Last Updated on May 21, 2022 by
Dishwasher Won’t Turn On
The dishwasher never breaks down at a convenient moment. Of course, the issue will occur if the appliance is full of filthy dishes or if you are renovating your kitchen. Take some time to troubleshoot before hiring a plumber or appliance repair specialist. Perhaps it’s a simple repair that you can do yourself, or you’ll need to hire a professional. If your dishwasher won’t start, it’s a good idea to do some preliminary research before making a decision.
A misconfigured control panel or a loose wire might stop your dishwasher from instantly turning on. Other problems may be identified using a multimeter and corrected by changing the component. While a component breakdown may need expert repair, there’s usually a DIY remedy when your dishwasher won’t turn on. Here’s how to fix it, from reconnecting the power supply to replacing the thermal fuse.
What To DO When Your Dishwasher Isn’t Starting
Power Supply
Make sure your dishwasher is receiving electricity. Because most dishwasher power outlets are buried behind cupboards or under the sink, the chances of being kicked are slim. However, if you have access to that plug, check it out just in case. Make that the plug is installed correctly in the wall and that the cable and plug are free of damage or fraying. Don’t worry if you can’t reach or see the cable or if the cable is good.
Check your breaker box to determine if any circuit breakers are switched to the incorrect side of the center. Flip a central(blown) breaker to the “off” position, then back to the “on” position to reset the breaker and restore power.
Examine The Start Button
The start button on any dishwasher is the most often utilized. If you’ve tested your door latch and power supply, the problem might be with the start switch. Depending on the dishwasher type and model, you may be able to test the switch yourself using a multimeter.
If not, an appliance repair professional will require a diagnostic test. If the switch is damaged, it must be replaced. Depending on the dishwasher brand, start switches may cost anywhere from $25 to $70.
Faulty Electronic Timer
Your dishwasher’s electronic timer is likely broken if it still doesn’t start on demand. The timer on a dishwasher controls how much electricity is given to each wash cycle function. It’s conceivable that the timer or its connection to the control panel has failed if your dishwasher isn’t emptying water correctly or starting properly. A professional repair provider should inspect and replace a malfunctioning timer.
Wrong Dishwasher Setting
A dishwasher not starting might also be caused by the incorrect cycle setting. A kid lock feature on many dishwashers disables all operations to avoid an accidental start. By starting a wash cycle later, the delay start feature may avoid an instantaneous start. The dishwasher will not start on command if one of these functions is turned on.
See the user handbook to deactivate the kid lock or the delay start option on your model dishwasher. A specific setting is often deactivated by pushing a sequence of buttons or just turning the dishwasher off.
Check The Wiring Harness
The wiring, also known as the cable harness, is made up of multiple cables that connect to different areas of the dishwasher. The wire harness is usually located alongside the control panel on most models. The wiring harness might be damaged by excessive heat, or wires can melt and connect to the dishwasher.
- Check the wire harness for any of the problems listed above.
- It is tough to replace the wire harness and should only be tried by specialists. This is particularly true when replacing many cables. A blunder will almost certainly be expensive and harmful.
- It is significantly simpler to replace a few readily accessible wires, but it is still best fixed by an expert.
Inspect The Selector Switches
The dishwasher may be tuned to different wash, rinse, and drying settings using selector switches. Each setting has its own switch, and these switches will not operate correctly if the control panel fails.
The dishwasher will also not turn on if the buttons get broken or lose connection to the panel. If this is the case, disassembling the dishwasher is required to replace the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00XN3AVTG” locale=”US” tag=”realikal-20″]switches[/easyazon_link]. They usually cost approximately $30 or more.
Examine The Heating Element
The dishwasher may be unable to start due to a broken heating element. When a dishwasher’s heater element fails, the dishwasher will be stuck in one stage for an extended period (whatever stage the dishwasher was in when the heating element malfunctioned). If this occurs, the dishwasher will shut off and not turn on again until the heater element is replaced (faulty heating elements cannot be repaired).
A multimeter may be used to check the heating element’s continuity. The heating element may be accessible by removing the dishwasher’s front panel. The heating element is usually a long thin, circular, or horseshoe-shaped rod with metal parts. However, its appearance may vary depending on the brand and type of your dishwasher.
Place the needle of your multimeter on the metal piece at the end of the heating element to test it. This is your problem if the heating element has no continuity. Depending on the brand, a replacement [easyazon_link identifier=”B096LY6TZZ” locale=”US” tag=”realikal-20″]dishwasher heating element[/easyazon_link] will cost $20 and $65.
Control Panel Problems
Is your dishwasher not starting even though the latch is working? It may not start due to a variety of control panel issues. These difficulties with the control panel may prevent an instant start:
- Pushing the start button many times: Frequently, pressing the Start button multiple times causes the dishwasher to perform a short drain cycle. Do you know how to restart a dishwasher once the drain cycle has started? Allow 60-90 seconds for the process to finish before pressing the start button once.
- Failed Switch: If the dishwasher start button is not functioning, but the other buttons are illuminated, the start switch behind it may be damaged. If the switch fails to display continuity when tested with a multimeter, it must be replaced.
- Control panel failure: If you attempt various operations and none of the lights on the dishwasher come on, the control panel may have failed. This computerized component must be changed appropriately once it no longer handles electrical impulses.
Door Latch Switch
The door latch switch is the next item to inspect. This informs the dishwasher that the door is securely closed and that it is safe to start the dishwasher. The latch secures the door, and the latch switch detects when it is closed. There are a few things that may go wrong in this situation.
Jammed latch: Check whether the door latch has any old soap or food muck caught. The latch will not close if it is blocked or clogged with old muck. The switch will not activate, and the dishwasher will not start.
Child latch: It’s possible that a kid safety set was activated. Child locks prevent youngsters from gaining access to the dishwasher (a ground-level appliance) or from being trapped within. Look for kid safety latches, which are often a little switch on the inner edge of the door.
Latch is broken: It’s also possible that your door latch or latch switch is broken. If the latch fails, the door will no longer be able to click and keep itself closed, preventing the dishwasher from starting and running correctly. The door latch and maybe the switch will need to be replaced.
Internal Parts
Finally, there are issues with internal components to consider. It’s conceivable that the buttons, control panel, and door lock on your dishwasher are all working properly. Your dishwasher may have electricity, and the timer control is operating properly. However, if one of the machine’s critical internal components fails, it will not function.
Motor Start Relay: The motor start relay is responsible for starting the dishwasher motor. In other words, it sends the motor the start signal. If the start relay fails, the control panel will not send the “Go” signal to the remainder of your dishwasher.
Thermal Fuse: The thermal prevents the control board from overheating. When the thermal fuse bursts, power is stopped from reaching the control board, which may assist prevent fires and damaged electrical equipment. However, if the thermal fuse is blown, your dishwasher will not start until it is replaced.
Drive Motor: The power to swirl the water around your dishwasher comes from the drive motor. If the drive motor fails, there will be no significant water flow, implying no clean dishes and, most likely, no dishwasher operation. If your dishwasher’s drive motor isn’t operating, you’ll need to get it repaired or replaced by a professional.
Conclusion on Dishwasher Won’t Turn On
This guide should have provided you with a thorough grasp of the issues that might prevent a dishwasher from the beginning. You now have a much better knowledge of what causes dishwashers not to start. It’s always advisable to hire a certified dishwasher repair specialist if you can’t solve the possible problems yourself.
