Dishwasher Won't Start

The door latch ensures that the dishwasher door latches shut. If the door does not latch properly, the door switch might prevent the dishwasher from running. If the door latch is broken, replace it.

The main control board provides power to nearly every component of the dishwasher. If there is a problem with the main control board, it might not send voltage to the dishwasher, causing the dishwasher not to start. Control boards are often misdiagnosed—make sure you check more commonly defective parts before replacing the main control board.

A dishwasher drain pump assists in removing the water from the tank at various times during operation. Since the unit will drain some water from the tank prior to the fill cycle beginning, a faulty drain pump unable to drain any water could prevent the dishwasher from starting.

To determine if the touchpad is at fault, try pressing various buttons on the touchpad. If some of the buttons don’t respond, the touchpad might be defective. (Some manufacturers sell the touchpad separately from the control panel. Other manufacturers require that you purchase the touchpad and control panel together. If you cannot replace the touchpad individually, replace the touchpad and control panel.)

To determine if the touchpad is at fault, try pressing various buttons on the touchpad. If some of the buttons don’t respond, the touchpad might be defective. If the touchpad isn’t working properly, replace it. (Some manufacturers sell the touchpad separately from the control panel. Other manufacturers require that you purchase the touchpad and control panel together. If you cannot replace the touchpad individually, replace the touchpad and control panel.)

If there are no indicator lights or any noise from the dishwasher when it is turned on, it is likely that power is not reaching the dishwasher. Check the circuit breakers and GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) outlets, if applicable, to confirm they have not tripped, or inspect any fuses to confirm none have blown. Since most dishwashers are hardwired (not plugged in) the junction box on the dishwasher should be checked for loose or burnt wires.

A defective dishwasher pump and motor assembly may prevent the appliance from starting. Make sure that power is getting to the circulation pump and motor. If power is getting to the pump and motor assembly but it still won’t run, replace the pump and motor assembly.

A dishwasher's control board provides power to nearly every electrical component in the dishwasher. A faulty board may be unable to supply power to the electrical components or respond to the touchpad buttons being pressed, which can prevent dishwasher from starting.

The timer allows power to flow to the proper parts at the proper times. If the timer isn’t working properly, it might not send voltage to the dishwasher, causing it not to start. Timers are often misdiagnosed—make sure you check more commonly defective parts before replacing the timer.

Many dishwashers have a child lock or “Sabbath” feature which will prevent the buttons from being used when the feature is engaged. The dishwasher could also be in “Demo” mode or another mode which prevents full operation. Consult the dishwasher’s user manual for information regarding locking/unlocking the control panel.

A defective dishwasher circulation pump may prevent the appliance from starting. Make sure that power is getting to the circulation pump and motor. If power is getting to the circulation pump but it still won’t run, replace the component.

A dishwasher's user control and display board allows the user to select a wash and drying cycle and start the appliance. If the start button won't work, it's likely the user control and display board is malfunctioning and will need to be replaced with a new one.

Often after a power surge or power outage, the control board programming may be compromised. The control board can sometimes be reset by turning the power to the unit off for a few seconds then back on.