Why Won’t My Dishwasher Turn On?

Finding out your dishwasher has stopped working is never going to be the best part of your day, especially if you have to deal with the cost of phoning a professional as well as staying home to meet them just to determine the fault.

The good news is it’s often easy to determine and often sort out a number of machine issues yourself without needing to call for dishwasher repair, particularly if you are able to find a multimeter.

You might realize you are able to fix the problem quite easily by yourself, particularly if you are good at DIY, and if you can’t at worst you will be better placed to describe the fault when you do phone a repair person.

Things To Do If Your Dishwasher Won’t Start

In advance of searching for a replacement dishwasher there are a few simple faults you can troubleshoot without too much trouble.

Safety Warning: Never attempt repairs while your dishwasher is plugged in.

Everyday Dishwasher Faults That Will Stop Your Machine From Turning On

In advance of checking your machine for issues ensure that your dishwasher hasn’t been accidentally unplugged, plus that there are no tripped switches in the circuit breaker.

This is also an opportune moment to check if the child lock isn’t on and try resetting your machine.

You will probably require the user manual for this due to the fact that machines vary however the child lock is often quite simple to activate accidentally. Similarly, if the dishwasher has lights yet will not start, the solution may be as simple as resetting the program.

When 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. Test the timer.
3. Examine the selector switch.
4. Check the motor relay.
5. Examine the thermal fuse.
6. Check the drive motor.

To test these components you will need a multimeter, or VOM (volt-ohm-milliammeter) to measure the resistance and check the parts 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 as well as door latch switches. Your dishwasher is not designed to run if these are faulty for understandable reasons. You wouldn’t want run the machine without meaning to with the door ajar.

A faulty switch will prevent your machine from turning on as well as operating. You can test the switch using a multimeter. The switch is generally located behind the front door panel or control panel.

Make sure the dishwasher is disconnected before taking off 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 to replace them.

Testing the Timer

If you have tested your door latch plus door latch switch and discovered they are working as they should the next thing to check is the timer or electronic control.

This is the part of the machine that sends electricity to all the different components the machine requires to operate such as the pumps, plus the water inlet valve.

If your dishwasher is controlled electronically rather than mechanically then it could have to be tested while plugged in, this can be dangerous and should only be done by someone who is professionally trained.

Testing the Selector Switch

The selector switch is the part of the machine that selects the program and will vary depending on the make and model of your dishwasher. A faulty selector switch or one that has got stuck could result in the machine not to run.

You can usually see if the buttons are depressing fully, or you could have to unplug the machine and have a look at the control panel to check the connections 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, thus this could be the problem if you have checked the control panel and so know that there is power going to the main pump.

To investigate if this is the case you need to locate the motor as well as locate the relay that should be located next to it. This could then be removed as well as tested using a multimeter and you may have to replace it.

Testing the Thermal Fuse

When you have tested the above issues and are still looking for the fault the next component to investigate is the thermal fuse. Note: Not all machines have a thermal fuse.

If the fuse is blown 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 check that could stop your dishwasher from running is the drive motor. This is the component that moves the water around to wash your dishes.

When you have checked the other electrical components but still aren’t getting anywhere this could be the issue 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 by using a multimeter and replace if not working.

When to Contact a Professional

Not everyone has a multimeter, or would know how to use one even if they do, in which case you will be better off calling an engineer.

If you do have a multimeter and can perform the above checks then you could well be able to resolve the fault without needing a professional. But if you are unsure it might be easier to call in the professionals.

Don’t forget to examine your warranty as well as your home cover as dishwasher repairs might be included and so the costs could not be as high as you think.