Will not start

18% of dishwasher problemsDifficulty: EASYFix rate: 58%

Learn how to fix a dishwasher that will not start, by checking a few key components, such as door latch switches, timers, electronic controls, motor relays and thermal fuses.

Most Likely Causes

Door Latch

Most common causeappliancepartspros

The door latch is an important part of the dishwasher that makes sure the door is securely closed. If the door does not latch properly, it may be due to a problem with the door switch, which can prevent the dishwasher from running. You will need to inspect the door latch for any signs of damage. If you find that the door latch is broken it will need to be replaced.

Repair Steps

1.Disconnect power at circuit breaker. Turn off power to dishwasher for safety.
2.Remove trim pieces from latch area if any. Locate securing screws or clips around edges.
3.Identify latching mechanism onEdge of door. Can be lever, button or internal assembly.
4.Remove any mounting screws for latch. A couple screws usually attach latch mechanism.
5.Detach old latch assembly from door edge. Gently pry latch parts off once screws out.
6.Clean out mounting holes on door edge. Remove debris from where new latch will attach.
7.Mount replacement latch assembly. Line up holes and start securing screws.
8.Check function by closing door. Ensure door seals and latch engages securely.
9.Reattach any trim pieces removed earlier. Snap molding securely back into place.
10.Reconnect power and run test cycle. Check door remains closed during operation.
11.Readjust if needed before final use. Fine tune latch parts if door not closing properly.

Main Control Board

Most common causeappliancepartspros

The main control board is responsible for supplying power to almost every part of the dishwasher. If there is an issue with the main control board, it may not send the necessary voltage to start the dishwasher, resulting in it not working. It's important to note that control boards are often mistakenly identified as the problem. Before considering a replacement of the main control board, you will need to thoroughly check other parts that are more commonly known to cause issues.

Repair Steps

1.Disconnect power at circuit breaker. Turn off power to dishwasher before servicing.
2.Remove lower dishwasher panel. Find securing screws along bottom of dishwasher cavity.
3.Note wire connections to board. Take photos of positions for reconnection later.
4.Disconnect all wires from board. Gently detach each wire connection point by point.
5.Remove mounting screws from board. Typically 2-3 screws hold board securely in place.
6.Detach old board from mounting posts. Carefully lift out once fully disconnected.
7.Clean mounting area of any debris. Wipe surface where new control board will install.
8.Mount replacement control board. Set into position and start securing screws.
9.Reconnect wires one by one. Reference photos to precisely match wires and connectors.
10.Replace lower access panel removed earlier. Secure with screws.
11.Reconnect power and test functions. Run cycle while checking for proper operations.

Door Switch

Most common causeappliancepartspros

The door switch in a dishwasher is designed to stop the dishwasher from running when the door is open. If the door switch is not working properly, it may prevent the dishwasher from running even when the door is closed. To check if the door switch is the issue, you can use a multimeter to test its continuity. If the switch does not have continuity it will need to be replaced.

Repair Steps

1.Disconnect power at circuit breaker. Turn off power for safety before servicing.
2.Locate door switch on inside of dishwasher door frame. Commonly near hinge or closure area.
3.Note wire connections to switch leads. Take photos of positions for reconnection later.
4.Disconnect wires from switch leads one by one. Gently detach each wire from its terminal.
5.Remove mounting screw(s) securing switch housing. Usually 1-2 small screws hold switch body.
6.Detach old door switch housing from door frame. Carefully lift out once fully disconnected.
7.Clean mounting area where new switch will attach. Remove any debris from surface.
8.Mount replacement door switch housing on door frame. Secure with screws removed earlier.
9.Reconnect wires to new switch leads individually. Refer to photos to precisely match positions.
10.Close door and check for proper function. Switch should activate at correct door positions.
11.Reconnect power and run test cycle. Confirm machine operates only with door fully closed.

Wire Harness

Most common causeappliancepartspros

If you press the start button on the dishwasher, but it still won't start, there might be a problem with the wire harness that carries power from the control board to the pump components. Check the wire harness for any wires that are frayed or broken. If you find any damaged wires they will need to be replaced.

