Dishwasher Won't Start? 8 Things to Check Right Now

You load the dishwasher, add detergent, close the door, press start… and nothing happens. A dishwasher that won't start is frustrating, but the cause is usually one of these 8 common issues. ## 1. Door Latch Problem Dishwashers have a safety switch that prevents them from running if the door isn't properly latched. If the latch is broken, misaligned, or the switch is faulty, the dishwasher won't start. **The Fix:** Close the door firmly and listen for a click. If it doesn't latch, inspect the latch mechanism and door strike. Replace the door latch assembly if it's broken. ## 2. No Power to the Dishwasher This sounds obvious, but it's worth checking. The dishwasher may have lost power due to a tripped breaker, a blown fuse, or a disconnected power cord. **The Fix:** Check your circuit breaker panel. Flip the dishwasher's breaker off and back on. If it's hardwired, check the junction box under the dishwasher. ## 3. Faulty Control Panel If the control panel buttons don't respond or the display is blank, the electronic control board may have failed. Power surges are a common cause. **The Fix:** Try resetting the dishwasher by turning off the breaker for 1 minute. If the control panel still doesn't respond, the main control board or touchpad may need replacement. ## 4. Defective Thermal Fuse The thermal fuse is a safety device that shuts off the dishwasher if it overheats. If the thermal fuse has blown, the dishwasher won't start. **The Fix:** Test the thermal fuse with a multimeter for continuity. If it has no continuity, replace it. Also investigate why it blew — there may be an underlying heating or ventilation issue. ## 5. Timer or Electronic Control Board Failure Older dishwashers use a mechanical timer to advance through the wash cycle. Newer models use an electronic control board. If either fails, the dishwasher may not start or complete its cycle. **The Fix:** If the timer doesn't advance or the control board shows no signs of life after a reset, replacement is likely needed. ## 6. Water Supply Issue Some dishwashers won't start the wash cycle if they detect no water supply. Check that the water supply valve under the sink is fully open. **The Fix:** Turn the water supply valve to the full-open position. Check the water inlet valve on the dishwasher for clogs or failure. ## 7. Child Lock Is Engaged Many modern dishwashers have a child lock feature that disables the control panel. If accidentally activated, none of the buttons will work. **The Fix:** Check your owner's manual for how to deactivate the child lock. It's usually a long press of a specific button or button combination. ## 8. Drive Motor Failure If you hear a humming sound when you try to start the dishwasher but nothing happens, the drive motor may be seized or failing. **The Fix:** A failing drive motor usually needs replacement. This is a more involved repair. ## Quick Reset Trick Before diving into repairs, try this: Turn off the breaker for your dishwasher, wait 2 minutes, then turn it back on. This resets the control board and clears error codes. It fixes the problem more often than you'd think. ## Find the Right Part Once you've identified the issue, search your dishwasher's model number at PartsDiscount.com for the correct replacement part with guaranteed fit and fast free shipping.