A dishwasher that won’t turn on can be a frustrating problem to deal with. You may be wondering what the cause is and how to fix it. In this beginner’s guide, we will explore the potential reasons why your dishwasher may not turn on and provide solutions to fix it.
Reasons Why Your Dishwasher Not Turn On
Malfunctioning Door Latch Switch
A malfunctioning door latch switch can prevent the dishwasher from turning on, as it is a safety feature that prevents the dishwasher from running when the door is open. Here are some steps to diagnose and fix a malfunctioning door latch switch:
- Turn off the power to your dishwasher and unplug it from the electrical outlet.
- Locate the door latch assembly on your dishwasher, which is typically located on the top edge of the dishwasher door.
- Inspect the door latch for any signs of damage or wear, such as cracks or broken pieces.
- Test the door latch switch by pressing it down to see if it clicks or if there is any resistance. If it is loose or not clicking, it may be stuck or broken.
- Replace the door latch switch by ordering a replacement switch from the manufacturer or a reputable appliance parts supplier. Refer to your dishwasher’s user manual for instructions on how to replace the door latch switch, or consult a professional if necessary.
- Once the new switch is installed, plug the dishwasher back in and test to see if it is functioning properly.
If the door latch switch is not the issue, there may be other problems with your dishwasher’s electrical system or control panel. It’s recommended to refer to your dishwasher’s user manual for specific troubleshooting steps or to consult a professional for assistance.
Stuck Latch
If you’re experiencing issues with your dishwasher not working, such as a stuck latch, here are some steps you can follow to address this problem:
- Turn off power to the dishwasher. This can be done by unplugging it or turning off the circuit breaker.
- Check the latch for any visible damage or debris. If you see any visible debris or damage, remove it with a soft cloth or a pair of pliers.
- Gently try to move the latch into the correct position. If the latch is stuck in the closed position, gently try to move it into the open position. If the latch is stuck in the open position, gently try to move it into the closed position.
- Check the door strike. The door strike is the metal piece on the dishwasher frame that the latch clicks into. Make sure the strike is properly aligned with the latch.
- Turn on power to the dishwasher and try starting a cycle. If the dishwasher still doesn’t turn on, you may need to replace the latch.
If you’re dealing with a dishwasher not working, it’s important to troubleshoot the latch issue as described above. Additionally, here are some additional tips to help you maintain the dishwasher’s latch:
- Keep the latch and the surrounding area clean and free of debris.
- Avoid slamming the dishwasher door shut, as this can damage the latch.
Child Safety Latch
Many dishwashers come equipped with a child safety latch that can prevent the appliance from turning on. If your dishwasher is not turning on, it is important to check if the child safety latch is engaged. Here are the steps to check for a child safety latch on your dishwasher:
- Locate the child safety latch on your dishwasher. It is usually located on the top of the dishwasher door or on the control panel.
- Check the position of the latch. If it is engaged, the dishwasher will not turn on.
- To disengage the latch, press down on it or move it to the off position, depending on the design of the latch.
- Try turning on the dishwasher again to see if the problem is resolved.
If the dishwasher still does not turn on after disengaging the child safety latch, there may be other issues that need to be addressed.
Broken Latch
If you’re dealing with a dishwasher that won’t start, one possible cause could be a broken latch. If the latch is broken, it can prevent the dishwasher from turning on or cause it to stop mid-cycle. Follow these steps to diagnose and fix a broken door latch:
- Turn off the power to your dishwasher and unplug it from the electrical outlet.
- Inspect the door latch for any signs of damage or wear, such as cracks or broken pieces.
- Test the door latch by closing the dishwasher door and attempting to turn it on. If the dishwasher does not turn on, the latch may be broken.
In case the dishwasher won’t start, it’s crucial to address a potentially broken latch promptly. By following the steps above, you can identify if the latch is the culprit. Remember to check for any visible damage or wear on the latch, and test it by closing the door and attempting to start the dishwasher. If the issue persists, it’s advisable to seek further assistance to diagnose and resolve any other electrical or control panel problems.
Control Panel Issues
If you’re having issues with your dishwasher’s control panel, here are some steps you can take to address the issue:
- Turn off power to the dishwasher. This can be done by unplugging it or turning off the circuit breaker.
- Check the control panel for any visible damage or debris. If you see any visible debris or damage, remove it with a soft cloth or a pair of pliers.
- Reset the dishwasher control panel. This can be done by unplugging the dishwasher or turning off the circuit breaker for a few minutes, then turning it back on.
- Check the dishwasher’s wiring. Make sure that all the wires are properly connected to the control panel and the dishwasher’s main control board.
Here are some additional tips to help you maintain the dishwasher’s control panel:
- Keep the control panel and the surrounding area clean and free of debris.
- Avoid using excessive force when pressing buttons on the control panel, as this can damage the panel.
Cycle Settings Not Working
If the cycle settings are not working, the dishwasher may not turn on. Try selecting a different cycle and see if the dishwasher turns on.
- Turn off the power to your dishwasher and unplug it from the electrical outlet.
- Check the control panel to make sure the cycle settings are properly aligned and functioning. If the control panel is faulty, it may need to be replaced.
- Check the cycle time to make sure it is functioning properly. If the timer is faulty, it may need to be replaced.
- Test the dishwasher’s heating element to make sure it is functioning properly. If the heating element is not working, it can cause issues with the cycle settings.
- If the issue is not with the control panel, timer, or heating element, there may be a problem with the dishwasher’s electrical system. It’s recommended to consult a professional for assistance.
In some cases, simply resetting the dishwasher can fix issues with cycle settings. To reset your dishwasher, turn off the power to it for at least 5 minutes and then turn it back on.
