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Why does my dishwasher stop mid-cycle?

less than a minute readApr 20Lyle Weischwill
image of dishwasher

If the dishwasher stops before it's done, first try these simple troubleshooting steps:

  • Open and close the door to make sure it's latched.

  • Check whether the house circuit for the dishwasher and reset the breaker if it's tripped.

  • If a light switch on the wall near the dishwasher controls power to the dishwasher, make sure it's in the On position.

If these basic tips don't help, then a broken door latch, faulty control panel or failed electronic control board could be the problem.

In some models, a failed heating element causes the dishwasher to stop. A failed vent fan can be the problem when a Kenmore, Whirlpool or KitchenAid dishwasher shuts off or stops mid-cycle.

Follow the troubleshooting steps in our dishwasher won't start video to restart the dishwasher after it stops mid-cycle. Use the tips in our dishwasher has no power video if the dishwasher is dead after stopping during the cycle.


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-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-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-heating-element

Replace the dishwasher heating element

Replace the dishwasher heating element if it's visibly broken or not heating properly. If the heating element isn't visibly broke, check for a wiring failure, control failure or a blown fuse in the heating circuit before replacing the heating element--those issues could also be responsible for the heating element not working properly. You’ll also need to replace the heating element if broken element water seals allow water to leak through the bottom of the tub.

Dishwasher heating element

Find the required part specific to your product.
Oct 01
How to replace a dishwasher heating element

Your dishwasher gives some clear clues if the dishwasher's heating element stops working: the water …

Repair time and Difficulty

 45 minutes or less
JC-DISH-Replace-the-dishwasher-vent-and-fan-assembly

Replace the dishwasher vent and fan assembly

The vent opens during the drying cycle so the fan can direct hot, moist air out of the dishwasher through the vent opening at the bottom of the dishwasher door. Dishes won't dry as well if the vent fails to open or the fan fails to run. Also, the control panel goes blank and the dishwasher stops in the middle of the cycle if the fan fails. Replace the vent and fan assembly if either the fan or vent fails.

Dishwasher vent and fan assembly

Find the required part specific to your product.
Oct 01
How to replace a dishwasher vent and fan assembly

The dishwasher fan blows hot air from the dishwasher. If the fan fails, the control panel lights tur…

Repair time and Difficulty

 30 minutes or less