KitchenAid dishwasher won't start cycle

Why won't my KitchenAid dishwasher start the cycle?

This video guides you through figuring out why your KitchenAid dishwasher won’t start.

When your dishwasher isn't starting, it could be that the dishwasher’s control keys are locked, the dishwasher could be in demo mode or the door switch isn't working as it should.

First, push in firmly on the front of the door near the top to make sure it’s shut tight. The dishwasher won’t start if the door isn’t latched completely.

KitchenAid Dishwasher Control Panel Locked

Try pushing buttons on the control panel. If nothing happens, check the light below the lock icon. If it’s lit, the keys are locked. Press and hold the control lock button until the lock light turns off. You can now select and start a cycle. If this doesn’t work for you, check your owner's manual for how to disable the control lock on your KitchenAid model.

KitchenAid Dishwasher Sales Demo Mode

If you start a cycle and the time counts down but the dishwasher doesn’t run, the dishwasher could be in the Sales Demo mode. It could be you bought a display model, or maybe a child played with the buttons and hit the right sequence. To exit demo mode, you have to press the control buttons in a certain sequence. For example, on some KitchenAid dishwashers, press and hold the Cycles button. After 5 seconds, the time goes blank. Continue holding the Cycles button while you press Start 3 times. Release the Cycles button, and the control exits the Sales Demo mode. You can now select a cycle and start the dishwasher.

If that tactic doesn’t work to exit the sales demo mode on your KitchenAid dishwasher, refer to our Dishwasher Sales Demo Mode Chart to see other methods of turning off the sales demo mode on common KitchenAid models.

Checking a KitchenAid Dishwasher Door Switch

A faulty door switch will keep the dishwasher from starting. If the door switch is stuck in the "open" position, the dishwasher won't start because it's waiting for you to shut the door—even if you did shut the door.

On this model, the start button and time display start blinking because the control thinks the door is open. Your model may not act that way, it may just sit idle and not start.

Many dishwashers also won’t run if the door switch is stuck in the closed position. The control expects you to open the door after the load is done. If the door switch sticks in the "closed" position, the control won’t detect that you opened the door, so you can’t start the next cycle.

To check for this problem, turn the house circuit breaker for the dishwasher off and then on again, or unplug the dishwasher and plug it back in. This process simulates the door opening so the control starts the cycle. If you can now start the dishwasher now, the door switch is stuck in the closed position. You’ll likely need to replace the door switch to fix this problem.

To confirm a faulty door switch, check the resistance through the door switch with a multimeter. Disconnect electrical power to the dishwasher by shutting off the house circuit breaker or unplugging the dishwasher. Remove the Torx screws from the outer edges of the inner door panel. Support the outer door panel with one hand as you remove the final screws so it doesn't fall.

Separate the outer door panel and the control panel slightly from the inner door panel, and rest the outer panel on the floor while you disconnect the user interface control wire harness. Pull off the outer door panel and control panel.

Release the door latch assembly from the inner door panel and unplug the wire harness from the door switch. Carefully trip the door switch by pushing this lever, keeping your fingers away from the spring and latch. Press the door switch lever to simulate a closed door that's engaging the door switch.

With the multimeter set to check resistance, place a meter probe against each of the door switch prongs. You should measure near 0 ohms of resistance, or continuity, through a working door switch. If you measure infinite resistance, replace the door switch because it's defective.

Other Causes of a KitchenAid Dishwasher Not Starting a Cycle

If you measure continuity through the door switch, it’s likely that a defective control board or a wiring failure elsewhere in the dishwasher is keeping the dishwasher from starting.

Have a Sears’ service technician examine and repair this type of failure. The technician can conduct live voltage checks—which should only be performed by someone with proper training—to determine the exact cause of the problem.

What to expect when you experience a KitchenAid dishwasher won't start a cycle issue

How is the won't start a cycle problem fixed?

Correcting most won't start a cycle problems usually involves replacing the electronic control board, power supply board or door switch. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Sears Home Services recommendations for a dishwasher that won't start cycle

When the dishwasher won't start a cycle it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dishwasher failures.

What to look out for with a dishwasher won't start a cycle diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dishwasher problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

If your KitchenAid never transitions from standby, a bad latch or shorted board could be halting the wash. Dirty plates pile up till it’s fixed. Seek dishwasher service.