Dishwasher Not Turning On
If your dishwasher is not turning on, the appliance is not responding when you press the power button or attempt to start a cycle. There are several possible causes, many of which can be checked at home before calling an engineer.
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Why Is My Dishwasher Not Turning On?
When a dishwasher fails to turn on there is no response from the appliance — no display, no lights and no cycle activity. Before assuming there is a fault with the machine itself, there are several basic checks worth carrying out first as the cause is often straightforward.
Common Causes
No power at the mains socket
The most common cause. A tripped circuit breaker, a blown fuse in the plug or a faulty mains socket can all prevent the machine from receiving power.
Door not fully closed
The dishwasher will not start if the door is not properly latched. The door switch must register the door as securely closed before the cycle can begin.
Child lock activated
Many dishwashers have a child lock or control lock feature that prevents the controls from responding. If activated, the machine will appear completely unresponsive. Check your user manual to find out how to deactivate it on your model.
Flood protection device triggered
If water has leaked internally and collected in the base tray, the flood protection device will have activated and prevented the machine from starting. The base tray will need to be emptied before the machine will operate again.
Delay start programme set
Some dishwashers have a delay start function. If this has been set accidentally, the machine will not start immediately but will wait until the programmed time.
Faulty door switch or control board
If the door switch or main control board has failed, the machine will not power on even when everything else is in order.
Checks To Try Before Calling An Engineer
Check the mains supply
Ensure the plug is firmly in the socket and the socket is switched on. Try plugging another appliance into the same socket to confirm it is working. Check your consumer unit for any tripped circuit breakers and reset if necessary.
Check the plug fuse
Inspect the fuse in the plug and replace if blown. Dishwashers typically require a 13 amp fuse.
Check the door
Open and firmly reclose the door, ensuring it latches correctly. Try pressing the power button again.
Check for child lock
Refer to your user manual to check whether the child lock is activated and how to turn it off.
Check for delay start
Check whether a delay start programme has been set and cancel it if so.
Reset the machine
Switch the dishwasher off at the mains and leave it unplugged for a few minutes. Plug back in and try again.
When To Contact A Professional
If the dishwasher still fails to turn on after checking the power supply, fuse, door and child lock, there is likely a fault with the door switch, flood protection system or control board that requires professional diagnosis. Internal components should only be inspected or repaired by trained professionals.
Related Dishwasher Fault Guides
Dishwasher Not Washing Properly
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Dishwasher error codes — all brands
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