Fixing a dishwasher that won't start

In this article we'll take a look at the common reasons why your dishwasher won't start.  Also check out our guide on:

How a dishwasher works

1. Check the power

It's easy to take it for granted that a dishwasher will remain plugged and powered. It's also very easy to forget that dishwashers need power before they'll work. Sounds ridiculously simple, but it's always worth it to check!

Make sure the dishwasher is switched on to start with, then check that it's plugged in and that the circuit breaker hasn't been tripped.

If you know what you're looking for, it might be worth checking the plug (after switching off the dishwasher and removing it from the socket!) for signs that it's broken or faulty.

If the circuit breaker has been tripped, you should try to find out what tripped it and get any shorts fixed by a professional engineer. Sometimes the dishwasher itself can cause shorts if the heating element has burned out.

2. Check water taps and inlet valve

Make sure that the water taps that the inlet hose is connected to are turned on.  If turned on and you can hear a humming but the dishwasher won't fill up then it is likely to be a faulty inlet valve that needs replacing.

3. Dishwasher door lock

Sometimes, the door switch might be defective. This stops the dishwasher from working, as it's impossible to detect when the door is safely closed. for more information see our guide on:

How to replace the door latch and lock on a dishwasher

Dishwasher Electronics

The control panel may be defective. If this is the case, a new control panel can be obtained fairly easily, but you should be certain that the control panel is at fault first. The control panel doesn't usually start to fail until a dishwasher is very old, so check other options first.

The timer may be malfunctioning. Bear in mind that the timer is frequently misdiagnosed as the cause of a non-starting dishwasher. Check all other possible causes thoroughly before checking the timer.