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

Discovering your dishwasher has stopped working isn’t a fun way to begin your day, especially if you are also faced with the cost of phoning a repair person and staying home to let them in just to determine the problem.

Fortunately it’s possible to determine and often fix a number of machine problems by yourself without needing to call for dishwasher repair, particularly if you happen to are able to find a multimeter.

You may find you can sort out the fault quite easily alone, especially if you are good at DIY, and if not at least you will be better placed to describe the issue when you do call an engineer.

Things To Do If Your Dishwasher Won’t Turn on

Before you start searching for a replacement machine there are a few simple issues you should be able to troubleshoot without too much issue.

Safety Warning: Always make sure your machine is unplugged before attempting repairs.

Everyday Dishwasher Problems That Will Prevent Your Machine From Turning On

Before you begin going through the following list of potential faults ensure that your machine hasn’t been unplugged, as well as that there are no tripped switches in the circuit breaker.

This is also an opportune moment to see if the child lock hasn’t been activated as well as try resetting your dishwasher.

You will probably need the manual to do this due to the fact that machines vary however the child lock tends to be quite easy to put on accidentally. Similarly, if the dishwasher has lights however will not run, the solution might be as simple as resetting the cycle.

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

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

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

Checking 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 start if the door latches are faulty for obvious reasons. There’s no way you would want to be able to inadvertently run the machine with the door not closed.

A defective switch will prevent your dishwasher from starting as well as completing a cycle. You should check the switch using a multimeter. The switch will usually be located behind the front door panel or control panel.

Make sure the machine is unplugged prior to accessing the door panel and 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.

Checking the Timer

If the door latch and door latch switch, are working as they should the next component 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 operate such as the pumps, plus the water inlet valve.

If your dishwasher is controlled electronically rather than mechanically then it may need to be checked while live, in which case you will need to call a repair person.

Testing the Selector Switch

The selector switch is the part of the dishwasher that selects the program and will vary contingent on the make and model of your dishwasher. A not working selector switch or even one that has not been fully depressed could cause the machine not to start.

You should be able to see if the buttons are going down all the way, or you could be required to unplug the machine and have a look at the control panel to test the contact points for continuity with the help of a multimeter.

Checking the Motor Relay

The motor relay is an alternative component that can result in your machine not starting, so this could be the fault if you have checked the control panel and so know that there is power running to the main pump.

To check this you will have to gain access to the motor and find the relay that will usually be located next to the motor. This may then be taken out as well as tested using a multimeter and you may have to replace it.

Examining the Thermal Fuse

When you have tested the above issues but still haven’t found the issue the next part of the machine to investigate is the thermal fuse. This may or may not be present and is there to protect the control board.

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

Examining the Drive Motor

The final part of the machine you should be able to test that may prevent your dishwasher from operating 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 parts yet still haven’t discovered the issue this might be the cause of the problem particularly if you noticed a loud humming coming from the machine.

You should be able to access the motor by removing the panel at the bottom of the machine. Test it by using a multimeter then replace if broken.

When to Get in Touch With a Professional

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 do have a multimeter and can perform the above tests then you may well be able to sort out the issue without needing a professional. Yet if you are not sure it might be easier to call in the professionals.

Plus have a look at your insurance as well as your home cover as appliance repairs may be covered and so the costs might be less than you were expecting.