Jenn-Air dishwasher not starting

Common reasons your Jenn-Air dishwasher is not starting

The most common reasons your Jenn-Air dishwasher is not starting are a defective electronic control board, damaged user interface control or a stripped wire connector.

  • 40%

    40% of the time it's the Electronic Control Board

  • 25%

    25% of the time it's the User Interface Control

  • 8%

    8% of the time it's the Wire Connector

  • 27%

    27% of the time it's the Something else

Schedule your dishwasher repair now!

We can help! Our service technicians have the expertise to fix your Jenn-Air dishwasher - no matter where you bought it!

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

Most common repairs needed to fix a Jenn-Air dishwasher

Electronic Control Board Replacement

When your dishwasher is not starting a cycle, a defective electronic control board could be causing the problem. The control board will freeze up and fail to start a cycle when its internal memory and logic is corrupted. A failed internal electronic relay or bad electronic part on the circuit board could be causing the control board to freeze up and not start a cycle. Determining whether a control board is defective is difficult. Have a Sears Home Services technician diagnose and repair your dishwasher when it won’t start a cycle.

User Interface Control Replacement

When your dishwasher is not starting, a damaged user interface control could be causing the problem. The user interface control connects to the electronic control board through a wire harness and sends signals to the control board to help control the dishwashing cycle. A bad start key on the user interface control can prevent the dishwasher from beginning the cycle. Also, a stuck key on the user interface control can cause the electronic control board to stop all dishwasher operations and the dishwasher won’t work until the damaged user interface control is fixed. Have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert visit your home and replace the user interface control if it’s damaged.

Wire Connector Replacement

When your dishwasher is not starting, a stripped wire connector between the user interface control and electronic control board could be causing the problem. The wire harness between the electronic control board and user interface control must also stay connected to keep the dishwasher working. The control board will stop the dishwasher and keep it from starting when that wire harness is damaged or disconnected. When your dishwasher isn’t working, have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert visit your home and fix the problem.

Why is my Jenn-Air dishwasher not starting?

frigidaire-dishwasher-won-t-start-tips

First, follow the tips in the owner’s manual for your dishwasher to find out why it won’t run a cycle.

If those basic troubleshooting tips don’t help, check for an item stuck underneath the mushroom float for the overfill switch. The dishwasher won’t start filling if that float is stuck in the up position.

Remove an item it you find it stuck underneath there.

item-stuck-under-mushroom-float

Here’s a DIY troubleshooting video that provides additional expert tips on finding out why your dishwasher won’t start a cycle:

Following the steps in this diagnostic video may help you find and fix the cause of your dishwasher not starting the cycle.

whirlpool-dishwasher-door-latch-assembly

Test the dishwasher door switch

A faulty door switch will keep the dishwasher from starting. If the door switch is stuck in the "open" position, the dishwasher won't start because it's waiting for you to shut the door—even if you did shut the door.

To test the door switch, check the resistance through the door switch with a multimeter. Disconnect electrical power to the dishwasher by shutting off the house circuit breaker or unplugging the dishwasher. Remove the Torx screws from the outer edges of the inner door panel. Support the outer door panel with one hand as you remove the final screws so it doesn't fall.

Separate the outer door panel and the control panel slightly from the inner door panel, and rest the outer panel on the floor while you disconnect the user interface control wire harness. Pull off the outer door panel and control panel.

Release the door latch assembly from the inner door panel and unplug the wire harness from the door switch. Carefully trip the door switch by pushing this lever, keeping your fingers away from the spring and latch. Press the door switch lever to simulate a closed door that's engaging the door switch.

With the multimeter set to check resistance, place a meter probe against each of the door switch prongs. You should measure near 0 ohms of resistance, or continuity, through a working door switch. If you measure infinite resistance, replace the door switch because it's defective.

Sears Home Services Technician performing dishwasher cleaning and maintenance

Other causes for your JennAir dishwasher not starting a cycle

If you measure continuity through the dishwasher door switch, it’s likely that a defective control board or a wiring failure elsewhere in the dishwasher is keeping the dishwasher from starting.

Schedule dishwasher repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician examine and repair your dishwasher.

What to expect when you experience a Jenn-Air dishwasher not starting issue

How is the not starting problem fixed?

Correcting most not starting problems usually involves replacing the electronic control board, user interface control or wire connector. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Sears Home Services recommendations for a dishwasher that is not starting

When the dishwasher is not starting it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dishwasher failures.

What to look out for with a dishwasher not starting diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dishwasher problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

A JennAir dishwasher that refuses to initiate washing can be linked to a failed door latch or control board glitch. That leaves dishes stacking up in the sink. Rather than giving up on automation, contact dishwasher fix near me. Once the cause is identified and repaired, your JennAir can resume its easy dish-handling role.

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 JennAir dishwasher start?
A faulty door latch, broken control board, or tripped circuit breaker could prevent the dishwasher from starting. Check these components for faults.
Could a broken door latch prevent my JennAir dishwasher from starting?
Yes, if the door latch isn’t engaging properly, the dishwasher won’t start. Replacing the latch should fix this issue.
How can I fix my JennAir dishwasher if it won’t start?
Inspect the door latch, control board, and circuit breaker. Replacing any faulty parts should restore the dishwasher’s functionality.
What should I do if my JennAir dishwasher still won’t start after checking the latch and control board?
If the problem persists, check the wiring or internal components for damage that may require professional inspection and repair.

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.

Jenn-Air dishwasher not starting? Discover solutions & quick fixes!