If your dishwasher won’t turn on or start, here are a few things to check yourself before calling a technician. The most common problems with a dishwasher not getting power or lights not turning on are listed below. You can follow the steps below to repair your dishwasher and get it working again. The issues below are listed in order of most probable causes starting at the top of the list.
Note: The majority of dishwashers (whether Maytag, Kitchen Aid, Frigidaire, Kenmore, Whirlpool, and Bosch) work the same way. Using this guide to troubleshoot your dishwasher works for all dishwashers on the market today.
Dishwasher Getting Power?
If your dishwasher does not light up or is not getting power, check where the dishwasher plugs into the wall. Be sure it is plugged in. If the outlet the dishwasher plugs into is a GFI outlet, make sure it has not tripped. Reset the GFI if needed. (To be sure the outlet is getting power you can unplug the dishwasher and plug something else in to be sure the outlet is getting power.) If the dishwasher is plugged in and the GFI has not tripped, then check the breaker on the wall and make sure it has not tripped and is in the on position.
Defective Door Switch?
The next thing that could be causing your dishwasher to not start could be the door switch. This door switch is also sometimes called a door lock or door interlock switch. This switch is a safety feature and makes it so the dishwasher will not run if the door is open. If your dishwasher won’t start, then it is possible this switch is bad. This switch is located inside the door panel. To determine if the door switch is bad, remove the control panel, locate the door switch, and test it for continuity.
Blown Thermal Fuse?
Another part in your dishwasher that could be causing it to not start could be the thermal fuse. This fuse is designed to blow if the dishwasher overheats. If this fuse blows, it will need to be removed and replaced to make your dishwasher work. Most dishwashers have the thermal fuse located in the control panel area. To determine if the thermal fuse is bad, remove the control panel, locate the fuse, and test it for continuity.
Broken Door Latch?
The part that holds your dishwasher door shut is called a door latch. 99% of the time this latch is made from plastic. If this latch becomes broken or cracked, it will prevent your door from closing properly. To determine if your door latch is bad, inspect your dishwasher door and be sure the latch is not broken.
Defective Main Control Board?
The control board in your dishwasher supplies power to all components. If your dishwasher won’t start, this could mean that the board is bad. If you have tested and confirmed working all the other steps above, then the control board in your dishwasher is most likely bad and replacing it would be a smart option at this point.
What to Do When the Dishwasher Won’t Start
Do you have other troubleshooting methods for a dishwasher that won”t start? Please lend a hand to all of the people that read this page seeking help and leave your troubleshooting method below. Thanks.
Written by Keith Schneerer
Certified Appliance Tech · Founder, RemoveAndReplace.com
Keith has spent 30+ years repairing machines, starting as a military mechanic and later maintaining food processing equipment before moving into appliance repair. He founded RemoveAndReplace.com to share field-tested repair advice.
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I have a GE dishwasher. It doesn’t have power. I checked all the wires for continuity, everything is good all the way up to the control panel in the door but it doesn’t light up when I plug it in. Is there a fuse somewhere to check or do I have to replace the control panel?
I have a Maytag. For a little while the display lights were lighting up in the wrong spot while running. Then it wouldn’t always turn on, but sometimes would. If I flipped it on and off at the breaker, it would usually work. Now, nothing. If I flip the breaker and lights flash a few times… then dead. We’ve had power issues with storms recently, I’m wondering if it fried the control board. Any ideas?
My whirlpool won’t turn on
Says. 2 in the time remaining but then just turns off?
When I set the cycles and then press start it goes off
I have a whirlpool and it will not do anything unless I hold the button for 10 seconds the light will flash until I let go
Whirlpool gold Model GU980SCGQ1 will not start.
The control lock light is solid red.
I have tried holding cancel button for 3 seconds.
Turned off fuse for 1 minute (hardwired).
This is a 17 year old machine and has worked fine up until this point.
Trying to find out any other troubleshooting tips for this model.
The people at Whirlpool gave me just the basics.
Wondering if it is worth trying to find a control panel?
I have read so many comments on problem dishwashers.
It seems like quite a task to find a decent one by only spending 400 dollars.
My Bosch SilencePlus literally unplugged itself. Not sure how the plug disconnected itself from behind the dishwasher but at least it was a simple fix.
Tom bussies,
Must be an internal wiring issue.
Is the control board GETTING power?
Check with a meter to be sure and then troubleshoot from there.
-RR