Updated On

October 26, 2023

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    After loading your dishwasher full of dirty dishes, all you should have to do is put in the detergent and hit the start button. But if that doesn’t work, you don’t have to resign yourself to hand-washing your dishes or buying a new dishwasher.

    Instead, it’s possible to fully diagnose and fix the problem — and I’m here to help.

    To get started, let’s go over the top four reasons why your dishwasher won’t start along with troubleshooting tips and repair steps. Then, you can use that info to decide if this is a DIY project you can tackle or if you’d like to hire a plumber or kitchen appliance repair professional. 

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    What Are the Most Likely Reasons For Why Your Dishwasher Won’t Start?

    The parts in your dishwasher work together to start each cycle on demand. If any of the core components fail — or the system simply lacks enough power — the machine won’t kick into action and get your dishes squeaky clean.

    Here are the most likely culprits to consider:

    • No power supply
    • Broken door latch
    • Defective timer switch
    • Blown thermal fuse

    No Power Supply

    Without a power source, your dishwasher will fail to respond to your attempts to start the cycle. In fact, you may notice that it does nothing at all when you select the mode and hit start. In addition, all the lights will be off on the top or front digital control panel.

    You can diagnose and fix a no-power issue by:

    1. Look at the GFCI outlet in the kitchen to see if it has tripped. Depending on your outlet type, you may see the reset button poking out, a yellow light, or no light at all. Press the reset button to resolve the issue. If it continues, call an electrician for diagnosis and repair assistance.
    2. Check the breaker box to see if the circuit tripped. In most modern circuit breaker boxes, you will see that the lever sits in the middle or the off position when tripped. Flip it all the way to off and back to on to reset the breaker. Call an electrician if the breaker keeps tripping when you run appliances in that room.
    3. Examine the power cord to ensure it’s plugged in and has no visible damage. Start by turning off the breaker for the kitchen. Then, carefully pull the dishwasher out from under the counter, removing the fasteners if needed. Visibly inspect the cord and replace it if you notice any issues. Confirm that it’s firmly plugged into the outlet.
    Today’s Homeowner Tips

    Many dishwashers have a child safety lock that deactivates the control panel buttons and sometimes even turns it all the way off. On some models, you can deactivate the child lock by flipping the switch on the side of the door. Others require you to hold down one or more buttons for several seconds. Check your dishwasher owner’s manual if you’re unsure how to turn this safety mechanism on and off.

    Broken Door Latch

    The dishwasher door latch is a safety mechanism that ensures the unit won’t run with the door open and helps create a tight seal. When in good working order, the latch activates the switch that tells the unit it’s safe to run.

    If it’s broken, you may notice that the door doesn’t close properly or the machine fails to start. Soap residue and food debris can block the latch from closing, so confirm that it’s clean and moves freely before deciding to replace the latch assembly.

    Diagnose: You must remove the latch to test if it’s bad by following steps one to five below. Once it’s out, switch your multimeter to Rx1 and touch the terminals on the switch using the probes. If it doesn’t read near zero, the latch needs to get replaced.

    Repair: To replace a broken door latch switch assembly on your dishwasher, just follow these steps:

    1. Buy a new door latch assembly, put on insulated rubber work gloves, and grab your Torx screwdriver set.
    2. Turn off the breaker for the kitchen or unplug the unit from the wall.
    3. Use the screwdriver to remove the Torx screws around the inner edge of the door panel.
    4. Close the dishwasher door almost all the way and gently pull the outer door panel away from the machine. Disconnect the wire harness for the user control interface and set the outer panel to the side.
    5. Unplug the wiring harness for the latch assembly and press the locking tabs upward while pulling the latch out.
    6. Install the new door latch assembly by pushing it into place, setting the locking tabs, and plugging in the wire harness.
    7. Reinstall the door by reconnecting the user control wiring harness, reattaching the outer panel, and screwing the Torx screws back into the inner door panel.
    8. Turn the power back on and test your dishwasher to confirm that replacing the latch has fixed the issue.  
    Today’s Homeowner Tips

    New dishwashers may exhibit the symptoms of a faulty door latch if the gasket does not seat properly. Run at least 10 dishwasher cycles to help the new gasket get pliable and mold to the door. If it does not seat after that, you may need a replacement gasket or a new door latch.

    Defective Timer Switch

    The dishwasher timer switch controls how long the unit stays in each phase of the cycle. When you press start, the switch should activate the draining phase before moving on to filling, washing, rinsing, and draining yet again.

    So, if you don’t hear the drain pump immediately kick on, you likely have a bad timer control switch. Other signs of a bad timer include getting stuck on certain cycle settings, failing to display the remaining time, or emitting a buzzing or clicking noise.

    Diagnose: As with the latch, you must remove the timer switch to test it by following steps one to seven below. Once it’s out, put your multimeter on Rx1000 and press the probes to the contacts. Most switches will read in the 2,000 to 3,500 range but check the wiring diagram and troubleshooting instructions for your dishwasher model if you’re unsure. If it’s outside the target range, it’s time to replace the switch.

    Repair: The timer switch is relatively simple to replace, you just need to:

    1. Buy a new timer switch for your dishwasher model, put on insulated rubber gloves, and grab your Torx screwdriver set.
    2. Turn off the breaker for the kitchen or unplug the dishwasher.
    3. Remove the timer knob by pulling it away from the machine firmly.
    4. Use your Torx screwdriver set to remove the screws along the inner edge of the dishwasher door.
    5. Close the dishwasher door and remove the outer door panel, disconnecting any wiring harnesses connecting the two pieces.
    6. Unplug the wire harness from the old timer switch, remove the screws on the door, and slide it out.
    7. Turn the old switch over and remove the timer cam by pulling it away from the switch by hand.
    8. Install the new timer switch by pressing the cam onto the back, sliding it into place, and screwing it down. Reconnect the wiring harness.
    9. Reassemble the dishwasher door panel and test the machine to see if it starts up.

