Dishwasher not turning on

Common reasons your dishwasher not turning on

The most common reasons your dishwasher is not turning on are a defective electronic control board, damaged user interface control or a damaged power supply board.

  • 48%

    48% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 19%

    19% of the time it's the
    User Interface Control

  • 10%

    10% of the time it's the
    Power Supply Board

  • 23%

    23% of the time it's the
    Something else

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Common dishwasher repair parts you may need

Replacing one of these dishwasher parts may fix your problem.

Electronic Control Board Replacement

When your dishwasher doesn't start, it might be due to a faulty electronic control board. When the control board's internal memory and logic get corrupted, it can freeze up and prevent the control panel from powering up. Issues like a failed electronic relay or faulty electronic components on the circuit board can also cause the control board to malfunction. Diagnosing a defective control board can be challenging. It's best to have a Sears Home Services technician examine and fix your dishwasher if it fails to turn on.

User Interface Control Replacement

If your dishwasher isn't powering on, a damaged user interface control might be the culprit. This control connects to the electronic control board via a wire harness and sends signals to manage the dishwashing cycle. A faulty power key on the user interface control can hinder the dishwasher from starting up. Additionally, if a key on the user interface control gets stuck, it can halt the cycle, rendering the dishwasher inoperable until the damaged control is addressed. To resolve this issue, consider having a Sears Home Services Repair Expert inspect and replace the user interface control if necessary.

Power Supply Board Replacement

If your dishwasher isn't powering on, a damaged power supply board might be to blame. This board connects the power cord directly and sends power to the electronic control board to operate the dishwasher. If your dishwasher is unresponsive despite receiving power through the cord, it's advisable to have a Sears Home Services Technician inspect the power supply board for damage and replace it if necessary.

What to expect when you experience a dishwasher not turning on issue

How to fix the dishwasher not turning on problem

Addressing most issues where the dishwasher won't turn on typically requires replacing the electronic control board, user interface control, or power supply board. However, as various factors could contribute to the problem, conducting a comprehensive diagnosis is crucial for resolving it. An accurate diagnosis is necessary for determining the extent of the repair needed.

Sears Home Services offers these recommendations for a dishwasher that is not turning on

If your dishwasher isn't turning on, there could be several reasons why. To prevent unnecessary part replacements, we suggest having a Sears Home Services expert conduct diagnostic tests to pinpoint the exact issue. Our technicians are skilled at diagnosing all kinds of dishwasher problems.

What to watch for with a dishwasher not turning on diagnosis

Understanding and diagnosing modern appliances without the right expertise can be challenging. Without employing accurate diagnostic methods, resolving issues with your dishwasher might involve replacing parts without certainty. Over the past decade, appliances have evolved significantly, with many models featuring intricate electronic components that are hard to assess. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming more complex as a result.

Zero lights or motor means your dishwasher is missing power—likely from a blown fuse or severed wiring. Simple resets can’t bypass hardware faults. Look to dishwasher service.

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Thorough

James called to give an estimated arrival time. He was professional and personable. He had 2 professional ideas of the problem and found 1 was correct, but he didn't stop there. He did a thorough check of the appliance. 1 small part was needed. He ordered the part to my house. Fortunately, he was able to schedule for the next week, just before Thanksgiving. As before, he called ahead, arrived and quickly fixed the problem. My appliance is working perfectly.


Kirsten A, Oxford, PA

Service Call

Luke was great. Polite and knowledgeable even though the dishwasher was older than he!


James G, Hillsboro, MO

Daniel

Daniel went above and beyond to fix my dish washer. Very pleasant to deal with.


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Frequently Asked Questions

Why won’t my dishwasher turn on?
Check the power supply, inspect the door latch, and test the control board.
Could a faulty door latch prevent my dishwasher from turning on?
Yes, if the door latch is broken, the dishwasher won’t start.
How do I fix a dishwasher that’s not turning on?
Check the power supply, inspect the door latch, and check the control board for any issues.
What causes a dishwasher to not turn on?
A power issue, broken door latch, or malfunctioning control board can prevent the dishwasher from turning on.

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Glossary Terms

A dishwasher sump is located at the bottom of the dishwasher, serving as a collection point for water during the wash cycle. It houses the main pump and filter, facilitating the recirculation and drainage of water, essential for the cleaning process.

A dishwasher turbidity sensor is an advanced feature that measures the level of food particles and debris in the water, allowing the dishwasher to adjust the wash cycle length and water usage for optimal cleaning efficiency.

Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.

An astragal is a molding or strip that covers or seals the gap between the edges of a pair of doors or windows. Its primary functions are to provide a weather seal, improve security, and improve the aesthetic appearance of door and window assemblies.