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Why won't my dishwasher start?

less than a minute readJan 10Lyle Weischwill
image of dishwasher

You fill the dishwasher with dishes and shut the door, but the dishwasher doesn't start. To troubleshoot the problem, start by checking the door switch because the cycle won't start with a broken door switch. Watch our dishwasher won't start video for step-by-step instructions on testing the door switch.

If the door switch is okay, a damaged control panel, failed user interface control or broken electronic control board can prevent the dishwasher from starting. If your dishwasher uses a mechanical timer control, a failed timer can prevent the cycle from starting. Some dishwashers won't start if they don't fill with water. Our dishwasher not filling video provides troubleshooting tips for this problem.


These repairs may help solve your dishwasher problem

JC-DISH-Replace-the-dishwasher-door-latch-assembly

Replace the dishwasher door latch assembly

The dishwasher won't start if the door isn't completely shut and latched. If the door doesn't latch shut, replace the latch mechanism. Even if the door latches fully, a problem with micro-switch in the door latch/switch assembly could keep the dishwasher from starting; in that case, replace the micro-switch.

Dishwasher door latch assembly

Find the required part specific to your product.
Oct 01
How to replace a dishwasher door latch assembly

One reason a dishwasher won’t start could be a broken dishwasher latch assembly—the assembly include…

Repair time and Difficulty

 30 minutes or less
JC-DISH-Replace-the-dishwasher-control-panel

Replace the dishwasher control panel

When the control panel, also called the control console, becomes visibly loose or damaged, replace it. A stuck button can also cause the dishwasher to become unresponsive. A light may flash constantly on the control panel when a button is stuck.

Dishwasher control panel

Find the required part specific to your product.
Apr 01
How to replace a dishwasher control panel

If the dishwasher buttons stick or don't work, the dishwasher control panel could be the problem. Th…

Repair time and Difficulty

 15 minutes or less
JC-DISH-Replace-the-dishwasher-user-interface-control

Replace the dishwasher user interface control

The user interface control houses the selection buttons and display information such as the remaining cycle time. A defective user interface control won't light up or won't respond when you press its buttons. Because it's difficult to pinpoint the user interface control as the source of the problem when it won't light up or respond when you press its buttons, refer to the tech sheet for diagnostic tests (its' usually behind the service panel below the door) or have a service technician test the control. Replace the user interface control if it's defective.

Dishwasher user interface control

Find the required part specific to your product.
Oct 01
How to replace a dishwasher user interface control

The dishwasher user interface lets you select the cycle options and start the dishwasher. Pinpointin…

Repair time and Difficulty

 30 minutes or less
JC-DISH-Replace-the-dishwasher-electronic-control-board

Replace the dishwasher electronic control board

The electronic control board runs all dishwasher functions. If the electronic control board is getting voltage, but not operating properly, it should be replaced.

Dishwasher electronic control board

Find the required part specific to your product.
Oct 01
How to replace a dishwasher electronic control board

Because the dishwasher electronic control board runs every stage of the dishwashing cycle, it's hard…

Repair time and Difficulty

 30 minutes or less
JC-DISH-Replace-the-dishwasher-timer

Replace the dishwasher timer

The timer controls the electro-mechanical components in the dishwasher such as the wash pump, drain pump, inlet water valve and heating element. The timer also advances the control knob on the control panel. Replace the timer if it fails to start and stop the components properly or fails to advance the control knob.

Dishwasher timer

Find the required part specific to your product.
Apr 01
How to replace a dishwasher timer

If a dishwasher isn't advancing through the wash, rinse, drain or dry cycles, chances are the dishwa…

Repair time and Difficulty

 15 minutes or less