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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Sherri,
Have you tried to reset the dishwasher? If you press start and on/off buttons at same time, will it reset? If the display settings on your Bosch dishwasher will not switch to the wash cycle or respond to the buttons you press, most likely either the control pad or control board are bad or have loose wiring. It will have to be opened up and checked to be sure the wires are secure the control board will need to be checked visually for burns or melted components.
-RR
I have a Bosch dishwasher model SHE3AR56UC/07. Lights come on (clean and auto wash) when hitting on/off button. When I hit start it will not cycle. I replaced the door latch on the door itself, the lock is metal did not replace it. Even after replacing latch it will not cycle nor can I get the wash type to change from auto, heavy, normal, or half load. When replaced the latch I saw no signs of burnt wires or damage to the control board. Any suggestions?
Thanks for all your help but i think i might need to call in a pro at this point as i would be unsure where to even start. Cheers again Karl.
Karl,
The board could be bad even if it looks to be in perfect condition. Be sure that the control panel is getting power. If you have a meter, check to be absolute sure the board and panel area is getting the proper voltage. You may also want to recheck all the wiring if the dishwasher cord and plug got fried in water. Be sure it is not a simple wiring issue somewhere in the dishwasher before you replace an expensive control board. To troubleshoot the wiring and power issue, start from the power source and work your way up.
-RR
Hi, i couldnt locate the fuse but could see what i think is the control board. The wires are all connected, no signs of burning or melting. The model i own seems quiet different to ones that i have seen on the web with demos on how to repair. Do you know this model?? I took the whole front of to see what i could but its all very neat and well packaged, hard to see any problems. My head is fried lol if that helps. Cheers again.
Karl,
Did you open the front panel so you are able to visually check the control board and fuse? Are the wire harnesses connected? Burned? Melted? Board is not fried? Fuse is not blown? Anything?
-RR
Hi I opened the front panel and can’t see any obvious signs of damage?