Dishwasher Won’t Turn On: Causes and Fixes

Picture this: You’ve had a nice, home-cooked meal, the kitchen is a mess, and you’re ready to load the dishwasher. You press the start button, and… nothing happens. I’ve been there, staring at my dishwasher in disbelief, hitting the button a few more times in frustration, hoping it’ll magically come to life. But when it doesn’t, don’t worry—you might be able to fix the problem yourself.

A dishwasher that won’t turn on can be frustrating, but in my experience, the solution is often simpler than you’d think. Whether it’s a power issue or a small internal glitch, I’ve tackled this problem a few times, and I’m here to walk you through it step-by-step.

Step 1: Check the Power Source

I know this seems too basic, but trust me, it’s worth checking. The first time my dishwasher wouldn’t turn on, I spent 20 minutes poking around, only to realize that the plug had come loose behind the machine. So, start here:

• Check the outlet: Is your dishwasher plugged in securely? Sometimes vibrations or pulling the machine in and out can loosen the cord. Make sure it’s fully plugged into the outlet.
• Test the outlet: If it’s plugged in and still not working, try plugging another appliance into the same outlet to ensure it’s working. If the outlet isn’t working, you might have a tripped circuit breaker.

Once, after doing some rearranging in the kitchen, I accidentally unplugged my dishwasher without realizing it. That’s why now I always check the plug first—it could save you a lot of time and headache.

Step 2: Check the Circuit Breaker

If the outlet isn’t the problem, the next step is to check your circuit breaker. Dishwashers require a lot of power, and sometimes the breaker can trip, cutting off the electricity to the machine. Here’s how to check:

• Find your breaker box: Locate your home’s circuit breaker panel, usually in the basement, garage, or utility room.
• Look for the tripped switch: If the dishwasher’s breaker has been tripped, the switch will be in the middle position, not fully “on” or “off.” Flip the switch back to the “on” position.

I’ve had this happen a couple of times after a power surge in the house. Flipping the breaker back on was all it took to get my dishwasher working again.

Step 3: Inspect the Door Latch

If your dishwasher won’t turn on, another common issue is the door latch. Most dishwashers won’t start unless the door is properly latched, because the machine needs to make sure water won’t spill out. If the latch is damaged or isn’t engaging properly, the dishwasher won’t run.

• Test the latch: Close the dishwasher door and listen for the “click” that indicates the latch has engaged. If you don’t hear it, the latch might be broken or misaligned.
• Inspect the latch: Open the door and check the latch mechanism. It could be bent, worn, or blocked by debris. Once, my latch got stuck after a piece of food residue got lodged inside it. A quick clean and the door latched just fine!

If the latch is damaged, you might need to replace it. Fortunately, replacement latches are inexpensive and can be installed with basic tools.

Step 4: Examine the Control Panel

Sometimes, the issue isn’t mechanical—it’s electrical. The control panel of your dishwasher can malfunction, especially after years of use. Here’s what you should check:

• Reset the control panel: Many dishwashers have a reset feature. Unplug the dishwasher for a minute or two, then plug it back in. This can reset the control board and get everything working again.
• Check for visible damage: If resetting doesn’t work, inspect the control panel for any obvious signs of damage, like burnt-out buttons or a faulty display. Once, I had a dishwasher that wouldn’t start because the start button was broken—replacing the panel was the fix.

I remember feeling intimidated the first time I opened up the control panel to check the wiring, but it wasn’t nearly as difficult as I thought. If you’re seeing flickering lights or no response from the buttons, the control board could need replacing.

Step 5: Look for Water Supply Issues

Dishwashers won’t turn on if they aren’t getting water. If your dishwasher is completely unresponsive, it might be because the water supply valve is turned off or blocked.

• Check the water valve: The water supply valve for your dishwasher is usually located under the kitchen sink. Make sure it’s fully open. I’ve forgotten to reopen mine after turning it off during a plumbing project—it’s an easy thing to overlook.
• Inspect the hose: Look for any kinks or blockages in the water supply hose. If the hose is kinked or clogged, the dishwasher won’t be able to get water, which can prevent it from starting.

A few years ago, I had a dishwasher that stopped working after a major plumbing issue. Turns out, the water supply line was clogged with debris. A quick flush, and everything was back to normal.

Step 6: Test the Thermal Fuse

The thermal fuse is a safety device that protects your dishwasher from overheating. If the dishwasher gets too hot, the thermal fuse will blow, cutting off power to the machine. Here’s how you can check:

• Unplug the dishwasher: Always unplug the appliance before working on it.
• Access the fuse: The thermal fuse is located inside the control panel. Remove the screws holding the panel in place, and locate the small fuse (usually a white or silver part).
• Test the fuse: If you have a multimeter, you can test the fuse for continuity. If it’s blown, it won’t pass current and will need to be replaced.

I had to replace the thermal fuse in my dishwasher after a particularly hot cycle caused it to blow. It was a straightforward repair, and after installing the new fuse, the dishwasher worked perfectly again.

Step 7: Check the Timer or Selector Switch

If you’ve checked all the obvious issues and your dishwasher still won’t turn on, the problem might lie with the timer or selector switch. These components control the various cycles of your dishwasher. Here’s how to check:

• Test the selector switch: Make sure the selector switch is fully engaged in the correct cycle. If it’s stuck between cycles, the dishwasher won’t start.
• Check the timer: If your dishwasher has a manual timer, ensure it’s working correctly. A faulty timer can prevent the machine from starting. You can test it with a multimeter to check for continuity.

I’ve had a timer go bad once, and it was a relatively easy fix after I figured out what the problem was. Replacing it took about 30 minutes, and after that, my dishwasher was running like new.

Step 8: Call a Professional (If Needed)

If you’ve gone through all these steps and your dishwasher still won’t turn on, it might be time to call in a professional. Some problems, like a blown motor or complex electrical issues, are best handled by someone with more experience.

That being said, you’ve already done the hard work of troubleshooting, so you’ll know exactly what to tell the repair technician, which can save you time and money on the repair bill.

Why You Should Try This Yourself

I’ve fixed my dishwasher more times than I can count, and each time, I’ve been amazed at how simple most of the solutions are. By going through these steps, you’ll not only save yourself the cost of a repair technician, but you’ll also get the satisfaction of fixing something on your own.

The first time I successfully fixed my dishwasher, I felt like a superhero—seriously! There’s something incredibly rewarding about figuring out a problem, finding the solution, and getting your appliance back up and running without having to rely on anyone else.