Maytag Dishwasher start button not working

Common reasons your Maytag Dishwasher start button not working

The most common reasons your Maytag dishwasher start button is not working are a cracked control panel, a defective electronic control board, or a faulty thermal fuse.

  • 38%

    38% of the time it's the
    Control Panel

  • 25%

    25% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 16%

    16% of the time it's the
    Thermal Fuse

  • 21%

    21% of the time it's the
    Something else

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Most common repairs needed to fix a Maytag dishwasher

Control Panel Replacement

The control panel houses the buttons, controls and wiring that manage the dishwasher's functions. If the panel is cracked or damaged, it can disrupt the electrical connections, making the start button unresponsive. There may be visible damage or that other buttons are also not functioning properly. Inspect the control panel for any cracks or damage, and schedule an appointment with a Sears Home Services technician to replace the control panel if needed.

Electronic Control Board Replacement

The electronic control board manages all the dishwasher's functions including water fill and cycles. If the control board is defective, it may not process the signals from the start button. You might notice that pressing the start button yields no reaction or that other functions are also affected. Diagnosing a control board issue can be complex and requires professional expertise. If you suspect the electronic control board is the problem, schedule an in-home repair appointment with Sears Home Services technician to diagnose and repair your dishwasher if the start button is not working.

Thermal Fuse Replacement

A faulty thermal fuse could be the reason your dishwasher start button is not working. The thermal fuse protects the dishwasher from overheating by cutting off power if it detects excessive heat. If the thermal fuse is blown or malfunctioning, it can prevent the dishwasher from powering on, rendering the start button unresponsive. Schedule an in-home repair appointment with Sears Home Services to have a technician diagnose and replace a failed thermal fuse.

Why won’t the start button work on my Maytag dishwasher?

Encountering a Maytag dishwasher that won’t start can be frustrating, especially when loaded with dirty dishes. Using these step-by-step troubleshooting tips, we’ll help you diagnose and resolve the issue efficiently.

Most Common Reasons a Dishwasher Stops Working

whirlpool-dishwasher-door-latch-assembly

Door latch issues

A faulty door latch can prevent some dishwasher models from working. The dishwasher won’t start unless the latch detects that the dishwasher door is closed.

Press in firmly on the door to make sure that the door switch engage properly.

If the door latch isn’t working in your dishwasher, replace it using the procedure shown in this safe DIY video:

maytag-dishwasher-control-panel-part-image

Control panel issues

Sometimes, the control power is getting power but faulty internal wiring or a failed control panel prevents the dishwasher from working.

If you’re confident in your appliance DIY repair abilities, you can unplug the dishwasher or shut off the house circuit breaker for the dishwasher and follow the steps in this safe DIY video to access and check the control panel wiring in your Maytag dishwasher:

If the control panel wiring is okay, you may need to replace the control panel or the electronic control board in the dishwasher.

A service technician typically needs to check and repair the control panel when the dishwasher is getting power but the controls won’t work.

What to expect when you experience a Maytag dishwasher start button not working issue

How is the dishwasher start button not working issue fixed?

Correcting most dishwasher start button not working issues involves replacing the control panel, electronic control board, or thermal fuse. 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 start button not working problem

When a dishwasher start button is not working, 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 start button not working 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 the start button on your Maytag dishwasher fails to respond, a worn keypad or latch sensor may be blocking the command. You’re forced to manually scrub the day’s load. Instead of letting plates accumulate, schedule dishwasher service near me. Fixing the start mechanism ensures your dishwasher fires up each cycle with ease.

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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.


Paul F, Hghlnds Ranch, CO

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won’t the start button on my Maytag dishwasher work?
Check if the control panel child lock is disabled, ensure the dishwasher is receiving power, and inspect the door latch for proper operation.
Could a broken door latch prevent my Maytag dishwasher’s start button from working?
Yes, a broken latch can stop the start button from activating the dishwasher. Replace the latch to restore function.
How do I fix my Maytag dishwasher’s start button that isn’t working?
Ensure the power supply is intact, check the control panel for malfunctions, and verify the door latch is functioning properly.
What causes a Maytag dishwasher start button to stop working?
Power supply issues, a malfunctioning door latch, or a faulty control board could prevent the start button from working.

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Glossary Terms

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.

A dryer drum is the main interior component of a clothes dryer where clothes are placed to be dried. It rotates during the drying cycle, allowing heated air to circulate through the clothes.

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