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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Sam,
Sounds as if the fuse is not blown if you are getting 120V. The control board is most likely your specific fault on your dishwasher. Do some further troubleshooting to be absolute sure it is the control board, but we would guess that is the cause of the issue.
-RR
I have a KitchenAide DW model # KUDI02CRBS2. 6 months back, it’s “normal duty” cycle button stops working so we started using the “Heavy duty” cycle option. Now recently, some of the controls had dim light. Only Cancel button was working. So I reset the main switch and waited but it didn’t fix the issue. Then I opened the control panel area and re-seated all the cables, ribbon cables etc. This did the trick and it worked for a day. Next day, none of the buttons were working. I completely took out the fuse and checked its continuity by selecting 200 ohm on the meter. It’s showing the resistance of “0.01” ohm. I then installed the fuse back in, turn up the power, and checked the voltage on both the terminals of the fuse, Each terminal shows 120V. Does it mean that the fuse is okay? Please help me identify if I need to replace the fuse or the control panel. Thanks in advance.
Patricia schat,
Check the water valve that supplies water to the dishwasher. Make sure it is fully open. Next check the water line to the dishwasher to be sure it is not kinked or bent. Then check the water inlet valve on the dishwasher itself for a blockage or possibly not getting power and the valve is not opening.
-RR
Our fridgedire lights won’t come on, but it sounds like it is running but no water will come in. Reset, lights working now, but water isn’t filling
Chris,
It sounds like the control module on your Hotpoint BFI620 dishwasher is not operational at all times. Consider replacing it after further troubleshooting. Here is the control module for Hotpoint BFI620 dishwasher.
-RR
My Hotpoint BFI620 dishwasher has developed a fault. Sometimes it works normally, sometimes it switches on but doesn’t draw water and sometimes it runs a cycle but doesn’t switch off (water drains and unit cools but still running hours later). Water inlet seems fine, pump clear, filters clear and draining OK. With it being intermittent I’m thinking electrics. Any thoughts?
Gail,
Your Haier dishwasher may be “locked”.
To turn off the Lock…
Press and hold Heated Dry button for 3 seconds. The light turns off.
-RR