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  1. Repair
  2. Kenmore
  3. Kenmore Dishwasher
  4. Dishwasher won't start cycle

Kenmore dishwasher won't start cycle

Common reasons your Kenmore dishwasher won't start cycle

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

  • 35%

    35% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 20%

    20% of the time it's the
    Power Supply Board

  • 16%

    16% of the time it's the
    Door Switch

  • 29%

    29% of the time it's the
    Something else

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    Most common repairs needed to fix a Kenmore dishwasher

    Electronic Control Board Replacement

    When your dishwasher won’t start 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.


    Power Supply Board Replacement

    A damaged power supply board could be causing the problem when your dishwasher won’t start a cycle. The power supply board provides the electrical current needed to operate components such as the fill valve and pumps in the dishwasher. A damaged power supply board won’t provide power to components to operate the dishwasher. When your dishwasher won’t start a cycle, have a Sears Home Services Technician check the power supply board and replace it if it’s damaged.

    Door Switch Replacement

    When the dishwasher won’t start a cycle, a failed door switch may not be detecting that the dishwasher door is shut. Microswitches in the door switch assembly can break or short out. If the control doesn’t detect that the dishwasher door is closed, the dishwasher will not fill with water and start washing. Because the door switch is hard to access and test, have a Sears Home Services Professional visit your home and repair your dishwasher when you suspect that the door switch failed.

    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.

    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.


    Kirsten A, Oxford, PA

    Service Call

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


    James G, Hillsboro, MO

    Daniel

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


    Paul F, Hghlnds Ranch, CO

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    Glossary Terms

    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.

    A furnace limit switch is a safety device in a furnace that monitors the temperature of the air passing over the heat exchanger. It shuts off the burner if the air becomes too hot, preventing overheating and potential damage to the furnace or your home.

    A humidifier is a device designed to increase humidity levels in a single room or an entire building, improving air quality and comfort.

    A generator stator is the stationary part of a generator that, together with the moving rotor, plays a crucial role in electricity generation. It consists of coils where electric power is produced through electromagnetic induction.

    Additional possible Kenmore dishwasher symptoms you may experience