Dishwasher won't turn off
Common reasons your dishwasher won't turn off
The most common reasons your dishwasher won't turn off are a defective electronic control board, damaged user interface control or a failed drain pump.
68% of the time it's the Electronic Control Board
13% of the time it's the User Interface Control
12% of the time it's the Drain Pump
7% 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 remains on continuously, it might indicate a faulty electronic control board. Ideally, the control board should deactivate the control panel when the dishwasher is not in use. However, if the control panel remains illuminated constantly, it could be due to a malfunctioning relay or defective logic within the electronic control board. When faced with this issue, it's advisable to have a Sears Home Services Technician inspect the controls and replace the electronic control board if necessary.
User Interface Control Replacement
If the dishwasher doesn't switch off after completing a cycle, a damaged user interface control could be the culprit. Pressing the power button or another button on the user interface control might result in the control panel remaining illuminated constantly. To assess whether the user interface control is damaged, specialized tools and diagnostic equipment are needed. If you encounter this issue, it's best to have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert inspect your home and replace the user interface control if it's found to be damaged.
Drain Pump Replacement
If your dishwasher keeps running non-stop and won't shut off, it's possible that a malfunctioning drain pump is to blame. After the wash cycle, if the control senses water remaining in the sump, it might activate the drain pump to eliminate the water. However, if the drain pump is faulty and fails to remove the water, the control might persist in running the drain pump endlessly. If you notice water lingering in the dishwasher tub while hearing the drain pump continuously running, it's advisable to schedule an appointment with a Sears Home Services Repair Expert. They can inspect the dishwasher and replace the faulty drain pump if necessary.
How do I fix my dishwasher that won't turn off?
Check the timer
If you have a dishwasher with an electromechanical timer that has a dial control knob, a bad timer motor may not be advancing the time to the stop mode.
If the timer does advance, the contact that stops the cycle may be broken.
For both of these symptoms, you’ll likely need to replace the dishwasher timer.
Follow the steps in this illustrated repair guide to replace the timer in a dishwasher:
How to replace the timer in a dishwasher
- Unplug the dishwasher or shut off the house circuit breaker for the dishwasher to disconnect electrical power.
- Pull the timer knob straight off of the front of the control panel.
- Remove the Phillips screw located under the latch lever handle knob. Slide the handle knob off the end of the latch lever. Note: Some dishwashers won’t have a latch lever.
- Open the door and remove every screw on the inner door panel. Shut the entire dishwasher door and latch it. Grasp the sides of the outer door panel and pull the outer door panel down to separate the door panels and access the timer that is attached to the outer door panel. The inner door panel will remain closed.
- Disconnect the wire harness connector from the timer. Remove the timer mounting screws and remove the timer.
- Attach the wires to the new timer the same way they were connected to the original timer. Reinstall the timer mounting screws.
- Reattach the outer door panel to the inner door panel and reinstall the door latch handle knob.
- Reinstall the timer knob and then restore electrical power to the dishwasher.
Check for a leak
Some dishwasher use a leak sensor. Check for water leaking inside or under the dishwasher. Shut off the water supply to the dishwasher if you detect a leak.
If the dishwasher is leaking follow the troubleshooting tips in this video to find and fix the leak:
If the dishwasher isn’t leaking, a defective leak sensor is likely detecting a leak and causing the drain pump to run constantly.
These tips may help you resolve a problem with your dishwasher running constantly. If you’re unable to resolve this dishwasher issue on your own, schedule dishwasher repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the dishwasher for you.
What to expect when you experience a dishwasher won't turn off issue
How is the won't turn off problem repaired?
Fixing most issues where the dishwasher won't turn off often means swapping out the electronic control board, user interface control, or drain pump. However, since there could be various reasons, it's crucial to conduct a thorough check to pinpoint the exact problem. Getting an accurate diagnosis is important for knowing the cost of the repair.
Sears Home Services recommendations for fixing a dishwasher that won't turn off
If your dishwasher won't turn off, there could be several reasons behind it. To prevent unnecessary part replacements, we suggest having a Sears Home Services expert conduct diagnostic tests to pinpoint the exact issue. Our technicians have extensive experience in diagnosing various types of dishwasher problems.
What to look for with a dishwasher won't turn off diagnosis
Fixing issues with modern appliances can pose challenges without the right expertise and training. Attempting repairs without proper diagnostic methods often leads to replacing parts based on guesswork. Over the past decade, appliances have advanced significantly, with many models incorporating intricate electronic components that are hard to assess. Consequently, do-it-yourself repairs on the latest appliance models are growing more challenging.
If your dishwasher continues running indefinitely, sensor or relay issues might be prolonging the cycle. This wastes water and energy. Let dishwasher repair near me handle the fix.
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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.
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Luke was great. Polite and knowledgeable even though the dishwasher was older than he!
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Glossary Terms
A dishwasher gasket is a flexible seal that prevents water from leaking out of the dishwasher door during operation. It's crucial for maintaining the appliance's efficiency and preventing water damage.
A dishwasher impeller is a rotating component within the dishwasher's pump that circulates water throughout the unit during a wash cycle, ensuring efficient cleaning by spraying water at high pressure.
A dishwasher sump is located at the bottom of the dishwasher, serving as a collection point for water during the wash cycle. It houses the main pump and filter, facilitating the recirculation and drainage of water, essential for the cleaning process.
A dishwasher turbidity sensor is an advanced feature that measures the level of food particles and debris in the water, allowing the dishwasher to adjust the wash cycle length and water usage for optimal cleaning efficiency.