Diagnosing a Dishwasher That Will Not Start
It can be painful to try to use your dishwasher, but it just doesn’t start. This can frustrate you, especially when you consider the time and money that you will spend to get it fixed. The good news is that there are many fixes that you can personally implement to quickly get it back up and running. The information below will enable you to diagnose and fix faulty parts.
Verify the Power Supply
If your dishwasher is not getting power, there may be a problem with the electrical contacts. Ensure that the socket is properly plugged in. You can test the socket by unplugging the dishwasher and plugging in another device, like a lamp. This seems simple, but it ensures that the issue isn’t just a tripped breaker or a loose plug.
Inspect the Door Switches
This is also referred to as the door interlock switch or the door lock switch, and it is found inside the door panel. This switch is a safety feature that stops the dishwasher from running when the door is open. If it is faulty, your dishwasher will not start because it “thinks” the door is still ajar. To check it, you must remove the control panel and test the switch for continuity using a multimeter.
Check the Timer and Electronic Control
The timer supplies power to the water inlet valve, pump motor, and heater circuit in a specific sequence. It has a number of electrical contacts driven by a tiny motor. You can use a multi-meter to check these contacts for continuity. Always turn off the power supply before trying this. To access the timer, you will have to remove the inner door panel.
Test the Selector Switches
You will find these at the control panel; you will need to detach the inner door panel in order to access them. The work of the selector switch is to determine different selections for individual cycles, such as heated wash or dry cycles. If it is defective or its buttons are not fully depressed, the dishwasher will not start. You can check it for continuity using a multi-meter and replace it if necessary.
The Thermal Fuse
The thermal fuse is designed to blow if the dishwasher overheats. Once blown, the dishwasher will not start until the fuse is replaced. In most models, this fuse is located near the control board. To check if it is faulty, remove the control panel to access the fuse and test it for continuity. If there is no continuity, the fuse has done its job and must be swapped for a new one.
Other parts to consider checking include the motor start relay and drive motor. It doesn’t take much time to do these checks, and it can save you the cost of a service call. However, if you have tried these steps and the machine remains unresponsive, do not hesitate to contact a professional.
If you are struggling with power issues, you may need help troubleshooting electrical start failures. For more appliance repair considerations, visit our homepage.