April 20, 2023

Dishwasher: Why does my dishwasher stop mid-cycle?

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.

dishwasher

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.

RG-DISH-Replace-Dishwasher-Door-Latch-Assembly-Intro-Image
October 01, 2016

How to replace a dishwasher door latch assembly

One reason a dishwasher won’t start could be a broken dishwasher latch assembly—the assembly includes the latch itself and a microswitch. You can replace the latch assembly yourself in about half an hour, following the steps in this repair guide and video.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 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.

RG-DISH-Replace-Dishwasher-Electronic-Control-Board-Intro-Image
October 01, 2016

How to replace a dishwasher electronic control board

Because the dishwasher electronic control board runs every stage of the dishwashing cycle, it's hard to know if the problem is the board or something it controls. If you or a repair technician determines the dishwasher electronic control board is faulty, this repair guide and video show how to install a new one.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 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.

RG-DISH-Replace-Dishwasher-Control-Panel-Intro-Image
April 01, 2014

How to replace a dishwasher control panel

If the dishwasher buttons stick or don't work, the dishwasher control panel could be the problem. This DIY repair guide shows you how to replace the control panel on your dishwasher in just 30 minutes.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 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.

RG-DISH-Replace-Dishwasher-Heating-Element-Intro-Image
October 01, 2016

How to replace a dishwasher heating element

Your dishwasher gives some clear clues if the dishwasher's heating element stops working: the water doesn't get hot (no steamy kitchen) or your dishes don't dry. You can replace the heating element in less than an hour, following the steps in this DIY repair guide and video.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 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.

RG-DISH-Replace-Dishwasher-Vent-and-Fan-Assembly-Intro-Image
October 01, 2016

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 turn off and the dishwasher stops. This DIY repair guide and video shows how to install a new fan and vent assembly in less than 30 minutes.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less

Most common symptoms to help you fix your dishwashers

Choose a symptom to see related dishwasher repairs.

Main causes: broken door spring, damaged or broken door hinge…

Main causes: damaged or stuck spray arm, leaking door seal, damaged door hinge, leaky heating element water seal, cracke…

Main causes: broken door latch, tripped circuit breaker, broken heating element, faulty vent fan, sensor failure, contro…

Main causes: improper loading, low water temperature, improper detergent dosage, detergent dispenser failure, spray arm …

Main causes: clogged kitchen sink drain, clogged drain hose, drain check valve damaged, drain pump failure, control syst…

Main cause: damaged rack height adjuster…

Main causes: glass or popcorn kernel stuck in the chopper blade, drain line vibrating against the cabinet, debris in was…

Main causes: not using rinse aid, rinse aid dispenser failure, broken heating element, malfunctioning vent, drying fan f…

Main causes: light switch beside the sink turned off, lack of power, bad dishwasher door switch, control system failure,…

Most common repair guides to help fix your dishwashers

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your dishwasher.

How to replace a dishwasher door latch assembly

How to replace a dishwasher door latch assembly

If the dishwasher door doesn't click shut, a broken door latch is a likely cause. Follow these instructions to replace i…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace a dishwasher user interface control

How to replace a dishwasher user interface control

The user interface control houses the selection buttons and display. If it fails, you can't select the cycle and setting…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace a dishwasher thermal fuse

How to replace a dishwasher thermal fuse

A completely dead control panel often indicates that the thermal fuse on the electronic control board is blown; follow t…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Effective articles & videos to help repair your dishwashers

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your dishwasher.

How to use your dishwasher efficiently

How to use your dishwasher efficiently

Get expert tips on using your dishwasher efficiently to save water and energy.…

How to clean and maintain your dishwasher

How to clean and maintain your dishwasher

Get tips for cleaning and maintaining your dishwasher…

Dishwasher has power but won't run? Could be demo mode

Dishwasher has power but won't run? Could be demo mode

This list shows how to disable the demo mode on a variety of dishwashers.…