Bosch dishwasher won't start cycle

What to expect when you experience a Bosch 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.

How to Troubleshoot a Bosch Dishwasher that Won’t Start and Just Blinks

To fix a Bosch dishwasher that won’t start and just blinks lights, make sure that the dishwasher door is fully shut. Press in on the door to make sure the door latch fully engage the door catch.

If that doesn’t help, check the dishwasher settings. If you find the child lock engaged, disable the child lock feature to start the dishwasher. Failing to select a cycle can also cause a blinking light and the dishwasher won’t start. Select a cycle before starting the dishwasher.

If your Bosch dishwasher won’t start and just blinks after following these basic troubleshooting tips, schedule dishwasher repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the problem.

Why is my Bosch dishwasher not starting the cycle?

When your Bosch dishwasher has power but is not starting the cycle, follow these troubleshooting steps to determine the cause of the issue and fix the problem.

Check that the Dishwasher Door is Closed Properly

Push in on the dishwasher door to make sure that it is fully shut. Check to see if the cycle starts after pushing in on the dishwasher door.

Dishwasher Door Not Closing

When your Bosch dishwasher door isn’t closing properly, check the installation manual guidelines to make sure the counter opening is the right side (see image above).

Also, make sure that the dishwasher is properly leveled so the frame is square and the door will shut proper and engage the door switch so the cycle will start.

Turn Off the Child Lock

The cycle won’t start if the control panel Child Lock is enabled. Follow these steps to disable the Child Lock on your Bosch dishwasher:

1. Find the child lock button on the control panel. The location varies between models, however you’ll find a padlock icon next to the button.
2. Press and hold down the lock button for three to five seconds until you hear an audible beep and/or see the lock symbol turn off.

With the Child Lock disabled, you should be able to start the dishwashing cycle.

Reset the Electronic Control Board on Your Bosch Dishwasher

A power surge or glitch through the electrical supply lines going to your home may have corrupted the operation of the electronic control board in your Bosch dishwasher.

Follow these steps to reset the electronic control board in your Bosch dishwasher:

1. Unplug the dishwasher power cord or shut off the house circuit breaker for the dishwasher to completely disconnect electrical power.
2. Leave the power disconnected for 2 minutes.
3. Plug the dishwasher power cord back in or reset the house circuit breaker to restore power.

The control board in your Bosch dishwasher will reboot and reset.

The dishwasher may start and work normally after resetting the control board.

Check the Dishwasher Door Latch Assembly

Your Bosch dishwasher won’t start if the door latch assembly is defective.

Disconnect electrical power from the dishwasher as described above and follow the steps in this safe DIY troubleshooting video to check the door latch assembly in your Bosch dishwasher:

If you’re not confident in your technical abilities to check and/or replace the dishwasher door latch assembly on your own, schedule dishwasher repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix your Bosch dishwasher.