    Blown Thermal Fuse

    On certain dishwasher models, the thermal fuse protects the electronic control module by blowing if the unit starts overheating. This is similar to how your clothes dryer’s thermal fuse works to protect electrical components, prevent fires, and keep you safe.

    When the fuse blows, the dishwasher will shut down and won’t restart until you replace the blown fuse. If you try to run it, the machine will appear to not get any power at all.

    Diagnose: You must access the thermal fuse to test if it’s working by following steps one to seven below. Set your multimeter to Rx1 and touch each probe to the contacts on the fuse. If it doesn’t read near zero, you need to replace it.

    Repair: To replace the thermal fuse, you just need to:

    1. Buy a new thermal fuse for your dishwasher model and wear insulated rubber work gloves.
    2. Grab your tools: a Torx screwdriver set, needle-nose pliers, small flathead screwdriver, and a paper clip.
    3. Turn off the breaker for the kitchen or unplug your dishwasher from the wall.
    4. Remove the Torx screws around the inner edge of the door panel.
    5. Close the dishwasher door and remove the front panel.
    6. Remove the cover over the control board by disengaging the locking tabs and pulling it out.
    7. Disconnect the two wires from the thermal fuse and use your needle-nose pliers to pull the old fuse off the board. If the fuse has locking tabs, pry them up with a small flathead screwdriver while you pull on it.
    8. Snap the new fuse assembly into place.
    9. Trace the wire from the thermal fuse to the wiring harness near the end of the control board. Release the wire by sliding the end of the paperclip into the terminal to depress the locking tab while firmly pulling the wire out the other side.
    10. Install the new wire by sliding it into the wiring harness with the locking tabs facing the correct direction. Reconnect the wiring harness to the board.
    11. Trace the longer fuse wire to the other end of the control board. Pop the old one off with needle-nose pliers and plug in the new one. Use a wire tie to fasten it to the rest of the wiring.
    12. Attach the other ends of the two wires to the fuse.
    13. Reinstall the control board cover, reassemble the dishwasher door, and test the system to see if it turns on.

    At What Point Should You Call a Professional If You Can’t Get Your Dishwasher to Run?

    All it takes is one faulty part, and your dishwasher won’t start. While that’s frustrating when it happens, it also means that you often just need to replace one part to get the machine running again — and you might even be able to do it yourself.

    Simple problems, like a broken door latch, are DIY worthy if you’re comfortable with the process, can source parts, and have all the right tools. Although time-consuming, completing the diagnosis and repairs yourself feels fantastic and can save you money.

    If you’d rather not, that’s perfectly okay. You can always hire a qualified plumber or an appliance repair professional to help. These repair service professionals can also resolve other causes of broken dishwashers, like bad selector switches, faulty motor start relays, or worn-out drive motors.

    Additionally, investing in a home warranty can be a smart financial move, potentially saving you a significant amount of money on unexpected home appliance repairs. Instead of bearing the full brunt of costly fixes, a home warranty spreads the financial burden, typically requiring only a modest service fee per claim.

    To make the most of this protective measure, we recommend considering the Kenmore Appliance Warranty coverage. Kenmore is renowned for its quality appliances and their warranty service upholds the same standard of excellence. By opting for a coverage plan, you not only ensure the longevity of your appliances but also gain peace of mind knowing that if issues do arise, the financial impact can be far less daunting.

    Get Free Estimates From Professional Plumbers
    Match with a plumbing expert to help you with installation or repair.

    FAQs About Dishwashers that Won’t Start

    What causes a dishwasher not to start?

    When your dishwasher won’t start, begin troubleshooting by looking at the most common causes: lack of power, broken door latch, defective timer switch, and blown thermal fuse. If it’s not those things, you may need to replace the motor starter relay or drive motor instead.


    How do you reset a dishwasher that won't start?

    You can try to reset a dishwasher that won’t start by unplugging it from the wall or turning off the breaker for at least one minute. When you restore the power, check that the appliance works as expected. If not, you’ll need to track down the cause of its failure to start.


    Why does my dishwasher fill but not start the wash cycle?

    The most common reasons a dishwasher will fill but not start the wash cycle are a broken drive motor, faulty wash arms, or a detergent door that’s stuck closed. You can either try to diagnose and repair the problem yourself or hire a professional to come check it out.


    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Marie Abendroth

    Marie Abendroth

    Marie Abendroth is a former home improvement professional who now focuses on writing articles that help people care for their homes like a boss. Her maintenance must-dos, DIY tricks, and other insider info promise to help make your home the envy of the neighborhood. Whenever she gets a free moment, she loves frolicking with her farm dogs, playing with RC cars, and relaxing in the garden.

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    photo of Andrew Dunn

    Andrew Dunn

    Senior Editor

    Andrew Dunn is a veteran journalist with more than 15 years of experience reporting and editing for local and national publications, including The Charlotte Observer and Business North Carolina magazine. His work has been recognized numerous times by the N.C. Press Association and the Society of American Business Editors and Writers. He is also a former general contractor with experience with cabinetry, finish carpentry and general home improvement and repair. Andrew earned a degree in journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, as well as a certificate in business journalism. He lives in Charlotte, N.C.

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