Why Won’t My Dishwasher Turn On? | Hometown Appliance Repair

Discovering your dishwasher has stopped working isn’t a great way to begin your day, especially if you have to deal with the cost of calling out a professional plus taking time off work to let them in just to pinpoint the fault.

Luckily it’s very feasible to pinpoint and even resolve plenty of machine faults alone without having to call for dishwasher repair, particularly if you happen to are able to find a multimeter.

You could discover you are able to fix the issue quite easily by yourself, especially if you are quite handy, and if you can’t at least you will have a better idea of the issue when you eventually do phone an engineer.

Things To Do If Your Dishwasher Won’t Turn on

Before you begin searching for a replacement dishwasher there are a few simple problems you should be able to troubleshoot fairly easily.

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

Routine Dishwasher Faults That Will Prevent Your Dishwasher From Turning On

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

At this point you may wish to also check that the child lock hasn’t been activated and try resetting your dishwasher.

You will often need the manual for this as machines vary but the child lock is often fairly simple to engage inadvertently. Similarly, the machine could have lights however will not run, in this case the answer could be as simple as resetting the program.

Once you have eliminated these faults you can start the real troubleshooting.

Investigate the door latch or door latch switch.
Check the timer.
Test the selector switch.
Examine the motor relay.
Check the thermal fuse.
Examine the drive motor.

To test these electrical components you will have to have a multimeter, or VOM (volt-ohm-milliammeter) to measure the resistance and check the components are working as they should.

Checking the Door Latch and Door Latch Switch

The first place to start is the door latches plus door latch switches. Your dishwasher is not designed to start if these are not working for understandable reasons. There’s no way you would want to be able to accidentally begin the dishwasher with the door not closed.

A broken switch will prevent your dishwasher from turning on plus operating. You can test the switch using a multimeter. The switch is generally found behind the front door panel or control panel.

Double check you have disconnected power to the dishwasher prior to removing the door panel plus testing for continuity to make sure you do not get an electric shock.

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

Testing the Timer

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

This is the part of the machine that distributes electricity to all the other parts the machine requires to run such as the motor, as well as the valves.

If your dishwasher is controlled electronically rather than mechanically then it could have to be checked while plugged in, in which case you should call a repair man.

Checking the Selector Switch

The selector switch is the component that chooses the program , it’s style and location will vary contingent 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 start.

You should be able to see if the buttons are depressing fully, or you might need to unplug the machine and have a look at the control panel to check the connections for continuity using a multimeter.

Testing the Motor Relay

The motor relay is an alternative part that can result in your dishwasher not running, so this may be the issue if you have tested the control panel and so have ascertained that there is power going to the main pump.

To check if this is the case you will have to find the motor as well as find the relay that will usually be located next to the motor. This may then be removed and tested with a multimeter and you may have to replace it.

Checking the Thermal Fuse

When you have tested 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 it will need to be replaced in order to restore power to the control board.

Examining the Drive Motor

The final part of the dishwasher you should be able to check that may prevent your machine from running 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 electrical components yet still aren’t getting anywhere this could be the culprit particularly if you noticed a loud humming coming from the machine.

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

When to Contact an Engineer

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

If you do have a multimeter and can perform the above checks then you may well be able to sort out the problem without needing a professional. Yet if you are con confident it might be easier to call in the professionals.

And examine your warranty and your home cover as dishwasher repairs could be covered and so the costs might not be as high as you think.