwashers. We can fix yours no matter where you bought it.

Call(646) 440-2692 or schedule online now.
Chat

Common dishwasher repair parts you may need

Replacing one of these dishwasher parts may fix your problem.

Electronic Control Board Replacement

When your dishwasher doesn't start, it might be due to a faulty electronic control board. When the control board's internal memory and logic get corrupted, it can freeze up and prevent the control panel from powering up. Issues like a failed electronic relay or faulty electronic components on the circuit board can also cause the control board to malfunction. Diagnosing a defective control board can be challenging. It's best to have a Sears Home Services technician examine and fix your dishwasher if it fails to turn on.

User Interface Control Replacement

If your dishwasher isn't powering on, a damaged user interface control might be the culprit. This control connects to the electronic control board via a wire harness and sends signals to manage the dishwashing cycle. A faulty power key on the user interface control can hinder the dishwasher from starting up. Additionally, if a key on the user interface control gets stuck, it can halt the cycle, rendering the dishwasher inoperable until the damaged control is addressed. To resolve this issue, consider having a Sears Home Services Repair Expert inspect and replace the user interface control if necessary.

Power Supply Board Replacement

If your dishwasher isn't powering on, a damaged power supply board might be to blame. This board connects the power cord directly and sends power to the electronic control board to operate the dishwasher. If your dishwasher is unresponsive despite receiving power through the cord, it's advisable to have a Sears Home Services Technician inspect the power supply board for damage and replace it if necessary.

What to expect when you experience a dishwasher not turning on issue

How to fix the dishwasher not turning on problem

Addressing most issues where the dishwasher won't turn on typically requires replacing the electronic control board, user interface control, or power supply board. However, as various factors could contribute to the problem, conducting a comprehensive diagnosis is crucial for resolving it. An accurate diagnosis is necessary for determining the extent of the repair needed.

Sears Home Services offers these recommendations for a dishwasher that is not turning on

If your dishwasher isn't turning on, there could be several reasons why. To prevent unnecessary part replacements, we suggest having a Sears Home Services expert conduct diagnostic tests to pinpoint the exact issue. Our technicians are skilled at diagnosing all kinds of dishwasher problems.

What to watch for with a dishwasher not turning on diagnosis

Understanding and diagnosing modern appliances without the right expertise can be challenging. Without employing accurate diagnostic methods, resolving issues with your dishwasher might involve replacing parts without certainty. Over the past decade, appliances have evolved significantly, with many models featuring intricate electronic components that are hard to assess. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming more complex as a result.

Zero lights or motor means your dishwasher is missing power—likely from a blown fuse or severed wiring. Simple resets can’t bypass hardware faults. Look to dishwasher service.

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.

User Profile

Kirsten A, Oxford, PA

Service Call

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

User Profile

James G, Hillsboro, MO

Daniel

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

User Profile

Paul F, Hghlnds Ranch, CO

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won’t my dishwasher turn on?
Check the power supply, inspect the door latch, and test the control board.
Could a faulty door latch prevent my dishwasher from turning on?
Yes, if the door latch is broken, the dishwasher won’t start.
How do I fix a dishwasher that’s not turning on?
Check the power supply, inspect the door latch, and check the control board for any issues.
What causes a dishwasher to not turn on?
A power issue, broken door latch, or malfunctioning control board can prevent the dishwasher from turning on.

Repair Dishwasher Resources

Title image for blog article "Dishwasher Not Draining? Try These 7 Easy Fixes".

Is your dishwasher not draining water? Learn 7 easy fixes for clogs, pump failures & more.

A middle-aged man ensures his dishwasher runs smoothly by loading it correctly, as part of regular appliance care to prevent drainage issues.

Learn how to drain a GE dishwasher with our step-by-step guide. Keep your dishwasher running smoothly with our expert tips.

Banner image for blog article "Why Won't my Dishwasher Turn On?"

Find out why your dishwasher won’t turn on and get expert tips from Sears Home Services to fix the problem.

Simple Steps to Replace a Blocked Dishwasher Spray Arm

If the dishes in your dishwasher are no longer getting clean, it could be the spray arm is clogged.

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.

Dishwasher not turning on? Discover solutions & fixes today!
Chat