Why Won’t My Dishwasher Turn On?

Discovering your dishwasher has stopped working isn’t a great way to start your day, particularly if you have to deal with the cost of phoning an engineer as well as staying home to let them in just to pinpoint the fault.

Fortunately it’s often easy to determine and often sort out a number of dishwasher issues alone without having to call for dishwasher repair, particularly if you are able to find a multimeter.

You might find you can sort out the problem quite easily yourself, particularly if you are good at DIY, and if you can’t at least you will have a better idea of the issue when you do phone a repair man.

Things To Do If Your Dishwasher Won’t Start

Before you start looking for a new machine there are a few possible problems you can troubleshoot without too much issue.

Safety Warning: Always make sure your dishwasher is unplugged before attempting repairs.

Everyday Dishwasher Faults That Will Prevent Your Dishwasher From Starting

Before you begin checking your machine for faults ensure that it hasn’t been accidentally unplugged, as well as that none of the switches on the circuit breaker have tripped.

This is also a good time to check if the child lock hasn’t been activated and try resetting your dishwasher.

You will probably require the user guide for this as machines are all different however the child lock is often quite easy to put on without meaning to. Likewise, if the dishwasher has lights however will not run, the solution could be as easy as resetting the program.

Once you have ruled out these faults it’s time for the real investigations to start.

1. Investigate the door latch or door latch switch.
2. Check the timer.
3. Examine the selector switch.
4. Check the motor relay.
5. Examine the thermal fuse.
6. Examine the drive motor.

To examine these parts you will need a multimeter, or VOM (volt-ohm-milliammeter) to measure the resistance and check the components are operating as they are meant to.

Testing the Door Latch and Door Latch Switch

The first thing to check is the door latches and door latch switches. Your dishwasher is designed not to run if these are faulty for understandable reasons. You wouldn’t want start the dishwasher without meaning to with the door open.

A defective switch will stop your dishwasher from starting plus completing a cycle. You can check the switch using a multimeter. The switch will usually be located under the front door panel or control panel.

Make sure the dishwasher is unplugged prior to accessing the door panel as well as testing for continuity to prevent yourself from getting an electric shock.

If the latches or switches are faulty you will need a replacement door latch assembly.

Checking the Timer

If you have tested your door latch plus door latch switch and ascertained they are operating correctly the next thing to check is the timer or electronic control.

This is the component that distributes power to all the other parts the machine requires to operate including the pumps, and the water inlet valve.

If your dishwasher has an electronic control as opposed to a mechanical timer then it may need to be checked while connected, this can be dangerous and should only be done by someone who is professionally trained.

Checking the Selector Switch

This is the part of your machine that selects the cycle and will vary depending on the make and model of your machine. A broken selector switch or one that has got stuck could cause the machine not to run.

You should be able to visually check to see if the buttons are depressing fully, or you might have to disconnect the machine and gain access to the control panel to test the contact points for continuity with the help of a multimeter.

Checking the Motor Relay

The motor relay is an alternative part that can result in your machine not starting, and this could be the issue if you have tested the control panel and have discovered that there is power going to the motor.

To test if this is the case you will have to find the motor as well as find the relay that will usually be located next to the motor. This may then be taken out plus checked with the help of a multimeter, if faulty it may have to be replaced.

Testing the Thermal Fuse

If you have checked all the above and are still looking for the issue the next part to check is the thermal fuse. This will only be found on some models and is designed to protect the control board.

If you locate the fuse and discover it is blown you will need to replace it in order for the control board to get power.

Checking the Drive Motor

The final component you should be able to investigate that may stop your machine from working is the drive motor. This is the component that circulates the water to wash your dishes.

Once you have checked the other electrical components yet still aren’t getting anywhere this might be the culprit particularly if you noticed a loud humming coming from the machine.

You should be able to locate the motor by removing the panel at the bottom of the machine. Check it with the help of a multimeter then replace if faulty.

When to Get in Touch With an Engineer

If you don’t have a multimeter or are not confident in taking panels off your machine and testing the components then you will need to call a repair person.

If you do have a multimeter and can perform the above checks then you might well be able to sort out the problem without assistance. Yet if you are not sure it’s always better to call in the professionals.

And check your insurance as well as your home cover as dishwasher repairs may be covered meaning the costs might not be as high as you think.