Repair Steps

1.Disconnect power at the circuit breaker. Turn off power for safety before servicing.
2.Remove any outer casing or access panels. Find securing screws to access wire routing internally.
3.Note positions of all wire connections. Take photos of harness ends for accurate reconnection.
4.Disconnect wires from control board(s) and other ends one by one. Gently detach each wire connector individually.
5.Remove any securing fasteners or ties holding harness in place. Clips or ties may mount harness along its routing path.
6.Withdraw old wire harness through its routing channel. Carefully extract harness out of its installed position.
7.Clean routing channel where new harness will install. Remove any debris or residue from path.
8.Route replacement wire harness through channel. Feed new harness into position along exact same path.
9.Reconnect wires one by one matching positions. Refer to photos taken earlier for wire locations.
10.Reinstall any fasteners or ties along harness route. Secure in place to prevent movement or damage.
11.Replace access panels removed earlier. Reconnect power and test functions.

Fuse

14.1% of casesamazon_reviews

Hose

12.9% of casesamazon_reviews

Control Board

9.4% of casesamazon_reviews

The control board of a dishwasher is responsible for providing power to almost all of its electrical components. If the control board is defective, it may not be able to supply power to the electrical parts or respond when the buttons on the touchpad are pressed. This can result in the dishwasher not starting properly. Before considering a control board replacement, thoroughly inspect other parts that are more commonly known to be defective.

Repair Steps

1.Disconnect power at circuit breaker. Turn off power to dishwasher before servicing.
2.Remove lower access panel or kick panel. Find and remove securing screws along bottom.
3.Note positions of all wire connections to board. Take photos to reference during reconnection.
4.Disconnect all wires from old control board. Gently detach each wire one at a time.
5.Remove mounting screws from board enclosure. Usually 2-4 screws secure electronic board assembly.
6.Detach old control board from enclosure base. Carefully lift board out once fully disconnected.
7.Clean mounting area inside enclosure base. Wipe away any debris from new board mounting area.
8.Mount replacement control board into base. Set into position and start securing screws.
9.Reconnect wires one by one, matching positions. Reference photos to precisely reconnect wires.
10.Replace lower access panel removed earlier. Secure with screws.
11.Reconnect power and test functions. Run cycle while checking for proper operations.

Pump

9% of casesamazon_reviews

Filter

7.8% of casesamazon_reviews

Motor

6.3% of casesamazon_reviews

Valve

5.5% of casesamazon_reviews

Heating Element

4.7% of casesamazon_reviews

Door Latch Or Door Latch Switch

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Timer Or Electronic Control

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Selector Switch

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Motor Start Relay

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Thermal Fuse

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The thermal fuse in a dishwasher is responsible for cutting off power if the dishwasher becomes too hot. If the thermal fuse blows, it will prevent the dishwasher from turning on and starting. To check if the thermal fuse is defective, you can use a multimeter to test its continuity. If the thermal fuse does not have continuity, you will need to replace it.

Repair Steps

1.Safety First:
2.Prepare the Workspace:
3.Locate the Thermal Fuse:
4.Access the Thermal Fuse:
5.Disconnect Wiring:
6.Remove the Old Fuse:
7.Replace with a New Thermal Fuse:
8.Reconnect Wiring:
9.Reassemble the Dishwasher:
10.Test the Dishwasher:
11.Final Checks:

Drive Motor

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Water Inlet Valve

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The water inlet valve is responsible for allowing water to enter the dishwasher. If the valve gets clogged or is defective, water will not flow into the dishwasher as intended. You can test for power at the water valve when it should be filling. If you have power there and no water comes in then you will need to replace the valve.

Repair Steps

1.Safety Precautions:
2.Access the Water Inlet Valve:
3.Gather Necessary Tools and Replacement Parts:
4.Disconnect Water Supply:
5.Remove the Access Panel:
6.Disconnect Wiring and Hoses:
7.Remove the Old Valve:
8.Prepare the New Water Inlet Valve:
9.Install the New Valve:
10.Reconnect Wiring and Hoses:
11.Reattach the Access Panel:
12.Turn On Water Supply:
13.Plug In and Test:
14.Final Check:

Timer

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The timer in a dishwasher plays a crucial role in allowing power to reach the appropriate parts at specific times. If the timer malfunctions, it may fail to send the necessary voltage to the dishwasher, resulting in it not starting. It's important to note that timers are frequently misidentified as the root cause of the problem. Before considering a timer replacement, it is advisable to thoroughly inspect other parts that are more commonly known to be defective.

