Why is My Dishwasher Not Turning On?

There’s nothing more frustrating than going to use your dishwasher and realizing that it’s not working. Dishwashers are a convenience that many of us have come to rely on, and when they suddenly stop working, they can throw a wrench into our daily routines.

Think about it: you load up your dishwasher with a sink full of dirty dishes, press the power button, and then…nothing. No lights, no sounds, no signs of life. It can be a confounding situation, especially if your dishwasher was working perfectly fine just the day before.

So, what could be causing your dishwasher to not turn on? There are a few possible reasons, and in this article, we’ll explore some common issues and potential solutions. Let’s get started!

1. Power Supply

The first thing you’ll want to check is the dishwasher’s power supply. Make sure that the power cord is properly plugged in and that the outlet is functioning. It may seem obvious, but sometimes, a simple loose plug can be the culprit behind a dishwasher suddenly having no power.

In other cases, the issue may be with the circuit breaker or fuse that controls your dishwasher. If it has tripped or blown, you’ll need to reset it or replace the fuse. This is a common issue that can happen if your dishwasher is drawing too much power or there is a short circuit in the electrical system.

2. Door Latch

The dishwasher door latch is a safety feature that prevents your dishwasher from running if the door is not securely closed. If your dishwasher is not turning on, it’s worth checking the door latch to ensure that it’s functioning properly. It may be as simple as adjusting the position of the latch or tightening any loose screws.

Another potential issue with a faulty door latch is a buildup of debris or food particles around it. This can prevent the door from closing properly and, therefore, cause your dishwasher not to turn on. In this case, a thorough cleaning of the latch and surrounding area may be necessary to resolve the issue.

3. Control Panel

If your power supply and door latch are both functioning properly, the problem may lie with your dishwasher’s control panel. Over time, buttons on the door panel can become worn or damaged, making it difficult for the dishwasher to receive and process wash cycle commands.

Check for any error codes or flashing lights on the control panel that may indicate an issue. If there are none, try resetting the control panel by unplugging the dishwasher for a few minutes and then plugging it back in. This can often resolve minor glitches or dishwasher control panel malfunctions.

If the issue persists, you may need to contact a professional technician for further diagnosis and repair. They will have the necessary tools and knowledge to troubleshoot and fix any inner door panel issues – whether a faulty button or a larger problem.

4. Child Safety Lock

Many modern dishwashers have a child lock feature within their internal components to prevent accidental or unauthorized use. If your dishwasher is not turning on, it’s possible that the control lock has been activated, but it needs to be deactivated before the dishwasher will function.

Check your user manual for instructions on how to disable the child safety lock, as each model may vary. This usually involves holding down a specific button or combination of buttons for a few seconds until the lock icon disappears from the control board panel.

Once the lock is disabled, your dishwasher should be able to turn on and operate as normal. If you cannot locate or deactivate the child lock, consult a professional technician for assistance.

5. Reset the Dishwasher

You may need to reset your dishwasher if none of the above solutions have worked. This can be done by turning off the power from the circuit breaker or unplugging the dishwasher for at least 5 minutes. After this time, plug it back in or turn the power on and try running a wash cycle.

Resetting your dishwasher can help clear any temporary malfunctions or errors that may have occurred. If the dishwasher won’t start after resetting it, it is likely a bigger issue requiring professional help. Perhaps there is a faulty internal component that needs to be replaced or an electrical issue within the dishwasher’s wiring.

6. Test the Timer

If your dishwasher is still not turning on, there may be an issue with the timer. The timer is responsible for controlling the different stages of a wash cycle, and if it malfunctions, the dishwasher may not turn on at all.

To test the timer, refer to your dishwasher’s manual for instructions on how to access and troubleshoot it. Consider hiring a professional technician for this task, as working with electrical components can be dangerous without proper knowledge and experience. If the timer is found to be faulty, it will likely need to be replaced.

7. Motor Start Relay Issue

Another common problem that can prevent a dishwasher from turning on is an issue with the motor start relay. The motor start relay is responsible for supplying power to the dishwasher’s motor, and if it malfunctions, the dishwasher may not turn on at all.  

To test the motor start relay, you will again need to refer to your dishwasher’s manual for instructions on how to access and troubleshoot it. If the relay is found to be faulty, it can usually be replaced relatively easily. However, if this does not solve the issue, there may be a larger underlying problem with the motor itself.

In Need of Professional Assistance?

If you have exhausted all of these troubleshooting methods and your dishwasher still will not turn on, it may be time to seek professional help. All Appliance & Refrigeration offers expert repair services for all types of dishwashers. Our technicians are trained and experienced in diagnosing and fixing a wide range of dishwasher issues, so you can trust us to get your appliance back up and running in no time.

Contact us today to schedule a service appointment today!