Why Won’t My Dishwasher Turn On?

Finding out your dishwasher has stopped working isn’t a fun way to start your day, particularly if you are also faced with the expense of calling out a repair person plus staying home to let them in just to determine the issue.

Luckily it’s often easy to pinpoint and even sort out a number of dishwasher faults by yourself without needing to call for dishwasher repair, especially if you happen to own a multimeter.

You could realize you can sort out the fault quite easily alone, especially if you are mechanically minded, and if you can’t at least you will have a better idea of the issue when you do have to phone a repair man.

Things To Do If Your Dishwasher Won’t Start

Before you begin looking for a new machine there are a number of common issues you can troubleshoot without too much issue.

Safety Warning: Always make sure your machine is unplugged before testing or replacing any electrical components.

Common Dishwasher Problems That Will Stop Your Machine From Turning On

Before you start going through the following list of possible problems make sure that it hasn’t been accidentally switched off, and that none of the switches on the circuit breaker have tripped.

This is also a good time to check if the child lock isn’t on as well as try resetting your machine.

You will often need the user guide for this due to the fact that machines vary but the child lock is often fairly easy to put on without meaning to. Likewise, if the machine has lights however will not run, the answer could be as easy as resetting the cycle.

When you have ruled out these problems it’s time for the real detective work to start.

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

To test these components you will have to have a multimeter, or VOM (volt-ohm-milliammeter) to measure the resistance and test the electrical components are operating as they should.

Examining the Door Latch as well as the Door Latch Switch

The first place to start is the door latches and door latch switches. Your dishwasher is not designed to run if these are broken for understandable reasons. You wouldn’t want to be able to inadvertently run the dishwasher with the door ajar.

A defective switch will prevent your dishwasher from turning on as well as operating. You can test the switch using a multimeter. The switch will usually be situated behind the front door panel or control panel.

Double check you have disconnected power to the dishwasher prior to accessing the door panel plus checking for continuity to make sure you do not get an electric shock.

If you discover the latches or switches are not working you will need a replacement door latch assembly.

Testing the Timer

If the door latch as well as door latch switch, are working as they are meant to the next thing to test is the timer or electronic control.

This is the component that distributes electricity to all the different components the machine needs to run such as the motor, as well as the water inlet valve.

If your dishwasher is controlled electronically as opposed to mechanically then it could have to be tested 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 program , it’s style and location will vary depending on the make as well as the model of your machine. A broken selector switch or even one that has not been fully engaged might cause the dishwasher not to turn on.

You can usually see if the buttons are depressing fully, or you may need to disconnect the machine in order to access the control panel to check the connections for continuity using a multimeter.

Checking the Motor Relay

The motor relay is an alternative component that can cause your dishwasher not to start, so this might be the fault if you have checked the control panel and so have discovered that there should be power running to the main pump.

To investigate this you will have to locate the motor plus locate the relay that will usually be mounted next to it. This could then be taken out and checked with the help of a multimeter and you may have to replace it.

Testing the Thermal Fuse

Once you have investigated the above issues but still haven’t found the problem the next part of the machine to check would be the thermal fuse. This will only be found on some models and is there to protect the control board.

If you will need to replace it in order for the control board to get power.

Examining the Drive Motor

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

When you have tested the other parts and still haven’t discovered the issue this could be the cause of the problem particularly if you noticed a loud humming coming from the machine.

You can usually locate the motor by removing the lower access panel. Check it using a multimeter and replace if broken.

When to Get in Touch With a Repair person

If you don’t have a multimeter or are not confident in taking panels off your dishwasher and checking the components then you will need to call an engineer sooner rather than later.

If you are happy to undertake the above troubleshooting then you could well be able to fix the fault without needing a professional. Yet if you are not sure it might be easier to contact an engineer.

Don’t forget to check your warranty and your home cover as appliance repairs might be included meaning the expense may be less than you were expecting.