Why Won’t My Dishwasher Turn On?

Discovering your dishwasher has stopped working isn’t a good way to begin your day, especially if you are also faced with the cost of phoning a professional and taking time off work to meet them just to pinpoint the fault.

Fortunately it’s very feasible to determine and even fix plenty of machine problems alone without having to call for dishwasher repair, especially if you have a multimeter.

You could realize you are able to sort out the fault quite easily by yourself, particularly if you are good at DIY, and if you can’t at least you will have a better idea of the issue when you eventually do phone a repair person.

Things To Do If Your Dishwasher Won’t Turn on

In advance of searching for a replacement machine there are a number of common problems you can troubleshoot fairly easily.

Safety Warning: Always make sure your machine is unplugged before attempting repairs.

Routine Dishwasher Issues That Will Stop Your Machine From Turning On

In advance of investigating your machine for problems make sure that your dishwasher hasn’t been switched off, as well as that there are no tripped switches in the circuit breaker.

This is also a good time to see if the child lock isn’t on as well as try resetting your dishwasher.

You will most likely need the manual for this as machines vary but the child lock is often quite easy to activate without meaning to. Similarly, if the dishwasher has lights yet will not run, the answer may be as easy as resetting the program.

Once you have eliminated these issues it’s time for the real detective work to start.

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

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

Examining the Door Latch and Door Latch Switch

The first thing to test is the door latches and door latch switches. Your dishwasher is designed not to operate if these are faulty for understandable reasons. You wouldn’t want run the machine without meaning to with the door not closed.

A defective switch will prevent your dishwasher from turning on plus completing a cycle. You can check the switch with a multimeter. The switch will usually be found behind the front door panel or control panel.

Double check you have disconnected power to the dishwasher prior to accessing the door panel as well as checking for continuity to make sure you do not get an electric shock.

If the latches or switches are broken you will need a replacement door latch assembly.

Testing the Timer

If the latch mechanism is operating as it should the next component to check is the timer or electronic control.

This is the part of the machine that sends electricity to all the different components the machine needs to operate such as the pumps, plus the valves.

If your machine has an electronic control rather than a mechanical timer then it could need to be checked while connected, in which case you should call a repair man.

Checking the Selector Switch

The selector switch is the part of the machine that selects the program , it’s style and location will vary depending on the make and model of your dishwasher. A faulty selector switch or even one that has not been fully engaged could result in the dishwasher not to run.

You can usually visually check to see if the buttons are going down all the way, or you may have to disconnect the machine and access the control panel to check the connections for continuity with the help of a multimeter.

Testing the Motor Relay

The motor relay is an alternative component that can cause your dishwasher not to run, thus this could be the issue if you have checked the control panel and thus know that there should be power running to the main pump.

To test this you will have to locate the motor and locate the relay that will usually be mounted next to the motor. This could then be taken out and tested 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 to investigate is the thermal fuse. Note: Not all dishwashers have a thermal fuse.

If the fuse is blown you will need to replace it in order for the control board to get power.

Testing the Drive Motor

The final part of the dishwasher you could check that may prevent your machine from operating is the drive motor. This is the part of the machine that circulates the water to wash your dishes.

When you have checked the other parts yet still haven’t discovered the issue this may be the culprit particularly if your machine has previously been making a loud humming noise.

You should be able to access the motor by taking off the panel at the bottom of the machine. Check it with the help of a multimeter then replace if faulty.

When to Get in Touch With a Repair person

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

If you are happy to undertake the above troubleshooting then you might well be able to fix the issue without assistance. However if you are con confident it’s always better to call in the professionals.

Don’t forget to examine your warranty as well as your home cover as dishwasher repairs could be included and so the expense may not be as high as you think.