Repair Steps

1.Disconnect power to the dishwasher at the circuit breaker. Shut off for safety before servicing.
2.Remove the lower access panel and locate the dishwasher timer. It's usually mounted on the interior tub wall.
3.Note wire positions connected to timer terminals. Take clear photos for reference during reconnection.
4.Disconnect all wires from timer terminals one at a time. Carefully detach each connection.
5.Remove mounting screws holding timer body in place. Lift timer straight up once detached.
6.Clean area where new timer will mount. Remove any debris from mounting surface.
7.Mount replacement timer using screws previously removed. Align screw holes properly.
8.Reconnect wires individually matching positions in your reference photos.
9.Replace access panel and securely tighten screws. Avoid pinching wires.
10.Reconnect power and run test cycle. Check that new timer operates dishwasher.
11.Inspect final installation.

Drain Pump

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A dishwasher drain pump removes the water from the tub at different stages of operation. Before the fill cycle begins, the unit will drain some water from the tub. If the drain pump is faulty and unable to remove any water, it could prevent the dishwasher from starting.

Repair Steps

1.Unplug dishwasher and disconnect hoses. Remove the power cord from the outlet and disconnect the drain and inlet water hoses from theold pump.
2.Remove kick panel. Look for mounting screws, tabs or clips along the bottom front of the appliance. Use a screwdriver to release any fasteners holding the kick panel in place.
3.Locate and remove old pump. The pump is usually located near the bottom center or bottom right corner inside the dishwasher. Use a wrench to remove any mounting bolts. Carefully pull out the old pump.
4.Clean area around new pump site. Wipe away any debris or standing water near where the new pump will mount.
5.Install new drain pump. Set the new pump in place and secure it with the mounting bolts. Hand-tighten bolts securely.
6.Reconnect hoses to pump. Push drain and inlet hoses securely over barbs at pump. Make sure the hose clamps are tight.
7.Replace kick panel. Align panel and secure with any screws or fasteners removed earlier.
8.Plug in and test dishwasher. Reconnect power cord and run a short cycle to check for leaks and ensure new pump is functioning properly.

Touchpad and Control Panel

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Check to see if the touchpad is causing the issue. Try pressing different buttons on the touchpad. If you find that some of the buttons are unresponsive, it's possible that the touchpad is defective. It's worth noting that certain manufacturers sell the touchpad separately from the control panel, while others require you to purchase both together. If you're unable to replace the touchpad individually, you will need to replace both the touchpad and the control panel together.

Repair Steps

1.Disconnect power at circuit breaker. Turn off power to dishwasher for safety.
2.Remove control panel trim. Find screws or tabs along sides/bottom of rim and lift off.
3.Disconnect control wires. Note positions to correctly reconnect later.
4.Remove control panel mounting screws. Locate 2-4 screws securing panel inside door.
5.Detach old panel and touchpad assembly. Gently lift out once screws are removed.
6.Clean mounting area inside door. Wipe away debris where new panel will attach.
7.Mount replacement panel and touchpad. Set into position and start mounting screws.
8.Reconnect control wires one by one. Match colors and labels precisely.
9.Replace trim piece removed earlier. Snap edges back into position around new panel.
10.Reconnect power and test functions. Run cycle to confirm all settings respond as intended.
11.Troubleshoot if needed. Check wire connections if issues operating new controls.

Touchpad

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Repair Steps

1.Disconnect power at circuit breaker. Turn off power to dishwasher.
2.Remove control panel trim. Find securing screws or clips around edges of panel.
3.Disconnect touchpad wires. Note positions of wires to reconnect properly later.
4.Remove touchpad mounting screws. A few small screws attach touchpad within panel.
5.Detach old touchpad from control panel. Gently lift out once screws are removed.
6.Clean mounting area inside control panel. Wipe away debris from where new touchpad mounts.
7.Mount replacement touchpad. Set into position and start securing screws.
8.Reconnect wires to touchpad. Match colors and positions of wires precisely.
9.Replace trim piece removed earlier. Snap control panel rim securely back into place.
10.Reconnect power and test functions. Run cycle to ensure all buttons respond correctly.
11.Troubleshoot if issues occur. Check wire connections if new touchpad isn't functioning.

