Dishwasher Won’t Start

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Dishwasher Won’t Start

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    Description and Troubleshooting of Problems

    Door Lock Is Not Working

    The most common issue when a dishwasher won’t start is a problem with the door latch. This is the key component that allows the dishwasher to begin its cycle. If the door latch doesn’t properly signal that the door is closed, the dishwasher will think the door is still open, even if it’s fully shut. The door latch works by locking in place when the door is closed and sending a signal to the control board to proceed with the next step. If the latch contacts are worn out or the mechanism itself is damaged, the dishwasher won’t recognize that the door is securely closed and won’t start the wash cycle.
    You can check this by turning on the dishwasher, selecting a wash cycle, and pressing the start button (some models don’t have a start button and begin the cycle automatically when the door is closed). Once the door is closed, the dishwasher should stop blinking and switch to a steady light, indicating the cycle has started. If this doesn’t happen, the door latch is likely not working properly.
    Additionally, many dishwashers have an indicator light near the bottom that turns on during a wash cycle. If the light isn’t coming on, it could also mean the door latch isn’t functioning correctly.

    Solution

    To solve this problem, the door latch can be repaired or replaced if it’s beyond repair. In some dishwasher models, the door latch has a pin that allows the hook to move and securely close the door. Often, the pin may simply slip out of place, and in such cases, it can be repaired and continue to function properly. However, if the issue lies with the electrical contacts or if a part inside the latch is broken, it will need to be replaced with a new one.

    Door lock is not working
    Door lock is not working

    Water Valve Is Not Working

    The next component that needs to function after the door latch is the water pump, which fills the dishwasher with water. It can encounter problems such as blockages, lack of water supply, or mechanical failure. A common issue with water pumps is dirty or hard water, which can cause buildup and debris. This buildup can clog the pump, block the filter, or jam the internal valve. If this happens, the pump may stop working, depending on how quickly the issue is identified and addressed.
    If caught early, the pump can often be saved by cleaning and flushing out the buildup, allowing it to continue functioning. However, if the problem is ignored for an extended period, the pump can overheat and fail completely. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help prevent this from happening.

    Solution

    If the water pump is clogged or not allowing water through due to buildup, but it’s still working, it may be possible to save it. After cleaning, if it continues to pump water at the correct pressure, it can be kept. However, if the buildup is too severe and after cleaning it either continues to leak water or pumps very weakly, it will need to be replaced.

    Water valve is not working
    Water valve is not working

    Faulty User Control Board or Control Board

    This is also a very common issue, usually occurring after power surges, sudden power outages, storms, or strong winds, especially when the dishwasher is running. When troubleshooting, the technician should first check if power is being supplied to both the control board and the user board, then check if voltage is reaching the water valve and drain pump. If there’s no power, the problem lies with one of the two boards.
    To determine which board is faulty, the technician will use a diagram to check if voltage is being sent from the main control board to the user control board. After this, they can easily make a conclusion. Occasionally, both boards may be faulty, but this is a rare occurrence.

    Solution

    If the issue is found to be with one of the control boards, it needs to be replaced. Problems with control boards typically occur not because of user error, but due to damage, such as from a power surge. It’s important to understand that even with a new dishwasher, a voltage spike could cause the same issue, meaning the new appliance could also be damaged.

    Faulty user control board or control board
    Faulty user control board or control board

    Power Supply Issue

    This is also a common issue. In most dishwasher models, wire twisting is used for connections. If the installation is done incorrectly or the contact is poor, the wires can burn or disconnect. As a result, your dishwasher might still partially work — lights may turn on, and it may respond to the wash cycle selection but not start.
    This happens because, with a poor connection, the dishwasher may receive only 80 volts instead of the required 120 volts. As a result, some components work, but it doesn’t have enough power to start the motors.

    Solution

    In this case, the technician on-site will be able to repair your dishwasher by fixing or replacing the wire or terminal connectors to restore power.

    Power supply issues
    Power supply issues

    Repair Cost

    Door lock repairing or replacing$320-$380
    Water valve cleaning or replacing$280-$360
    User control board or control board replacing$320-$390
    Wiring or terminals replacing or repairing$200-$250

    The price to repair a dishwasher varies based on its brand, model, and the complexity of the issue.

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    Our experienced technicians are equipped to resolve any dishwasher problem, from small fixes to major breakdowns. Prefer not to call? Just fill out a quick form to book your dishwasher repair with us now!

    Call us today: (863) 594-1784
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      Teodor Appliance Repair delivers exceptional appliance repair services across Florida. Renowned for our dependability and dedication to excellence, we handle a broad spectrum of appliance maintenance. Our technicians are adept at diagnosing and fixing problems with refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, ovens, and more. For convenient location access, check us out on Google Maps using these links: