Is your dishwasher refusing to start? This common problem can leave you with a sink full of dirty dishes and a lot of frustration. But don’t worry! Before you call a repair technician, try these simple DIY troubleshooting tips. Fixing a dishwasher that won’t start can save you time and money. From checking the power supply to inspecting the door latch and control panel, we’ll guide you through the steps to get your dishwasher running again. Keep reading to learn how you can tackle this issue and avoid unnecessary repair costs!
Identifying the Cause
Before you can fix an appliance, you need to figure out why it’s broken. With a dishwasher that won’t start, there are a few likely culprits to check first.
The most common reasons a dishwasher won’t turn on are:
- Tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse
- Faulty door latch
- Defective control panel
- Failed drain pump
- Bad door switch
Let’s explore each of these and how to determine if they are causing your dishwasher to not start.
Tripped Breaker or Blown Fuse
The first thing to check is if the dishwasher is getting power. If there was a temporary overload on the circuit, it may have tripped the breaker. Or if there’s a malfunction, a fuse could have blown.
Start by locating the circuit breaker or fuse box. Check if the switch controlling the dishwasher is flipped to “Off” or if the fuse appears damaged. Resetting the breaker or replacing the fuse may restore power.
If that doesn’t work, you likely have an underlying problem. But it’s always good to rule out a tripped breaker first.
Faulty Door Latch
Dishwashers have a safety mechanism that prevents them from running if the door is not latched properly. A broken or stuck latch can thus lead to the dishwasher not starting.
Check if the door clicks into place and is fully closed. Try pressing firmly on the door and restarting it. If there’s damage or obstructions around the latch, it may need to be repaired or replaced.
Defective Control Panel
If the buttons don’t respond or the display is unresponsive, there may be an issue with the control panel. Buttons can break over time. Damage to the panel or interior wiring can disrupt operation.
First, try rebooting the dishwasher by turning off power at the breaker. Wait a few minutes and restore power. Also, inspect for any loose wires or broken components.
Failed Drain Pump
Dishwashers won’t run if there’s still water inside from the previous cycle. If the drain pump fails, the used water won’t empty out. The dishwasher thinks it’s still full and refuses to start.
Check if there’s standing water in the bottom. If the pump is clogged or faulty, it will need replacement.
Bad Door Switch
A door switch turns off power when the door is opened during a cycle. If the switch is defective, the dishwasher may not restart when you close the door.
Test the switch using a multimeter. If it’s damaged, replacing this inexpensive part can get your dishwasher working again.
Checking the Power Supply
If your dishwasher won’t start, the first thing to check is if it’s getting power. A tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse can cut off electricity to the dishwasher. Without power, the dishwasher is dead in the water.
Let’s go through the steps to check the power supply:
1. Locate the Circuit Breaker or Fuse
- Find the main circuit breaker or fuse box in your home. It’s usually located in the basement, garage, or laundry room.
- Check the labeling to identify which switch or fuse controls the electrical circuit for the dishwasher.
- Make sure you’ve turned off the right breaker. Turning off the wrong one could cut power to other appliances!
2. Check if the Breaker is Tripped
- Examine the circuit breaker switch controlling the dishwasher.
- Is it flipped to the “Off” position? If so, flip it fully to “On.”
- You may hear a click sound when it resets.
- If the switch immediately trips again, you likely have a faulty component drawing too much current. You’ll need to troubleshoot further.
3. Test the Fuse
- Remove the fuse for the dishwasher circuit and examine it closely.
- Does the metal wire inside appear melted or broken? This would indicate it’s blown.
- Use a multimeter to test for continuity. If there’s no reading, it’s bad.
- Replace it with a fuse of the same amp rating. Never use a higher rated fuse for safety.
4. Inspect the Power Cord
- Make sure the power cord is securely plugged into the outlet all the way.
- Wiggle the cord at the outlet and dishwasher to check for loose connections.
- Examine the cord for damage like cuts or frayed/melted insulation.
- Damaged cords must be replaced, not just taped or spliced.
Checking these basic power supply issues first can get your dishwasher running again quickly and safely.
Troubleshooting the Control Panel
If the dishwasher has power but still won’t start, the next place to check is the control panel. Issues with the buttons, display, or internal wiring can prevent normal operation.
Let’s go through some troubleshooting steps for the control panel:
1. Inspect the Buttons
- Examine all the buttons on the control panel closely.
- Are any of the buttons damaged or cracked?
- Do the buttons feel stuck when pressed?
- Damaged or stuck buttons could be preventing the dishwasher from starting.
- Bent metal contacts under faulty membrane buttons may need to be adjusted or the button replaced.
2. Check for Error Codes
- Many dishwashers display error codes when there is a fault.
- Check if any code is shown on the screen. The code can help diagnose the problem.
- Refer to your owner’s manual for deciphering error codes specific to your dishwasher brand and model.
3. Reset the Control Panel
- As a first step, attempt to reset the control panel.
- The reset procedure varies by model but usually involves a sequence of button presses. Consult your manual.
- Resetting can clear any glitches and restore normal operation.
4. Test Interior Wiring
- If resetting the controls doesn’t work, wiring issues could be the culprit.
- Remove the outer panel to access wires and components.
- Check for loose, damaged, or corroded wires and connectors.
- Use a multimeter to test for continuity. Replace any defective wiring.
Troubleshooting the control panel seems complicated but follows straightforward logic. With some simple checks, you can revive your dishwasher’s “brain” and get it working again.
Inspecting the Door Latch
Dishwashers have a safety feature that prevents them from running if the door is not properly latched. Issues with the door latch can thus lead to the dishwasher refusing to start.
Let’s go through some steps to inspect and fix door latch problems:
1. Check for Obstructions
- Examine the door latch area inside the tub for any debris blocking it.
- Obstructions like food particles or broken glass can prevent the latch from closing fully.
- Use a toothbrush or cotton swab to carefully clean out the latch area.
2. Confirm Door is Closing
- With the door open, press down firmly to engage the latch.
- Does the door feel like it is closing and sealing completely?
- If not, the latch mechanism may be misaligned and need adjusted.
3. Test Latch Magnet
- Most latches use a magnet to signal when the door is secure.
- Check this with a refrigerator magnet. It should be attracted to the latch area when closed.
- If not, the latch magnet may be faulty and require replacement.
4. Replace Latch Assembly
- If cleaning or adjustments don’t help, the entire latch assembly may need replacement.
- This involves removing the inner door panel and installing a new latch mechanism.
- Use manufacturer part numbers to order the correct replacement part.
As you can see, inspecting the door latch can resolve dishwasher start problems with some simple DIY troubleshooting. Ensuring the door can close properly is key to operation.
Seeking Professional Assistance
While many dishwasher issues can be DIY repairs, some problems are better left to the experts. If you’ve tried the troubleshooting steps but your dishwasher still won’t start, it may be time to call a technician.
Here are some signs it’s time to seek professional assistance:
- You checked the power supply, control panel, and door latch but the dishwasher won’t start. The issue likely requires in-depth diagnostics and electrical testing.
- There are obvious signs of electrical damage like burning smells or scorched wires. Electrical issues can be dangerous for DIYers.
- You found the pump won’t drain but can’t remove it yourself to access the drain hose. A pro has the skills and tools to properly remove and reinstall the pump.
- The internal wash arms have come loose and are banging around. Only a technician has the know-how to take apart the tub and realign the wash arms correctly.
- There are complex error codes indicating issues with the electronic control module. A pro can interpret error codes and replace intricate control boards.
The good news is most appliance repair pros offer free diagnoses, sometimes even over the phone. This allows them to isolate the problem before you pay for repairs.
Calling a technician saves time and protects you from hazards when advanced disassembly or electrical work is needed. Consider it an investment to get your dishwasher running smoothly again.
Also Read Leaving Dirty Dishes in the Dishwasher: How Long Can It Wait?
Conclusion
When your dishwasher won’t start, it can be frustrating and inconvenient. But with some basic troubleshooting, you can often get it running again without an expensive service call.
First, check the power supply. Reset any tripped breakers, replace blown fuses, and ensure the cord is plugged in properly. Electrical issues are easily overlooked but can prevent the dishwasher from turning on. If it has power, inspect the control panel. Reset it, check for error codes, and test the interior wiring for damage. The control board is the “brain” directing operations.
Don’t forget to examine the door latch area. Clean out any debris, adjust or replace the latch if needed so the door can close properly. The dishwasher has a safety lock that prevents it from starting when unlatched.
For complex electrical issues or repairs needing disassembly, contact a professional service technician. Their expert skills can properly diagnose and fix problems beyond DIY abilities. Following the troubleshooting tips in this article can help you quickly and safely get your dishwasher running again. Why wait around for dirty dishes to pile up? With a few simple checks, you can get clean dishes back on the menu.