Kenmore dishwasher won't start cycle

Why is my Kenmore dishwasher not starting the wash cycle?

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.

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.

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.

Other causes for your Kenmore 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 Kenmore dishwasher won't start a cycle issue

How is the won't start a cycle problem fixed?

Correcting most won't start a cycle problems usually involves replacing the electronic control board, power supply board or door switch. 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 won't start cycle

When the dishwasher won't start a cycle 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 won't start a cycle 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.

When your Kenmore dishwasher ignores the start command, a door latch error or shorted control board might be stopping it. Dishes won’t clean themselves, so consider dishwasher fix near me. A quick repair launches cycles properly.