Why Won't My Dishwasher Turn On?

If the dishwasher does not turn on, there is no display on the dishwasher, no lights come on and no water comes in. To resolve this failure, it will then be necessary to disassemble the device and test the different parts:

• Test the power outlet
• Check noise filter
• Test the on/off switch
• Test the door lock
• Test the electronic board.

The penne and the principle of repairing a dishwasher that does not turn on will be the same regardless of the brand of the appliance (Bosch, Whirlpool, etc.).

A dishwasher that won’t turn on can be a frustrating problem to encounter. It can disrupt your daily routine and leave you with a pile of dirty dishes. However, there are several common reasons why a dishwasher may not turn on, and in this article, we will explore these possibilities and provide troubleshooting steps to help you identify and resolve the issue.

1. Power Supply Issues

The first thing to check when your dishwasher won’t turn on is the power supply. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Check the Power Connection: Ensure that the dishwasher is properly plugged into a working electrical outlet. Sometimes the plug can become loose or accidentally unplugged.
2. Verify Power Supply: Check if there is power coming from the outlet by plugging in another device or using a voltage tester. If there is no power, you may need to check the circuit breaker or fuse box and reset any tripped breakers or replace blown fuses.
3. Test the Outlet: If the power supply is fine, but the dishwasher still won’t turn on, try plugging it into a different outlet to see if the original outlet is faulty.

2. Door Switch Issues

The door switch is a safety mechanism that prevents the dishwasher from turning on if the door is not securely closed. If the door switch is faulty or misaligned, it can prevent the dishwasher from starting. Here’s what you can do:

1. Inspect the Door Latch: Check if the door latch is properly engaging with the door switch. If it is loose or damaged, it may need to be repaired or replaced.
2. Clean the Door and Switch: Sometimes dirt or debris can obstruct the door switch. Clean the area around the door and the switch using a soft cloth or brush.
3. Check the Door Seal: Ensure that the door seal is intact and not obstructing the door closure. If the seal is damaged or worn out, it may need to be replaced.

3. Control Panel and Settings

Issues with the control panel or selected settings can also prevent the dishwasher from turning on. Consider the following steps:

1. Check the Control Lock Feature: Some dishwashers have a control lock feature that prevents accidental button presses. Check if the control panel is locked and try disabling the control lock by pressing and holding the designated button for a few seconds.
2. Reset the Dishwasher: Try resetting the dishwasher by unplugging it from the power source or turning off the circuit breaker for a few minutes. Then, restore power and attempt to turn on the dishwasher again.
3. Verify the Selected Cycle and Options: Ensure that you have selected the desired cycle and options correctly. Some dishwashers require specific settings to be chosen before they can turn on.
4. Check for Error Codes: If your dishwasher has a digital display, it may show error codes that can help diagnose the problem. Refer to the dishwasher’s manual for a list of error codes and their corresponding solutions.

4. Faulty Components

If all the above steps have been checked and the dishwasher still won’t turn on, there may be an issue with specific components. In such cases, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a professional appliance technician. They have the expertise and tools necessary to diagnose and repair more complex issues, such as a faulty control board, wiring, or motor.

CHECK THE NOISE FILTER OF THE DISHWASHER

The noise filter, also called the noise suppression capacitor, is a component found in almost all household appliances. Its role is to eliminate parasites so as not to interfere with the operation of the machine.

It connects to the electrical cord inside the machine. To find it, all you need to do is walk along the electrical cord. As a rule, the black live wire and the blue neutral wire are connected to it with female terminals or a connector. The suppression capacitor has a cylindrical shape or the shape of a small block.

• This test is carried out under voltage: wear gloves and do not touch the metal parts with your fingers.
• Select the position of your multimeter’s ohmmeter on the 200 or 600 ohm caliber of your meter.
• Put the multimeter probes on the lugs of the electrical cord that are connected to the noise filter (blue and brown wires). The voltage found should be the same as the electrical outlet, i.e. about 230 volts AC. If not, then your noise filter or capacitor is to blame.

If you cannot access the terminals to take a measurement, you can turn off the device and disconnect the wires from the capacitor to perform a continuity test.

TEST THE DISHWASHER ELECTRONIC BOARD

If you have an ignition problem, or if water comes in on its own except when the plug is unplugged, chances are it’s the power board. On some dishwasher models, you have a control (or display) board and a power board. It can be at the top or inside the dishwasher, on the lower part.

To check whether the power electronic card is supplied with 230 volts, you must carry out a live test: reconnect the device, wear insulating gloves and do not touch any metal part with your hands.

• Remove the dishwasher door by unscrewing the screws on it. Remove the control panel or access it from the side of the unit.
• Select the multimeter’s largest range in AC mode.
• Put the test probes of the multimeter on the connection points of the interference filter, which supplies the electronic card. The 2 wires are black and brown.
• If the electronic card is well powered, the voltage found should be around 230-240 volts alternating, otherwise replace the card with a model compatible with the brand of your device (Bosch, Whirlpool, etc.).

If the voltage reaches the board and the display does not work, the dishwasher does not turn on, the power board is faulty. Refer to the wiring diagram of the device to do a more complete test on the other wires coming to the electronic board.

Take this opportunity to test the door switch while the control panel is open. The door switch does not manage the ignition of the device, it allows the start of the program to be authorized when the door is closed.

• Set the multimeter to continuity mode or the lower range of ohms.
• Position the touchpoints on either side of the contact and press the switch.
• You should hear a noise. If the multimeter displays 1 or OL, the switch is faulty

In conclusion, a dishwasher that won’t turn on can be caused by power supply issues, door switch problems, control panel settings, or faulty components. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can identify and resolve many of these issues on your own. However, if the problem persists or you are unsure about performing any repairs yourself, it is best to consult a professional technician for further assistance. They will be able to diagnose and repair the underlying cause of the problem, getting your dishwasher up and running again.