Dishwasher Won’t Start: Top 6 Reasons and Fixes (With Video!)

Is your dishwasher refusing to start just when you need it most? Don’t let a malfunctioning dishwasher throw off your entire kitchen routine. Dive into our comprehensive guide below, complete with a how-to video, to troubleshoot and fix the most common culprits behind a non-starting dishwasher—all by yourself!

A dishwasher that won’t start can disrupt the whole flow of your kitchen. There are five main components frequently to blame for  dishwasher models that won’t start. Before you start diagnosing, make sure to disconnect your dishwasher from water and power. Once your dishwasher is ready to work with, proceed with this easy guide to diagnose and save money fixing the problem yourself.

Once you have identified the part needed for your dishwasher, search below using your specific dishwasher model number to identify the exact part needed:

How to Fix a Dishwasher That Won’t Start

1. Door Switch

If the dishwasher won’t start, the first problem to consider is the door switch. These are electronic switches that have a button and wire terminals on each end and a set of contacts inside. This is located within the latch assembly, which is found in the control panel. If the dishwasher won’t start, it could be that the switch is faulty and the unit thinks the door is open, so it will not engage. 

Disconnect the power from the unit and then remove the inner door panel. Remove the switch to access the terminals so that you can test them for continuity. Some models have two switches, so you may have to remove them both for testing. If you aren’t sure and can’t tell visually, consult your owner’s manual. 

Put the multimeter on the Rx1 setting. Then, touch the probes to the terminals and check the reading. It should be at or near zero. With the probes attached, press the button on the switch. That should create a reading of continuity above zero. If there is any other reading, that means the door switch is defective and will need to be replaced. 

2. Thermal Fuse

Some electronic-controlled dishwashers have a thermal fuse that protects the control board. This is normally located on the top of the circuit board and includes two wires attached to the fuse. If this part fails, the board is not going to get power and therefore, the dishwasher will be unable to start. 

You can unplug the dishwasher and remove the inner door panel. This will provide you with access to the control panel and control board. Locate the thermal fuse and disconnect the wires so that you can test the part. Set the multimeter to Rx1 and test the contacts of the fuse. It should read at zero or near zero, and if not, will need replaced.

3. Door Latch

The door latch assembly is responsible for keeping the door closed and uses the latch strike to secure the dishwasher door during operation. There are several models and some will include just the latch, while others will include the latch strike and the door switches built into the unit. 

This part is located at the top of the door near the control board. When you open the door, check the strike to make sure that it’s in place and secure. Then, open the console and inspect the latch for physical damage. If it is damaged in any way that is preventing the switches from catching or the latch from hitting the strike, it will need to be replaced. 

4. On/Off Switch

If the on/off switch on the dishwasher has failed, the unit will not be able to operate. These usually have a plastic body and wire terminals to hook up the electrical connections. This is located in the control panel behind the on/off button. Locate the switch and remove the wires to test the terminals. 

Touch a probe to each terminal using the multimeter. They should start with no continuity. Then, press the “on” switch and the reading should change on the multimeter. If the switch does not respond in this way, it is probably faulty and will need replaced. 

5. Touchpad

The touchpad is the part you use to make the wash cycle selections. This pad then sends the signal to the control panel, and may be built into the console or sold separately. If the dishwasher won’t start, it could be that the contacts have gone bad inside the touchpad. Get the tech sheet for your model and perform the appropriate test; there are far too many models to explain all the testing methods here. If yours fails the test, it will need to be replaced. 

6. Main Control Board

This is the electronic control board that is located in the console of the dishwasher. It is responsible for handling all of the electronic functions of the appliance. There are several types of control boards out there and there is not one standard test. Refer to your tech sheet for instructions on which parts to test and what to check for in order to determine whether your main control board is faulty and in need of replacement. 

If the test fails, the entire control board will likely need replaced before the unit will operate properly. 

Where To Find Us 

If you need any replacement parts for your appliances, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to locate and order them quickly. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have tons of great information in our repair help section and YouTube videos to help you troubleshoot.

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