From Delayed Starts to Electrical Mysteries, Navigate Common Issues Like a Pro
Welcome to our troubleshooting guide for your dishwasher! Picture this: you've just finished loading your dishwasher, ready to kick back and relax while it takes care of the dirty work. But wait—why won't it start? Before you panic or resort to hand washing, let's delve into the common reasons why your dishwasher might be stubbornly silent. We've got you covered, from simple settings mishaps to more intricate electrical mysteries. Whether you're a seasoned homeowner or new to the game, understanding why your dishwasher isn't cooperating can save you time, hassle, and potentially a call to the repair technician. So, let's roll up our sleeves and get your kitchen cleanup back on track!
Broadly speaking, there are three reasons that your dishwasher might not be starting. It could be something with the features or settings. It could be a basic electrical issue. Or it could be a more complicated electrical issue involving the interior workings of the appliance. Now, while it is possible for you to check the more advanced issues, we do advise safety first and stress that if you have any questions, it is better to call a professional rather than injure yourself.
Features And Settings That Might Cause Your Dishwasher Not To Start.
Delayed start
As surprising as it might sound it is entirely common for people to engage the delayed start feature on a brand-new dishwasher not realizing that that's what they're doing. It might be an accidental press of a button. It may be that the appliance is arranged differently than the previous one. Or it could be that it's not obvious when the delayed start is engaged on some models. We have seen all of them happen. Grab your owner's manual to check out how to disable the delayed start feature or you can try waiting as it should eventually start on its own.
Child lock
Much the same as the delayed start a child lock can be easily pressed without realizing. Sometimes, the dishwasher will flash to show that it is not able to start at the time, or it simply won't respond when you're attempting to change the wash setting. If you've never used this feature on your dishwasher, congrats. Many people have though and subsequently get confused about why their dishwasher is blinking instead of running as expected. Just like with the delayed start, grab your owner's manual to find out how to turn it off and get your dishwasher back to doing its job.
Door latch
A door latch is the physical latch that tells your dishwasher that it is closed and keeps the door shut. If this is malfunctioning often the dishwasher won't turn on at all. The door latch assembly not only prevents leaks but also tells the dishwasher control panel that it's safe to begin the wash cycle. If the door can't close properly and activate the switches, the dishwasher doesn't start. Look at the latch and the seal for visible signs of damage.
Basic Electrical Issues That Can Cause Your Dishwasher Not To Start
Is it plugged in?
We know this one sounds like a ridiculous question. But there are a number of different situations where a dishwasher can come unplugged from the wall and because of the way it is built you wouldn't even notice. A machine that is vibrating can wiggle itself loose without you ever noticing. Your dishwasher might vibrate during the washer cycle or it could be another appliance causing it to move. That's not a fault of user error or even an issue with the dishwasher necessarily, it just happens. So pull or wiggle your dishwasher out from where it is and double-check that it's plugged in properly.
Did a fuse blow in the plug itself?
Once you've made sure that your dishwasher is plugged in, your next question is to find out whether or not the plug is functional. While you’ve got your dishwasher pulled out, you can do this by plugging in something small like a blender or a toaster. If the unit works, congratulations. Your plug is fine. If not, it's possible that a fuse in the plug itself blew and you need to replace that or call an electrician to have it replaced, depending on your local codes.
Did the breaker flip?
If your dishwasher is plugged in and the plug itself is working fine, your final basic electrical question to answer is whether or not the breaker flipped. The only situation when this can be difficult is if your breaker box isn't properly labeled, and you need to guess and test which switch activates the breaker, otherwise, it should be a simple matter of seeing which one is flipped and resetting it.
Advanced Electrical Issues That Can Cause Your Dishwasher Not To Work.
Have you tried resetting the dishwasher?
If your dishwasher does have power but it still won't start the issue could be that it's stuck between cycles. Essentially your dishwasher is trying to figure out what it's supposed to be doing and can't decide.
Some machines have a specific reset button or require a set procedure to initiate a reset. You'll want to check your owner's manual to find out how to reset a dishwasher that has power but won't start.
Is it the control panel malfunctioning?
The control panel for your dishwasher is all of the buttons, the settings, and the mini computer inside the door that regulates the various wash cycles and settings. If something goes wrong with your control panel, your dishwasher will either start giving you problems or become a very fancy brick.
Does the selector switch work?
A selector switch is the switch that determines the wash cycle and the settings that you want for each load. If the selector switch or the connection to the control panel from the selector switch is damaged, you may need to disassemble the dishwasher door and replace them.
Is the timer working?
The timer is another piece connected to the control panel. It determines when the wash cycle starts and stops. If the timer is broken, your dishwasher might not start because the first timer never started.
Is the motor start relay working properly?
The motor start relay is best thought of as the gun at the beginning of a race. It sends the starting signal to your dishwasher's motor. If the start relay doesn't function, your dishwasher doesn't get the ready-set-go signal.
Is the thermal fuse working properly?
The thermal fuse protects your control board. It helps prevent the control board from overheating. If that fuse blows out, electricity can't get to the control board. This helps to stop fires or electrical pieces from getting burned out. If that piece is blown, it will need to be replaced before the dishwasher starts again.
Is the drive motor broken?
The drive motor is what powers the internal components of your dishwasher. It provides the power that drives the control arms. If your drive motor gets burnt out, at best, the water doesn't move around much, and at worst, the dishwasher doesn't start at all.
In the whirlwind of modern life, a malfunctioning dishwasher can quickly throw a wrench into your routine. However, armed with the knowledge gained from this guide, you're equipped to tackle the most common issues like a seasoned pro. Remember, safety first—when in doubt, it's always wise to seek the expertise of a professional. By troubleshooting your dishwasher with confidence and care, you'll have those plates sparkling again in no time. Here's to smooth sailing and squeaky-clean dishes ahead!
If your dishwasher is giving you problems, you can reach out to Appliance Rescue Service. We will work with you until you’re satisfied that the problem has been solved. Our number one goal is to get your home running smoothly again.
You can reach us by going to our website or by giving us a call at ((214) 599-0055).