Why Won’t My Dishwasher Turn On?

Discovering your dishwasher isn’t working is never going to be the highlight your day, especially if you have to deal with the cost of calling out an engineer as well as staying home to let them in just to pinpoint the problem.

Luckily it’s possible to determine and often sort out plenty of machine issues by yourself without having to call for dishwasher repair, particularly if you happen to are able to find a multimeter.

You may realize you can sort out the issue quite easily alone, particularly if you are quite handy, and if not at least you will be better placed to describe the problem when you do call a repair person.

Things To Do If Your Dishwasher Won’t Turn on

Before you begin looking for a new dishwasher there are a number of common issues you can troubleshoot without too much issue.

Safety Warning: Always make sure your machine is unplugged before testing or replacing any electrical components.

Common Dishwasher Faults That Will Stop Your Machine From Turning On

Before you begin checking your dishwasher for issues make sure that your machine hasn’t been inadvertently unplugged, plus that none of the switches on the circuit breaker have tripped.

At this point you should also check that the child lock isn’t on plus try resetting your machine.

You will probably need the user guide to do this as machines are all different but the child lock is usually quite simple to put on without meaning to. Similarly, if the machine has lights yet will not start, the answer could be as easy as resetting the cycle.

Once you have ruled out these issues you can start the real troubleshooting.

    1. Investigate the door latch or door latch switch.
    2. Test the timer.
    3. Examine the selector switch.
    4. Examine 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 and check the components are operating as they are meant to.

Testing the Door Latch as well as the Door Latch Switch

The first place to start is the door latches as well as door latch switches. Your machine is designed not to operate if the door latches are not working for understandable reasons. You wouldn’t want run the machine without meaning to with the door not closed.

A broken switch will stop your machine from starting plus operating. You can test the switch using a multimeter. The switch will usually be found under the front door panel or control panel.

Ensure the dishwasher is unplugged prior to removing the door panel plus testing for continuity to prevent yourself from getting an electric shock.

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

Testing the Timer

If you have tested your door latch as well as door latch switch and ascertained they are working as they should the next component to check is the timer or electronic control.

This is the component that distributes power to all the other electrical components the machine needs to operate such as the motor, and the water inlet valve.

If your machine is controlled electronically as opposed to mechanically then it could have to be tested while connected, this can be dangerous and should only be done by someone who is professionally trained.

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 even one that has not been fully engaged might result in the machine not to run.

You can usually visually investigate to see if the buttons are going down all the way, or you could have to disconnect the machine and have a look at the control panel to check the contact points for continuity using a multimeter.

Testing the Motor Relay

The motor relay is another part that can cause your dishwasher not to start, and this may be the fault if you have tested the control panel and so know that there is power running to the motor.

To test if this is the case you will have to find the motor and find the relay that will usually be mounted next to the motor. This may then be removed plus tested using a multimeter and it could need to be replaced.

Examining the Thermal Fuse

If you have investigated the above issues yet still haven’t found the issue the next component to test 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 machine you can check that could prevent your machine from working is the drive motor. This is the part of the machine that moves the water around to wash your dishes.

When you have tested the other components yet still aren’t getting anywhere this may be the cause of the problem particularly if you noticed a loud humming coming from the machine.

You can usually locate the motor by taking off the panel at the bottom of the machine. Check it by using a multimeter and replace if faulty.

When to Contact an Engineer

Not everyone has a multimeter, or would know how to use one even if they do, in which case you will need to call a repair person sooner rather than later.

If you are happy to undertake the above checks then you might well be able to sort out the issue without needing a professional. But if you are unsure it might be easier to contact an engineer.

Plus examine your insurance as well as your home cover as dishwasher repairs may be included and so the expense could be less than you were expecting.

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