My dishwasher does not turn on anymore, what should I do?

Element that has become essential in your kitchen, your dishwasher refuses to turn on or start? Like any electronic device, a dishwasher can experience electrical malfunctions during its lifetime. Unfortunately, when this happens, one can quickly feel helpless. And yet certain checks and manipulations can make it possible to revive your device. This is what we will see today by answering the question: what to do when your dishwasher no longer turns on?

First, we will see the basic checks available to everyone to try to restart your dishwasher. Then we will see, the manipulations allowing self-diagnosis of the fault in order to be able to repair it.

First checks when your dishwasher no longer turns on

At first, a few basic checks can allow revive your dishwasher that no longer works. Check them out below.

dishwasher does not turn on, what to do?
Warning: if your dishwasher, which no longer turns on, is still under warranty, contact the manufacturer's after-sales service directly or the retailer store. They will then need to take the necessary steps to resolve your issue. 

Remove multiple sockets and extensions

When your dishwasher does not turn on and that you have connected it to power using a strip or extender, remove them. Then, try to plug the device directly into the power outlet. Indeed, these elements risk causing electrical interference and voltage problems hindering the proper functioning of the dishwasher, but also which can cause safety problems. A dishwasher must always be plugged directly into the mains socket, without any intermediary.

Check that the water tap is open

When your dishwasher does not start but the lights come on, even if it seems obvious, think about check that the water tap is open. Indeed, if the device is not supplied with water, it will not be able to start and operate correctly.

Check the power supply to the dishwasher

If your dishwasher does not turn on at all and gives no sign of life (no display, no light on or even no beep), the first problem may come from the sound food.

Start by check that the mains socket is working either using a multimeter, by plugging another functional device into it or by plugging the dishwasher into another electrical outlet. If the outlet is defective, contact a electrician so that he can repair your electrical installation.

Visually check the power cable plug as well as the cord. Do you observe traces of burns, a melted or damaged element? If so, then you will need replace the power cable by a new compatible cable or similar.

Please note: Always replace the defective part with a similar or equivalent model. Beware of counterfeits and poor quality components. If in doubt, refer to the manufacturer's advice or call their after-sales service. 

Dishwasher that no longer works: technical checks and handling

When the few previous checks have failed to revive your dishwasher broken, you will then need to move on to technical manipulations allowing a more in-depth diagnosis which then requires the disassembly of the device.

Warning: Risk of electric shock and damage to the dishwasher. Unplug your device electrically before dismantling the device. Use gloves against electricity and cuts. These tests require knowledge of electronics. If you are not competent for the operations, contact a professional. 
dishwasher that does not start, what to do?

Check the condition of the interference filter

When your dishwasher no longer works, the first manipulation is to check if the noise filter is working. To put it simply, the dishwasher's interference suppressor cleans any mains interference that could interfere with the proper functioning of the appliance. It is located at the back of your dishwasher, at the entrance to the sector. In principle, a plate is unscrewed to gain access to it. Do not hesitate to consult your user manual to find where it is located.

Composed of capacitors, coils and resistors, this filter is therefore very likely to fail. The most common symptoms of this failure are disjunction et total absence power on your device. In the latter case, your dishwasher will not turn on at all.

First, visually check whether the mains filter is swollen. You can then check using a multimeter if it is powered on. However, be careful, this manipulation is delicate. It requires the use of gloves and being careful of the electrical items you touch. You will need to measure the voltage with the two test probes at the two blue and brown wires coming out of the filter. If the voltage displayed on the multimeter is around 230V, then the filter and the power cable are functioning normally. On the other hand, if the voltage coming out is not good, the filter is defective. You will then need to replace it with a new interference filter equivalent or compatible.

For more information on how to replace a noise filter, see this video. If you have any doubts about the procedure to follow to test the filter, do not hesitate to consult the tutorial videos that exist on YouTube. 

Testing the dishwasher control electronics

When your dishwasher does not turn on, you will then need check if the on / off switch is working and if from current reaches the electronic boards (power card and control card). This operation requires removing the door and the front panel of the device to check the internal condition of the cards and connectors.

Note: Disassembly will be specific to each device. However, most of the time, visible screws are placed on the front and / or top of the dishwasher.

Check the control switch

If your dishwasher that no longer turns on has an On / Off or Power button independent of the electronic card, it may be defective. Besides, if the switch goes off when you stop pressing it, the problem is most likely with this part.

You will then need to check whether the power wires are properly connected. If you find that a wire is disconnected, reconnect it. If a wire appears damaged, replace it. Then check if the mechanism is not broken. If that is the case, the switch is probably defective and it will then have to be replaced.

To control the power switch of your dishwasher, see a video on this subject in by clicking here. 

Check order cards

If your dishwasher does not turn on but the switch works (if the dishwasher has one), the power card is probably defective. Depending on the model, the power card can be located in different places. It is also possible that the command card does not work anymore. To test these cards, you will need to use a multimeter.

Regarding the power board, you will first need to check if the voltage is around 230 volts on the power board. Once again, this manipulation is technical and requires precautions. Contact a professional if you don't have electronics skills. If the card is not supplied with power, the problem may be with a broken or disconnected electrical wire or with the card which is itself defective. Also note that if your electronic card is powered but the dishwasher no longer turns on, it may be receiving voltage but it may still be faulty.

To test the control card, you will need to bring the device diagram to find out what voltage it is supposed to be supplied with. Then check with a multimeter if the voltage matches. You can also try to test it without knowing its voltage because the voltage may be at zero. In this case, the problem can once come from a disconnected or broken wire or a malfunction on the card.

Check the door switch

When your dishwasher does not start but turns on, it is very likely that door switch, also called door security, or defective. Indeed, a contactor on the switch sends the signal to the dishwasher that the door is properly closed. If the dishwasher does not receive this signal, then it cannot start. You can test it with the multimeter in continuity function. Once again, tutorials exist on the net to show you the exact procedure to follow.

Read also: My ceramic hob no longer works, what should I do?

Contact a professional

If you do not have the skills to self-diagnose and / or repair your broken dishwasher, or if despite your efforts your appliance still refuses to turn on, you will need to call a professional.

If your dishwasher is eligible for the warranty (minimum 2 years manufacturer in France), contact the after sales service brand or dealer of the device. Unfortunately, if your device is out of warranty, contact a repairer specializing in household appliances near you. Do not hesitate to ask for a quote to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Leave comments