Dishwasher Won’t Start? – Here Is Troubleshooting Guide

If your dishwasher is no longer starting, it could have a defective component that is preventing it from functioning properly.

Let’s look at some of the main reasons behind a faulty dishwasher and what you can do to remedy them.

While there are many different components that make up a dishwasher, only a select few affect its ability to start. These are often directly related to the washing cycle, such as the door latch assembly and main control board.

Keep in mind, that some issues applied to the dishwasher when it has power and when is hasn’t.

Failed Door Latch Assembly

What is it: The door latch assembly functions very much like that of a microwave’s door switch. This device lets the dishwasher know that it is safe to turn on and begin its washing cycles.

Why it fails: The microswitch can become defective or short out, resulting in the dishwasher thinking that the door is open, and thus, won’t start.

How to fix: Many door latch assemblies come equipped with a micro switch. This can be tested for continuity using a multimeter.

Touch the probes of the multimeter to the switch’s terminals. If you see continuous continuity, your door latch should be working correctly.

If, however, there is no continuity, you will need to purchase a new micro switch or door latch assembly.

If your dishwasher is no longer starting, it could have a defective component that is preventing it from functioning properly.

Let’s look at some of the main reasons behind a faulty dishwasher and what you can do to remedy them.

While there are many different components that make up a dishwasher, only a select few affect its ability to start. These are often directly related to the washing cycle, such as the door latch assembly and main control board.

Keep in mind, that some issues applied to the dishwasher when it has power and when is hasn’t.

Failed Door Latch Assembly

What is it: The door latch assembly functions very much like that of a microwave’s door switch. This device lets the dishwasher know that it is safe to turn on and begin its washing cycles.

Why it fails: The microswitch can become defective or short out, resulting in the dishwasher thinking that the door is open, and thus, won’t start.

How to fix: Many door latch assemblies come equipped with a micro switch. This can be tested for continuity using a multimeter.

Touch the probes of the multimeter to the switch’s terminals. If you see continuous continuity, your door latch should be working correctly.

If, however, there is no continuity, you will need to purchase a new micro switch or door latch assembly.