GO
SEARCH:

Inglis Dishwasher Won't Start

The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Dishwasher won't start are ordered from most likely to least likely to occur. Check or test each item, starting with the items at the top of the page.

Most Frequent Causes for Dishwasher won't start

For the most accurate results, enter your model number.


Cause 1Thermal Fuse

The thermal fuse shuts off power to the dishwasher if it overheats. If the thermal fuse blows, it will prevent the dishwasher from starting. To determine if the thermal fuse is defective, use a multimeter to test the fuse for continuity. If the thermal fuse does not have continuity, replace it.

Parts
Cause 2Door Switch

The door switch prevents the dishwasher from running while the door is open. If the door switch is defective, the switch will prevent the dishwasher from running even when the door is closed. To determine if the door switch is at fault, use a multimeter to test the switch for continuity. If the switch does not have continuity, replace it.

Parts
Cause 3Wire Harness

If the dishwasher start button appears to work, but the dishwasher still won't start, a wire harness which sends power from the control board to the pump components could be damaged. Inspect the wire harness for any frayed or broken wires and replace if necessary.

Parts
Cause 4Door Latch

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.

Parts
Cause 5Main Control Board

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.

Parts
Cause 6Drain Pump

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.

Parts
Cause 7Touchpad 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. (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.)

Parts
Cause 8Touchpad

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.)

Parts
Cause 9Incoming Power Problem

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.

Cause 10Pump and Motor Assembly

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.

Parts
Cause 11Control Board

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.

Parts
Cause 12Timer

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.

Parts
Cause 13Dishwasher in lock mode

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.

Cause 14Circulation Pump

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.

Parts
Cause 15User Control and Display Board

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.

Parts
Cause 16Reset control board

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.

Cause 17Water Inlet Valve

Water Inlet Valve

Parts