Dishwasher won't start cycle

Common reasons your dishwasher won't start cycle

The most common reasons your dishwasher won't start a cycle are a defective electronic control board, damaged power supply board or a failed door switch.

29% of the time it's the
Electronic Control Board

28% of the time it's the
Power Supply Board

11% of the time it's the
Door Switch

32% 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 fails to start a cycle, it's possible that a faulty electronic control board is to blame. This board may become unresponsive or freeze if its internal memory or logic malfunctions. A defective internal electronic relay or damaged electronic component on the board could be responsible for this issue. Identifying a defective control board can be challenging. It's advisable to enlist the expertise of a Sears Home Services technician to diagnose and resolve the problem when your dishwasher fails to start a cycle.

How to replace a dishwasher electronic control board

Power Supply Board Replacement

If your dishwasher fails to start a cycle, a damaged power supply board might be the culprit. This board is responsible for supplying the necessary electrical current to operate various components like the fill valve and pumps within the dishwasher. If the power supply board is damaged, it won't deliver power to these components, rendering the dishwasher inoperable. If you encounter this issue, it's advisable to have a Sears Home Services Technician inspect the power supply board and replace it if necessary.

Why won't my dishwasher start?

Door Switch Replacement

If your dishwasher doesn't begin a cycle, a faulty door switch might be the issue, as it may not be recognizing that the dishwasher door is closed. Inside the door switch assembly, microswitches can break or malfunction. If the control system doesn't register the closure of the dishwasher door, the machine won't start filling with water and washing the dishes. Since testing and accessing the door switch can be challenging, it's recommended to have a Sears Home Services Professional inspect and fix your dishwasher if you suspect the door switch has failed.

How to replace a dishwasher door latch

What to expect when you experience a dishwasher won't start cycle issue

How to fix the dishwasher when it won't start a cycle

Addressing most issues where the cycle won't start typically requires replacing the electronic control board, power supply board, or door switch. Nonetheless, since there are numerous potential causes, a comprehensive diagnosis is crucial for resolving the problem. A precise diagnosis is necessary to determine the cost of the repair.

Sears Home Services advice for a dishwasher that won't start a cycle

If your dishwasher isn't starting a cycle, several factors could be at play. To prevent unnecessary part replacements, we suggest having a Sears Home Services expert conduct diagnostic tests to pinpoint the underlying issue. Our technicians have the expertise to diagnose various types of dishwasher problems accurately.

What to expect with a dishwasher won't start a cycle diagnosis

Diagnosing issues with modern appliances can be challenging without the right knowledge and training. Attempting repairs without proper diagnostic techniques often results in guesswork when replacing parts. Over the past decade, appliances have advanced significantly, with many now incorporating complex electronic components that are tricky to assess. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming more complex as a result.

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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