Why Won’t My Dishwasher Turn On?

Discovering your dishwasher isn’t working is never going to be the highlight your day, especially if you are also faced with the cost of calling out an engineer plus staying home to meet them just to diagnose the problem.

The good news is it’s possible to diagnose and even fix plenty of machine problems by yourself without having to call for dishwasher repair, especially if you have a multimeter.

You may realize you are able to sort out the problem quite easily by yourself, particularly if you are good at DIY, and if not at worst you will have a better idea of the problem when you eventually do call a repair man.

What To Do If Your Dishwasher Won’t Turn on

In advance of searching for a new dishwasher there are a few possible problems you can troubleshoot fairly easily.

Safety Warning: Always make sure your dishwasher is unplugged before testing or replacing any electrical components.

Commonplace Dishwasher Issues That Will Stop Your Dishwasher From Starting

Before you start investigating your dishwasher for problems ensure that your dishwasher hasn’t been accidentally unplugged, as well as that there are no tripped switches in the circuit breaker.

At this point you can also check that the child lock hasn’t been activated as well as try resetting your machine.

You will most likely require the user guide to do this due to the fact that models are all different but the child lock is often fairly simple to engage accidentally. Similarly, if the dishwasher has lights but will not run, the solution could be as easy as resetting the program.

When you have ruled out these faults you can start the real troubleshooting.

1. Investigate the door latch or door latch switch.
2. Test the timer.
3. Check the selector switch.
4. Test the motor relay.
5. Test the thermal fuse.
6. Test the drive motor.

To test these parts you will have to have a multimeter, or VOM (volt-ohm-milliammeter) to test the resistance plus check the parts are operating as they should.

Testing the Door Latch and Door Latch Switch

The first place to start is the door latches plus door latch switches. Your machine is designed not to start if these are not working for obvious reasons. You wouldn’t want begin the machine without meaning to with the door open.

A defective switch will prevent your machine from starting plus running. You may wish to check the switch using a multimeter. The switch will usually be situated under the front door panel or control panel.

Make sure you have disconnected power to the machine before taking off the door panel as well as testing 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 a replacement door latch assembly.

Checking the Timer

If the door latch and door latch switch, 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 power to all the other parts the machine needs to run including the pumps, and the water inlet valve.

If your machine has an electronic control as opposed to a mechanical timer then it might have to be checked 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 machine that selects the cycle , it’s style and location will vary depending on the make as well as the model of your machine. A faulty selector switch or one that has got stuck might result in the dishwasher not to run.

You should be able to see if the buttons are depressing fully, or you might be required to unplug the dishwasher in order to access the control panel to test the connections for continuity with the help of a multimeter.

Checking the Motor Relay

The motor relay is an alternative component that can result in your machine not running, and this could be the fault if you have tested the control panel and so know that there is power going to the main pump.

To check this you will have to locate the motor as well as find the relay that will usually be mounted next to it. This could then be taken out plus checked with a multimeter and you may have to replace it.

Testing the Thermal Fuse

Once you have investigated all the above and are yet to find the problem the next part of the dishwasher to test would be the thermal fuse. Note: Not all dishwashers have a thermal fuse.

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.

Testing the Drive Motor

The final component you should be able to check that might prevent your machine from operating is the drive motor. This is the component that moves the water around to wash your dishes.

If you have checked the other components yet still haven’t discovered the issue this could be the cause of the problem particularly if you noticed a loud humming coming from the machine.

You can usually gain access to the motor by removing the lower access panel. Check it using a multimeter then replace if broken.

When to Contact a Repair person

If you don’t have a multimeter and are not confident in taking panels off your dishwasher and testing the components then you will need to call a professional.

If you are happy to perform the above troubleshooting then you may well be able to resolve the problem without needing a professional. But if you are not sure it might be easier to call in the professionals.

And have a look at your warranty plus your home cover as dishwasher repairs might be included and so the costs may be less than you were expecting.