Start Button Not Responding
f your dishwasher won’t turn on, a potential issue could be a start button that is not responding. When the start button fails to respond, it can prevent the dishwasher from powering on. Follow these steps to troubleshoot a dishwasher with an unresponsive start button:
- Check to make sure that the dishwasher is properly plugged in and that the circuit breaker is not tripped.
- Inspect the control panel for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks, splits, or discoloration.
- Press the start button several times to see if it responds. If it does not, try pressing other buttons on the control panel to see if they respond. If none of the buttons respond, there may be an issue with the control panel.
- Disconnect the power to your dishwasher by unplugging it or turning off the circuit breaker that powers it.
- Remove the control panel from the dishwasher and inspect it for any signs of damage or wear.
- If the control panel is damaged or worn, it may need to be replaced.
- If the control panel appears to be in good condition, try cleaning the button contacts with a soft, damp cloth. Dirt and grime can accumulate on the button contacts, preventing them from making a connection.
- Reassemble the control panel and turn on the power to your dishwasher.
- Try pressing the start button again to see if it responds. If it does not, the control panel may need to be replaced.
Selector Switches Not Functioning
Selector switches are responsible for selecting the wash cycle and options on your dishwasher. If the selector switches are not functioning, it can prevent the dishwasher from turning on or starting a cycle. Here are some steps you can follow to address this issue:
- Turn off power to the dishwasher. This can be done by unplugging it or turning off the circuit breaker.
- Check the selector switches for any visible damage or debris. If you see any visible debris or damage, remove it with a soft cloth or a pair of pliers.
- Try selecting a different cycle. If the dishwasher turns on and starts a different cycle, the problem may be with the original cycle selected. Make sure the selected cycle is compatible with your dishwasher.
- Check the wiring. Make sure that all the wires are properly connected to the selector switches and the dishwasher’s main control board.
Here are some additional tips to help you maintain the selector switches:
- Keep the selector switches and the surrounding area clean and free of debris.
- Avoid using excessive force when selecting options on the control panel, as this can damage the switches.
Electric Timer Control Failure
If your dishwasher won’t turn on, another possible cause could be an electric timer control failure. When the timer control fails, it can prevent the dishwasher from starting or completing a wash cycle. Follow these steps to troubleshoot an electric timer control failure on your dishwasher:
- Check to make sure that the dishwasher is properly plugged in and that the circuit breaker is not tripped.
- Inspect the control panel for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks, splits, or discoloration.
- Start a wash cycle on the dishwasher and observe the timer control to see if it advances through the cycle. If the timer control does not advance, there may be an issue with the control panel.
- Disconnect the power to your dishwasher by unplugging it or turning off the circuit breaker that powers it.
- Remove the control panel from the dishwasher and inspect the timer control for any signs of damage or wear.
- Check the wiring connections to the timer control to make sure they are secure and not loose or damaged.
- Test the timer control using a multimeter. Set the multimeter to the ohms setting and touch the probes to the terminals on the timer control. If the reading is outside of the expected range, the timer control may need to be replaced.
Faulty Internal Components
If the internal components of the dishwasher are faulty, it can prevent the dishwasher from turning on.
Motor Start Relay Issue
If you suspect that the motor start relay is the issue preventing your dishwasher from turning on, here are some steps you can take to diagnose and fix the problem:
- Turn off the power to the dishwasher and unplug it from the electrical outlet.
- Locate the motor start relay, which is typically located near the motor at the bottom of the dishwasher.
- Inspect the relay for any visible signs of damage or burning, such as melted wires or a burnt smell.
- Test the relay using a multimeter to determine if it is functioning properly. If it is not, the relay will need to be replaced.
Thermal Fuse Problem
The thermal fuse is an important safety feature in a dishwasher that prevents it from overheating. If the thermal fuse is blown, it can cause the dishwasher to not turn on. Here are some steps you can follow to address this issue:
- Turn off power to the dishwasher. This can be done by unplugging it or turning off the circuit breaker.
- Locate the thermal fuse. It is typically located on the control board or in the control panel.
- Check the thermal fuse for any visible damage or discoloration. If the thermal fuse is blown, it will need to be replaced.
Here are some additional tips to help you maintain the dishwasher’s thermal fuse:
- Avoid overloading the dishwasher, which can cause it to overheat and blow the thermal fuse.
- Keep the dishwasher clean and free of debris to prevent overheating.
Drive Motor Malfunction
If the drive motor on your dishwasher is malfunctioning, it can prevent the appliance from turning on or functioning properly. Here are the steps to troubleshoot a drive motor malfunction on your dishwasher:
- Check to make sure that the dishwasher is properly plugged in and that the circuit breaker is not tripped.
- Start a wash cycle on the dishwasher and listen for any unusual sounds coming from the motor. A malfunctioning drive motor may produce a grinding or humming noise.
- Open the dishwasher door during the wash cycle and inspect the spray arms to see if they are rotating. If they are not, there may be an issue with the drive motor.
- Disconnect the power to your dishwasher by unplugging it or turning off the circuit breaker that powers it.
- Remove the access panel on the dishwasher to access the drive motor.
- Check the wiring connections to the drive motor to make sure they are secure and not loose or damaged.
- Test the drive motor using a multimeter. Set the multimeter to the ohms setting and touch the probes to the terminals on the drive motor. If the reading is outside of the expected range, the motor may need to be replaced.
A dishwasher that won’t turn on can be a frustrating problem to deal with. By understanding the potential reasons for this issue and taking the appropriate actions, you can keep your dishwasher running smoothly. Remember, if you are unsure about any of these actions, consult your dishwasher’s manual or a professional repair service for assistance. Regular maintenance and proper use of your dishwasher can help prevent these issues from occurring in the future.