Why Won’t My Dishwasher Turn On?

Finding out your dishwasher is broken isn’t a fun way to begin your day, particularly if you are also faced with the cost of calling out an engineer as well as staying home to let them in just to determine the fault.

Fortunately it’s very feasible to diagnose and often sort out a number of machine faults yourself without having to call for dishwasher repair, especially if you happen to are able to find a multimeter.

You might realize you are able to resolve the issue quite easily yourself, especially if you are good at DIY, and if not at least you will be better placed to describe the issue when you do have to phone a repair person.

What To Do If Your Dishwasher Won’t Turn on

Before you begin searching for a replacement dishwasher there are a number of simple issues you can identify without too much trouble.

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

Routine Dishwasher Issues That Will Stop Your Dishwasher From Turning On

In advance of going through the following list of possible problems ensure that your machine hasn’t been switched off, and 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 plus try resetting your machine.

You will often require the manual for this as machines vary but the child lock tends to be fairly easy to activate accidentally. Similarly, if the dishwasher has lights yet will not start, the solution might be as simple as resetting the cycle.

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

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

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

Examining the Door Latch as well as the Door Latch Switch

The first place to start is the door latches and door latch switches. Your machine is not designed to operate if the door latches are faulty for understandable reasons. There’s no way you would want to be able to inadvertently begin the machine with the door open.

A faulty switch will stop your machine from turning on as well as operating. You may wish to test the switch using a multimeter. The switch will usually be located behind the front door panel or control panel.

Ensure the machine is unplugged prior to removing the door panel as well as checking for continuity to ensure you do not get an electric shock.

If the latches or switches are faulty 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 test is the timer or electronic control.

This is the component that sends electricity to all the different components the machine requires to operate such as the pumps, and the water inlet valve.

If your dishwasher is controlled electronically rather than mechanically then it might need to be checked while plugged in, 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 selects the cycle and will vary contingent on the make or model of your machine. A broken selector switch or one that has got stuck could cause the dishwasher not to turn on.

You should be able to see if the buttons are going down all the way, or you could need to disconnect 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 component that could cause your machine not to start, thus this might be the fault if you have tested the control panel and thus have ascertained that there should be power running to the motor.

To test if this is the case you will have to find the motor as well as locate the relay that will usually be located next to the motor. This can then be taken out plus tested with a multimeter and it could have to be replaced.

Testing the Thermal Fuse

If you have checked all the above yet still haven’t found the problem the next part of the machine to test would be the thermal fuse. This may or may not be present and is designed to protect the control board.

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

Examining the Drive Motor

The final component you could investigate that could stop your machine from running is the drive motor. This is the component that circulates the water to wash your dishes.

Once you have tested the other parts and still aren’t getting anywhere this could be the issue especially if you noticed a loud humming coming from the machine.

You should be able to locate the motor by removing the lower access panel. Test it using a multimeter then replace if broken.

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 checking the parts then you will need to call a professional sooner rather than later.

If you are happy to perform the above troubleshooting then you may well be able to fix the issue without assistance. Yet if you are con confident it’s always better to contact an engineer.

Plus examine your insurance as well as your home cover as appliance repairs might be included and so the costs might not be as high as you think.