It’s never a good time for the dishwasher to stop working. Of course, the problem will arise when the appliance is filled with dirty dishes or in the middle of a kitchen renovation. Before calling a plumber or appliance repair professional, take some time to troubleshoot. Maybe it’s an easy fix that you can tackle on your own, or you may need to call a pro after all. Either way, if your dishwasher won’t start, it’s a good idea to do some basic investigation before deciding on a solution.
Although some dishwasher repairs may require disassembling the appliance to test and replace components, many common problems do not. Start troubleshooting by checking the simpler, less invasive solutions first. After eliminating the possibility of easy-to-fix problems, if the dishwasher still will not start, you’ll need to dig a little deeper.
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1. Check the Power Supply
If the dishwasher won’t do anything at all, the problem could be the power supply. Check the circuit breaker. If it has tripped, flip the switch to the “off” position and then turn it back on. If the circuit has not tripped, check to ensure that the appliance is properly plugged into its wall outlet. This may require you to pull the appliance out from beneath the counter. Before attempting to move the unit, disconnect the under-counter retainer clips that hold it in place.
2. Inspect the Door Latch
When the door latch is not engaged, a switch prevents the dishwasher from starting. Listen for the sound of the latch clicking into place when you close the door. With the door closed, pull on the door to see if it is closed securely. Visually inspect both sides of the latch for anything that may be preventing it from engaging properly, and for broken parts. If the latch is broken, the switch may be also.
3. Check the Child Safety Lock
Most dishwashers include a child lock feature to prevent kids from opening the appliance or changing the cycle settings. In many cases, the unit will not run while the child lock is engaged. Usually, the lock can be activated and deactivated by pressing and holding a button for three seconds, or something similar. If your dishwasher won’t run and the door won’t open, check the manufacturer’s instructions for the child safety lock.
4. Reset the Dishwasher
If you’ve interrupted the wash cycle and now the dishwasher won’t restart, it could be stuck between cycles. Sometimes when this happens the lights flash, other times nothing happens at all. Turn the power off and back on. If that doesn’t work, check the manufacturer’s instructions for resetting the dishwasher. You may have to press and hold the start button, or unplug the machine for a minute or two. After resetting, you’ll be able to start a new wash cycle.
5. Turn Off the Power Before Disassembling the Dishwasher
Sometimes internal components malfunction and need to be replaced. If you are an experienced DIYer, you may be able to repair the broken dishwasher yourself, but before opening the machine to work on it, be sure to disconnect it from the power source. Use a multimeter to test internal components. Obtain a wiring diagram for your dishwasher model to ensure that you are testing the correct terminals.
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6. Test the Door Latch Switch
Remove the inner door panel to access the door latch assembly at the top of the door. Make sure the catch engages the door latch switch when it is inserted into the latch assembly. If all appears to work properly, use a multimeter to test the switches for continuity. With the multimeter set on Rx1, touch the probes to the switch terminals. The reading should be at or near zero. If your reading is different, replace the door latch assembly.
7. Test the Timer
The dishwasher timer controls the wash cycle start and stop times. It is often found on the control panel, but can also be located behind the lower kick plate on some models. Refer to your wiring diagram for which contacts to test. With the multimeter set on Rx1000, touch the contacts with the probes. Refer to your owner’s manual for expected values, typically 2000 to 3500 ohms. Replace the timer if your readings differ from the manufacturer’s recommendations.
8. Test the Selector Switch
Selector switches determine the wash cycle settings for each load. They are normally located on the control panel. Test each button individually. Remove the switch from the panel. With the multimeter set on Rx1, touch the probes to the switch terminals. It should produce a reading of infinity. Then, with the probes still touching the terminals, press the button. This should produce a reading of zero. Replace the selector switch if you get any other readings.
9. Test the Motor Start Relay
The motor start relay signals the dishwasher motor to start. Locate it near the pump, behind the lower access panel of the dishwasher. Remove the relay and refer to the wiring diagram. With the multimeter set on Rx1, test the coil for continuity. It should produce a reading of zero.
Then, manually activate the relay by turning it upside down, and allowing the plunger to drop. Touch the probes to the relay terminals. Expect a reading of zero. If your readings differ, replace the motor start relay.
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10. Test the Thermal Fuse
The thermal fuse prevents damage to electrical components due to overheating. If it blows, it shuts down the dishwasher. Find the thermal fuse on the control board, behind the inner door. Disconnect the two connecting wires and remove the fuse from the control panel to test it. Set the multimeter to Rx1 and touch the probes to the contacts on the fuse. This should produce a reading of zero. Replace the thermal fuse if you get any other reading.
11. Test the Drive Motor
The drive motor powers the water inside the dishwasher. If it is faulty, the dishes may not get clean, and the dishwasher may not start. You can find it behind the lower access panel. Disconnect the wires and remove it to test it. With the multimeter set to Rx1, touch the probes to the motor’s terminals. It should produce a reading of zero. Move one of the probes to the metal housing of the motor. This should not produce a reading. If either of these tests produces a different reading, the motor is faulty.
The average lifespan of a dishwasher is about 10 years. So, if an expensive drive motor goes out after a decade, it might make better financial sense to buy a new dishwasher instead of trying to repair the problem. But if your appliance isn’t that old, these tips can help you perform a simple repair to keep it going for several more years and save money.
