A dishwasher that won't start most often has an unlatched door, a control lock or delay start turned on, or a power source that's tripped. Rule those out before you suspect parts like the door switch or control board.
Safety first: Many dishwashers are hard-wired, so switch off the breaker before removing the lower kick plate, and leave the junction box and its wiring to a professional.
Follow the diagnostic path
Step 1: Is the control panel completely dark?
If yes: Check for a wall switch near the sink (some kitchens have one), the breaker, and any GFCI outlet the dishwasher shares with the disposal. If power is present and the panel stays dark, call a technician.
If no: Go to Step 2.
Step 2: Is a lock symbol lit, or do buttons beep without responding?
If yes: The control or child lock is on. Most models release it by pressing and holding one button for a few seconds; your manual names which.
If no: Go to Step 3.
Step 3: Is a delay time or countdown showing?
If yes: Delay start is set. Cancel it or let it count down.
If no: Go to Step 4.
Step 4: Are the controls on the top edge of the door?
If yes: On many hidden-control models, you pick a cycle, press Start, then close the door within a few seconds. Wait too long and the cycle won't begin.
If no: Go to Step 5.
Step 5: Does the door latch with a firm click?
If yes: Go to Step 6.
If no: A rack pushed out of its track, a tall pan or a utensil handle may be blocking the door. If nothing is in the way and it still won't latch, the latch or door switch needs a technician.
Step 6: Is a light flashing in a repeating pattern?
If yes: The control is reporting a fault code. Count the flashes and write them down; codes vary by brand and model. KitchenAid owners can use our guide to a flashing Clean light. Turning the breaker off for a minute sometimes clears a one-time fault.
If no: A thermal fuse, door switch or control board is likely. A technician can test them.
What your answer points to
| What you found | Most likely cause | DIY or technician |
|---|---|---|
| Dark panel, no power | Tripped breaker, GFCI or wall switch | DIY reset |
| Lock symbol lit | Control lock on | DIY |
| Countdown showing | Delay start | DIY |
| Door won't click | Blocked or worn latch | DIY clearing; technician for parts |
| Flashing pattern | Fault code | Technician |
Stop and call a technician if
- •The breaker trips again after you reset it.
- •You smell burning near the control panel.
- •The panel is dark with confirmed power.
Keep it from coming back
- •Load tall items where they won't touch the door.
- •Learn your model's lock button so a bump doesn't stop the next load.
- •If the dishwasher and disposal share a circuit and the breaker trips now and then, have an electrician look at it.
Owen's shop tip: The hidden-control timing catches a lot of people. Press Start, then close the door right away. That alone solves a fair share of these calls.
Power confirmed, door latched, locks off, and still nothing? Our dishwasher repair service can test the switch and control. Call (617) 812-1425.