Why Won’t My Dishwasher Turn On?

Finding out your dishwasher has stopped working isn’t a good way to start your day, particularly if you are also faced with the expense of calling out a professional as well as taking time off work to let them in just to determine the issue.

Fortunately it’s possible to pinpoint and often sort out plenty of dishwasher problems by yourself without having to call for dishwasher repair, particularly if you have a multimeter.

You could realize you can resolve the fault quite easily by yourself, particularly if you are good at DIY, and if not at worst you will have a better idea of the issue when you do have to phone an engineer.

Things To Do If Your Dishwasher Won’t Turn on

Before you start considering a replacement machine there are a few possible issues you should be able to troubleshoot fairly easily.

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

Commonplace Dishwasher Problems That Will Prevent Your Machine From Starting

In advance of checking your machine for faults make sure that it hasn’t been switched off, and that there are no tripped switches in the circuit breaker.

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

You will often require the user manual for this due to the fact that models vary but the child lock tends to be fairly easy to engage accidentally. Likewise, the dishwasher might have power yet will not start, in this case the answer may be as easy as resetting the cycle.

Once you have ruled out these problems it’s time for the real investigations to start.

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

To check these electrical components you will need a multimeter, or VOM (volt-ohm-milliammeter) to test the resistance as well as check the 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 start if these are broken for obvious reasons. You wouldn’t want run the machine without meaning to with the door open.

A faulty switch will stop your dishwasher from starting plus operating. You should 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 taking off the door panel and checking for continuity to prevent yourself from getting an electric shock.

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

Testing the Timer

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

This is the part of the machine that sends power to all the different parts the machine requires to run such as the motor, as well as the water inlet valve.

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

Testing the Selector Switch

The selector switch is the component that chooses the program and will vary depending on the make or model of your machine. A broken selector switch or one that has got stuck might result in the machine not to turn on.

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

Checking the Motor Relay

The motor relay is another component that may cause your dishwasher not to start, thus this might be the issue if you have checked the control panel and know that there is power running to the main pump.

To test if this is the case you need to locate the motor as well as find the relay that should be located next to the motor. This can then be taken out as well as tested with a multimeter, if faulty you may have to replace it.

Examining the Thermal Fuse

Once you have tested the above issues yet still haven’t found the issue the next component to investigate is the thermal fuse. Note: Not all machines have a thermal fuse.

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

Examining the Drive Motor

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

If you have tested the other electrical components yet still aren’t getting anywhere this could be the issue especially if your machine has previously been making a loud humming noise.

You can usually access the motor by removing the panel at the bottom of the machine. Test it using a multimeter then replace if not working.

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 sooner rather than later.

If you are happy to perform the above troubleshooting then you could well be able to sort out the problem without assistance. But if you are not sure it’s always better to contact an engineer.

Don’t forget to check your insurance as well as your home cover as appliance repairs could be included and so the costs might be less than you were expecting.