Why Won’t My Dishwasher Turn On?

Discovering your dishwasher has stopped working isn’t a fun way to begin your day, particularly if you are also faced with the cost of calling out a repair person and staying home to meet them just to determine the issue.

Luckily it’s very feasible to diagnose and often resolve a number of machine faults yourself without needing to call for dishwasher repair, especially if you happen to own a multimeter.

You could realize you are able to fix the problem quite easily by yourself, particularly if you are good at DIY, and if not at least you will have a better idea of the fault when you do have to call a repair man.

Things To Do If Your Dishwasher Won’t Start

In advance of looking for a new machine there are a few common faults you should be able to identify fairly easily.

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

Routine Dishwasher Faults That Will Stop Your Dishwasher From Starting

Before you start going through the following list of potential problems make sure that it hasn’t been unplugged, as well as that none of the switches on the circuit breaker have tripped.

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

You will often require the user guide to do this due to the fact that machines are all different however the child lock tends to be quite simple to engage without meaning to. Similarly, the machine might have lights yet will not run, in this case the answer could be as simple as resetting the cycle.

When you have eliminated these faults you can start the real troubleshooting.

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

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

Checking the Door Latch as well as the Door Latch Switch

The initial thing to check is the door latches and door latch switches. Your machine is designed not to operate if the door latches are not working for understandable reasons. You wouldn’t want run the machine without meaning to with the door not closed.

A defective switch will stop your dishwasher from turning on as well as operating. You may wish to check the switch using a multimeter. The switch will usually be located under the front door panel or control panel.

Ensure you have disconnected power to the dishwasher prior to removing the door panel and testing for continuity to prevent yourself from getting an electric shock.

If the latches or switches are not working you will need to replace them.

Checking the Timer

If the door latch as well as door latch switch, are working as they should the next component to check is the timer or electronic control.

This is the component that sends power to all the other components the machine needs to operate such as the motor, and the valves.

If your machine is controlled electronically as opposed to mechanically then it might 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

This is the part of your machine that selects the program and will vary contingent on the make as well as the model of your dishwasher. A broken selector switch or one that has got stuck may result in the machine not to start.

You can usually see if the buttons are depressing fully, or you may be required to unplug the machine in order to access the control panel to test the contact points for continuity with the help of a multimeter.

Testing the Motor Relay

The motor relay is another part that could cause your dishwasher not to start, thus this could be the issue if you have tested the control panel and so have ascertained that there should be power going to the main pump.

To test if this is the case you will have to gain access to the motor as well as find the relay that will usually be mounted next to it. This can then be taken out plus checked with a multimeter and it might have to be replaced.

Testing the Thermal Fuse

If you have investigated all the above but still haven’t found the issue the next component to investigate would be the thermal fuse. Note: Not all machines have a thermal fuse.

If it will need to be replaced in order to restore power to the control board.

Testing the Drive Motor

The final component you can test that might stop your dishwasher from running is the drive motor. This is the part of the machine that circulates the water to wash your dishes.

Once you have tested the other parts and still haven’t discovered the issue this could be the issue especially if your machine has previously been making a loud humming noise.

You should be able to locate the motor by removing the lower access panel. Test it with the help of a multimeter and replace if faulty.

When to Get in Touch With an Engineer

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 tests then you may well be able to sort out the problem without needing a professional. Yet if you are unsure it’s always better to call in the professionals.

And check your warranty and your home cover as dishwasher repairs might be covered and so the expense could be less than you were expecting.