Why Won’t My Dishwasher Turn On?

Discovering your dishwasher isn’t working isn’t a fun way to start your day, especially if you are also faced with the cost of calling out a repair person and staying home to let them in just to determine the fault.

Fortunately it’s possible to pinpoint and even resolve many dishwasher faults yourself without needing to call for dishwasher repair, particularly if you are able to find a multimeter.

You could realize you are able to resolve the fault quite easily yourself, particularly if you are quite handy, and if you can’t at least you will be better placed to describe the problem when you do have to call a repair man.

Things To Do If Your Dishwasher Won’t Start

Before you start searching for a new machine there are a few possible issues you can identify fairly easily.

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

Routine Dishwasher Faults That Will Stop Your Dishwasher From Turning On

Before you begin investigating your machine for problems make sure that your dishwasher hasn’t been inadvertently unplugged, and that none of the switches on the circuit breaker have tripped.

This is also an opportune moment to see if the child lock hasn’t been activated plus try resetting your machine.

You will most likely need the user manual for this as models vary but the child lock is usually quite easy to put on inadvertently. Similarly, if the dishwasher has lights but will not run, the solution might be as simple as resetting the cycle.

Once you have ruled out these issues it’s time for the real detective work to begin.

1. Have a look at the door latch or door latch switch.
2. Check the timer.
3. Examine the selector switch.
4. Examine the motor relay.
5. Check the thermal fuse.
6. Test the drive motor.

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

Checking the Door Latch as well as the Door Latch Switch

The initial thing to test is the door latches and door latch switches. Your dishwasher is designed not to run if the door latches are broken for understandable reasons. You wouldn’t want to be able to accidentally begin the dishwasher with the door open.

A faulty switch will stop your dishwasher from starting as well as operating. You should check the switch with a multimeter. The switch will usually be situated under the front door panel or control panel.

Ensure you have disconnected power to the machine prior to accessing the door panel and testing for continuity to make sure you do not get an electric shock.

If you discover the latches or switches are broken you will need to replace them.

Testing the Timer

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

This is the part of the machine that sends electricity to all the other parts the machine requires to run including the motor, as well as the valves.

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

Checking the Selector Switch

The selector switch is the part of the dishwasher that chooses the cycle , it’s style and location will vary contingent on the make or model of your machine. A not working selector switch or even one that has not been fully engaged might cause the machine not to run.

You should be able to see if the buttons are depressing fully, or you might be required to disconnect the dishwasher in order to have a look at the control panel to check the connections for continuity with the help of a multimeter.

Testing the Motor Relay

The motor relay is another component that can cause your machine not to start, thus this could be the problem if you have tested the control panel and know that there is power going to the main pump.

To check if this is the case you need to find the motor plus locate the relay that will usually be mounted next to the motor. This may then be removed as well as checked using a multimeter and it might need to be replaced.

Examining the Thermal Fuse

When you have investigated all the above and are yet to find the problem the next part to investigate is the thermal fuse. This will only be found on some models and is designed to stop the control board overheating.

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 part of the dishwasher you could check that may prevent your machine from running is the drive motor. This is the component that moves the water around to wash your dishes.

When you have tested the other electrical components yet still aren’t getting anywhere this could be the cause of the problem especially if you noticed a loud humming coming from the machine.

You can usually access the motor by removing the panel at the bottom of the machine. Check it by using a multimeter then replace if faulty.

When to Get in Touch With a Repair person

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 a repair person.

If you are happy to undertake the above checks then you may well be able to sort out the fault without assistance. Yet if you are con confident it might be easier to contact an engineer.

And have a look at your insurance and your home cover as appliance repairs could be covered and so the costs might be less than you were expecting.