Dishwasher Stops Mid-Cycle

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 all of the electrical components which can cause the dishwasher to stop mid-cycle.

The circulation pump uses a motor and impeller to force water up through the wash arms. If the circulation pump is defective, the dishes won’t be cleaned properly. If the motor isn’t making any noise or is just making a humming sound after the dishwasher has filled, the motor may be burned out. First, ensure that power is getting to the motor. Second, to ensure that the impeller can turn, check the pump housing for debris. If power is getting to the motor and the pump is clear of debris, the motor might need to be replaced. Be aware that the circulation pump may be challenging to replace, although many do-it-yourselfers have been successful with the replacement.

The motor drives an impeller to force water up through the wash arms. If the motor is defective, the pump impeller is broken, or some part of the pump is clogged, dishes won’t be cleaned properly. 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 stuck touchpad button or damaged control panel could result in the dishwasher stopping mid-cycle. To determine if the assembly 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.)

A stuck button or damaged touchpad could result in the dishwasher stopping mid-cycle. 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.)

If the dishwasher stops mid-cycle, a relay in the control panel may be damaged. Try pressing various buttons on the control panel touchpad. If some of the buttons don’t respond, the control panel is likely 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.)

A dishwasher's user control and display board allows the user to select a wash and drying cycle and start the appliance. If the component is defective, it may cause the dishwasher to stop mid-cycle. Try pressure various buttons on the control to see if they all respond correctly. If some buttons work but others don't, it's likely the user control and display board is faulty and will need to be replaced with a new one.

A dishwasher's main control board provides power to nearly every electrical component in the dishwasher. A faulty board may be unable to supply power to all of the electrical components which can cause the dishwasher to stop mid-cycle.

Some dishwashers use a heating element to heat the dishwasher during the drying cycle as well as heat the water during a wash cycle. If the heating element burns out, the dishwasher may stop mid-cycle. To determine if the heating element has burned out, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the heating element does not have continuity, replace it. Note that some dishwasher heating elements have a resettable fuse that can trip, preventing voltage from reaching the element and causing the dishwasher to stop mid-cycle. Pressing the button on the fuse will reset it and restore power to the element.