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  1. Repair
  2. Kenmore Elite
  3. Kenmore Elite Dishwasher
  4. Symptom Center
  5. Dishwasher not turning on

Kenmore Elite dishwasher not turning on

Common reasons your Kenmore Elite dishwasher is not turning on

The most common reasons your Kenmore Elite dishwasher is not turning on are a defective electronic control board, damaged user interface control or a damaged power supply board.

  • 47%

    47% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 19%

    19% of the time it's the
    User Interface Control

  • 10%

    10% of the time it's the
    Power Supply Board

  • 24%

    24% of the time it's the
    Something else

Schedule your dishwasher repair now!

We can help! Our service technicians have repaired over 35,000 Kenmore Elite dishwashers. We can fix yours no matter where you bought it.

Call (646) 440-2692 or schedule online now.
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Most common repairs needed to fix a Kenmore Elite dishwasher

Electronic Control Board Replacement

A dishwasher that won’t turn on could have a defective electronic control board. The control board will freeze up and fail to power up the control panel 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 continue working properly. Determining whether a control board is defective is difficult. Have a Sears Home Services technician diagnose and repair your dishwasher when it won’t turn on.


How to replace a dishwasher electronic control board

User Interface Control Replacement

When your dishwasher is not turning on, 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 power key on the user interface control can prevent the dishwasher from powering up. Also, a stuck key on the user interface control can cause the electronic control board to stop the cycle 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.

Power Supply Board Replacement

When your dishwasher is not turning on, a damaged power supply board could be causing the problem. The power cord connects directly to the power supply board and the power supply board sends power to the electronic control board to power up and operate the dishwasher. When your dishwasher is completely dead and it is getting power through the power cord, you’ll need to have a Sears Home Services Technician check out the power supply board and replace it if it’s damaged.

Why is my dishwasher suddenly not turning on?

Electrical power problems, wiring failures and control issues can keep your dishwasher from turning on. Follow these troubleshooting to try to get your dishwasher working again.

Power supply

Several different problems can prevent the dishwasher from getting electrical power. A tripped circuit breaker, bad electrical outlet or faulty wiring can prevent the dishwasher control panel from lighting up.

Control panel issues

Sometimes, the control power is getting power but faulty internal wiring or a failed control panel prevents the dishwasher from working. A service technician typically needs to check and repair the control panel when the dishwasher is getting power but the controls won’t light up.

Broken internal components

Dishwashers have internal components such as electronic control boards, switches, motors and wiring that can break. A short circuit in an internal component can prevent the controls from getting power.

dishwasher-power-switch-location

Troubleshooting Your Dishwasher Issues

Sometimes, the dishwasher power problem can be resolved with the flick of a light switch.

You may be surprised to learn that many dishwashers have a light switch beside the garbage disposal light switch. The dishwasher light switch shuts off power to the dishwasher when the switch is in the “off” position.

So, the first step in troubleshooting a dishwasher that won’t power up is to check that light switch. Turning on that switch may fix the problem right away and you can start the dishwasher.

Some dishwashers don’t have that light switch installed beside the sink. If you don’t find such a switch or if the switch is there but it’s already turned on, then you’ll need to troubleshoot your dishwasher issues as described in the steps below.

Image of homeowner shutting off the circuit breaker for the stove

Reset the house circuit breaker

A tripped circuit breaker is often found to be the cause of your dishwasher not getting power. Because you often can't tell whether the breaker has tripped, reset the breaker for the dishwasher by shutting it off and turning it back on. Check the dishwasher now to see if it powers up.

testing-the-electrical-outlet-for-a-dishwasher-image

Check the dishwasher power cord

Some dishwashers have a power cord that plugs into an electrical outlet under the sink, while other dishwasher power cords are wired directly from the wall to the wires in the dishwasher’s junction box. If your dishwasher power cord plugs into an electrical outlet, make sure the power cord is plugged in.

If the power cord is plugged in, it’s possible the electrical outlet doesn’t work. Check the electrical outlet for power by plugging in a small lamp. If it doesn't light up, have an electrician repair the bad outlet.

Here’s a helpful troubleshooting video that shows this step and additional troubleshooting steps to take when your dishwasher has now power.

Examine junction box wiring

If your dishwasher’s power cord doesn't plug into an electrical outlet under the sink, then the power supply is hardwired into the junction box.
Check the power cord connections in the junction box. The above video shows how to follow these steps to check junction box wiring.

Note: If you’re not completely confident that you can safely complete this troubleshooting procedure, then it’s time to schedule a service technician to diagnose and repair your dishwasher.

  • Shut off the house circuit breaker for the dishwasher to disconnect electrical power—you don’t want electricity flowing to the junction box.
  • Remove the dishwasher’s bottom front access panel and toe panel. On most dishwashers, you’ll need to take out the mounting screws from each side and then pull off the panels.
  • Remove the screw from the junction box cover and pull off the cover.
  • Check the black wire connection and the white wire connection.

Reconnect any loose or disconnected wires. Reinstall the junction box cover and then reinstall the bottom front access panel and toe panel. Restore electrical power to the dishwasher and see if the dishwasher works.

Check the user interface control wiring

Many dishwashers have a user interface control in the control panel that connects to the electronic control board.

If the dishwasher still isn’t getting power, check the user interface control wire harness. The control panel won't light up if the wire harness is disconnected.

(The above video shows how to check the user interface control wiring in a common type of dishwasher using this procedure:)

  • Shut off power to the dishwasher.
  • Open the dishwasher door and remove the Torx screws from the outer edges of the inner door panel. So the outer door panel doesn’t fall off, support it with one hand as you remove the final screws.
  • Separate the outer door panel and the control panel and rest the outer panel on the floor.
  • Check the wire harness connection between the user interface control and the electronic control board.

If the user interface control wire harness is unplugged, reconnect it. Reassemble the dishwasher and restore power.

Schedule a Service Technician to Repair the Dishwasher

If the dishwasher still doesn't power up, then a blown fuse, defective user interface control, a failed electronic control board, a broken wire or other dishwasher issues could be preventing the dishwasher from getting power. Have a Sears service technician examine and repair the dishwasher.

You’ll likely see the technician perform the initial troubleshooting steps described above. Additional diagnosis requires live voltage checks, which only should be performed by a service technician with the proper training.

What to expect when you experience a Kenmore Elite dishwasher not turning on issue

How is the not turning on problem fixed?

Correcting most not turning on problems usually involves replacing the electronic control board, user interface control or power supply board. 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 turning on

When the dishwasher is not turning on 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 turning on 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 dark, silent Kenmore Elite dishwasher means a fuse or wiring fault is cutting power. Pressing start repeatedly won’t restore electricity. Contact dishwasher technician for safe, thorough repairs.

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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Additional possible Kenmore Elite dishwasher symptoms you may experience