Samsung dishwasher won't start cycle

Why is my Samsung dishwasher not starting the wash cycle?

When your Samsung dishwasher is not starting the wash cycle, start by following the troubleshooting tips shown in the owner’s manual.

• Make sure that the door is shut fully. Push in firmly on the top of the dishwasher door to make sure that it latches properly.
• If the control panel won’t light up, check the power going to the dishwasher. Make sure that the power cord is plugged in and reset the house circuit breaker for the dishwasher if it has tripped.
• Disable the control lock feature if it’s on. Press and hold the button marked with the padlock icon to turn off the control lock.

If these basic troubleshooting steps don’t help, follow the expert tips in this DIY troubleshooting video to resolve the problem with your Samsung dishwasher not starting:

Check the 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.

To test for a faulty door switch, check the resistance through the door switch with a multimeter:

1. Disconnect electrical power to the dishwasher by shutting off the house circuit breaker or unplugging the dishwasher.
2. Remove the screws from the outer edges of the inner door panel.
3. 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.
4. Pull off the outer door panel and control panel.
5. Release the door latch assembly from the inner door panel and unplug the wire harness from the door switch.
6. 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.

These expert tips may help you resolve a starting problem in your Samsung dishwasher. If you’re unable to find and fix the starting issue on your own, schedule dishwasher repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the problem.

What to expect when you experience a Samsung 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 Samsung dishwasher stays in standby and won’t initiate washing, a broken latch switch or malfunctioning control board may be blocking the command. Rather than leaving dishes stacked, schedule appliance repair near me dishwasher. A functioning start sequence ensures your Samsung can fully tackle the day’s kitchen cleanup.