Pump and Motor Assembly

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A faulty dishwasher pump and motor assembly can keep the appliance from starting. Make sure that there is power reaching the circulation pump and motor. If power is reaching the pump and motor assembly but it still fails to run, you will need to replace it.

Repair Steps

1.Disconnect power to dishwasher at circuit breaker. Shut off for safety before servicing.
2.Remove lower kick panel and drain hose from pump. Detach hose clamp to separate parts.
3.Note position of wires on motor terminals for reconnecting later. Take clear photos if needed.
4.Disconnect wires from existing pump motor one at a time. Carefully remove without damaging.
5.Remove mounting screws securing pump body to dishwasher tub. Lift out entire assembly.
6.Clean area where new pump will mount. Remove debris from mounting surface.
7.Mount replacement pump body using screws removed earlier. Align mounting holes properly.
8.Reconnect wires individually matching positions noted earlier. Refer to photos as needed.
9.Reattach drain hose to new pump with clamp. Make sure you have a tight secure connection.
10.Replace lower panel and reconnect power. Run test cycle to check new pump operation.
11.Inspect installation and make adjustments as needed.

Circulation Pump

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If a dishwasher has a faulty circulation pump, it can keep the appliance from starting. It's important to make power is reaching the circulation pump and motor. If power is indeed reaching the circulation pump but it still fails to run, you will need to replace it.

Repair Steps

1.Shut off water supply and unplug dishwasher. Turn off the water valve and disconnect the power cord from the outlet.
2.Remove toe panel or kick panel. Find mounting screws/clips and remove the bottom front panel.
3.Locate circulation pump. It's usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher, towards the front near the toe panel area.
4.Disconnect hoses from pump. Gently squeeze hose clamps and detach hoses from water inlet and outlet ports on the pump.
5.Remove mounting screws. Use a nut driver or socket wrench to remove screws or bolts securing the pump assembly in place.
6.Detach electrical connection. Disconnect the wiring harness plug from the back of the pump motor.
7.Remove old pump. Pull out the circulation pump from the dishwasher.
8.Install new pump. Set the replacement pump into position and hand-tighten mounting screws.
9.Reattach hoses and wires. Secure water inlet and outlet hoses to ports with clamps. Plug wiring harness into new pump.
10.Replace front panel and test. Reinstall lower panel and run a cycle to check for leaks on hose connections.

User Control and Display Board

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The user control and display board of a dishwasher allows the user to choose a wash and drying cycle and start the appliance. If the start button fails to function, it is probable that the user control and display board is experiencing a malfunction and will require replacement with a new one.

Repair Steps

1.Disconnect power at circuit breaker. Turn off power for safety before servicing.
2.Remove control panel trim pieces if any. Find screws or clips around edges of trim molding.
3.Note wire connection positions on board. Take photos for accurate reconnection later.
4.Disconnect all wires from old control board. Carefully detach each wire by its connection point.
5.Remove mounting screws securing board in place. Usually 2-3 small screws hold board inside panel.
6.Detach old control board from back of panel. Gently lift out once fully disconnected.
7.Clean mounting area on back of panel. Wipe away any debris from where new board will attach.
8.Mount replacement control board into panel. Set into position and start securing screws.
9.Reconnect wires one by one matching positions. Refer to photos taken earlier for accuracy.
10.Replace any trim pieces removed initially. Snap securely back into their positions.
11.Reconnect power and test functions. Check all controls and display operating correctly.

Incoming Power Problem

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If the dishwasher doesn't show any lights or make any sounds when turned on, it's probable that power is not reaching the dishwasher. To address this issue, check the circuit breakers and GFCI outlets, if they are present, to make sure they haven't tripped. Inspect any fuses to confirm that none of them have blown. Since most dishwashers are directly wired and not plugged in, it's important to examine the junction box on the dishwasher for any loose or burnt wires.

Float

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Float Switch

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Detergent & Rinse Aid Dispensers

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Rinse Aid Cap

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Door Spring & Hinge Pin

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Wax Motor

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Bi-Metal Release

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