Whirlpool dishwasher not turning on

Common reasons your Whirlpool dishwasher is not turning on

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

  • 42%

    42% of the time it's the Electronic Control Board

  • 13%

    13% of the time it's the User Interface Control

  • 12%

    12% of the time it's the Power Supply Board

  • 33%

    33% of the time it's the Something else

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Most common repairs needed to fix a Whirlpool dishwasher

Electronic Control Board Replacement

A dishwasher that won’t turn on could have a defective electronic control board. The control board will freeze up and fail to power up the control panel when its internal memory and logic is corrupted. A failed internal electronic relay or bad electronic part on the circuit board could be causing the control board to freeze up and not continue working properly. Determining whether a control board is defective is difficult. Have a Sears Home Services technician diagnose and repair your dishwasher when it won’t turn on.

User Interface Control Replacement

When your dishwasher is not turning on, a damaged user interface control could be causing the problem. The user interface control connects to the electronic control board through a wire harness and sends signals to the control board to help control the dishwashing cycle. A bad power key on the user interface control can prevent the dishwasher from powering up. Also, a stuck key on the user interface control can cause the electronic control board to stop the cycle and the dishwasher won’t work until the damaged user interface control is fixed. Have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert visit your home and replace the user interface control if it’s damaged.

Power Supply Board Replacement

When your dishwasher is not turning on, a damaged power supply board could be causing the problem. The power cord connects directly to the power supply board and the power supply board sends power to the electronic control board to power up and operate the dishwasher. When your dishwasher is completely dead and it is getting power through the power cord, you’ll need to have a Sears Home Services Technician check out the power supply board and replace it if it’s damaged.

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

How is the not turning on problem fixed?

Correcting most not turning on problems usually involves replacing the electronic control board, user interface control or power supply board. 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 is not turning on

When the dishwasher is not turning on 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 not turning on 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.

No lights or power from your Whirlpool dishwasher signals deeper electrical trouble, such as burnt fuses or severed wires. Simple resets rarely solve serious circuit problems. Rather than living with a mountain of plates, lean on dishwasher service. After restoring power, your dishwasher can tackle each load with ease.

What our customers say about us

With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it

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.

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Kirsten A, Oxford, PA

Service Call

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

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James G, Hillsboro, MO

Daniel

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

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Paul F, Hghlnds Ranch, CO

Frequently Asked Questions

What could cause my Whirlpool dishwasher not to turn on?
Possible reasons include a tripped circuit breaker, a faulty door latch, or a malfunctioning control board.
How can I test if my Whirlpool dishwasher is receiving power?
Test the outlet with another device to confirm it’s working, and check the circuit breaker to ensure it hasn’t tripped.
Could a broken door latch prevent my Whirlpool dishwasher from turning on?
Yes, if the door latch is faulty, the dishwasher will not start for safety reasons.
What should I do if my Whirlpool dishwasher still won’t turn on after checking the power?
Inspect the control board and wiring for any visible signs of damage or wear.

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Glossary Terms

A dishwasher impeller is a rotating component within the dishwasher's pump that circulates water throughout the unit during a wash cycle, ensuring efficient cleaning by spraying water at high pressure.

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.

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