Dishwasher Stops Mid-cycle: 7 Easy Ways To Fix It Now

Isn’t it frustrating when your dishwasher stops mid-cycle? Typically, you expect your dishwasher to stop at the end of the cycle when all the dishes are clean and dry. When this early stop occurs, you end up with unclean dishes and greasy cookware that contain detergent residues.

This disturbing scenario may force you to bring out the dirty dishes and wash them in the sink.

Knowing the reasons behind this error can help prevent it in the future. If your dishwasher happens to stop mid-cycle, this article will help. We’ll discuss the causes and possible solutions for this issue. So, stay tuned for further knowledge.

Why Your Dishwasher Stops Mid-cycle?

If your dishwasher crashes and stops before the end of the wash cycle, there might be various causes, for instance, a blown fuse in its internal components or a defective latch assembly. Other common reasons may include an unclean filter clogged by debris over time.

Moreover, a faulty water inlet valve can contribute to this issue. So, with many culprits on board, you must inspect your machine thoroughly to find the cause.

Let’s delve deeper into the main causes, ways to diagnose these issues, and how to troubleshoot them.

1. Damaged Fuse

You can recognize a blown or damaged fuse when your washer suddenly stops mid-cycle and never restarts. A blown fuse is a simple issue to tackle, especially if it is not a thermal one. You can identify a damaged fuse if your washer cannot start and no power reaches the appliance.

2. Detective Thermal Fuse

In all dishwashers, a thermal fuse prevents the appliance from overheating. Usually, this component crashes with accidental overheating. When it is blown, the washer will crash and not start again. This component is included inside the device’s control board in most dishwashers.

In some models and types, however, it is located inside the power filter board.

3. Broken Door Latch

As the name suggests, a door latch in a dishwasher keeps the door closed when the washer starts. Typically, a functional latch prevents the washer from operating when the door is unlocked. This latch is a safety feature that prevents leaks and accidental door openings.

Usually, this latch gets damaged by frequent, rough banging of the door. Also, it gets worn and torn over time.

4. Tripped Breaker

Whenever there is a power surge or excess current in your household, the chances of tripping the circuit breaker increase. This type of trip eliminates electrical hazards by shutting off the power supply. Whenever the circuit breaker trips, the indicator lights will turn off simultaneously.

5. Plugged Filter

Dishwashers come with one or more filters. These debris filters purify the water entering the machine. They also prevent food residues and particles from sticking to clean dishes and glasses.

As with any functional filter, they develop clogging and even damage over time. This clogging leads to further issues, such as jamming the water inlet valve. Such a thing leads to an insufficient water supply. Eventually, the dishwasher will start and stop mid-cycle.

6. Defective Dishwasher Fan

In a dishwasher, hot air is generated with every washing cycle. The fans inside the washer provide ventilation and remove steam and hot air. Moreover, the fans let the dishes, glasses, and cookware dry before taking them out.

Whenever these fans stop working or malfunction, the air won’t leave the washer, creating more steam and leaving wet items behind. Eventually, the dishwasher will collapse during the washing cycle.

7. Problematic Control Board

This component acts as a small computer or the brain of the dishwasher. It manages and coordinates the different functions of the device. It is responsible for giving orders to all the components of the machine. So when something goes wrong with the device’s brain, it will undoubtedly malfunction.

Typically, problems with the control board should not be excluded as a cause for glitches and stopping mid-cycle.

How to Fix a Dishwasher that Stops Mid-cycle?

This issue can often be fixed with some basic DIY maintenance. All you need is to diagnose the cause and troubleshoot it correctly. In some cases, though, you should seek the help of a certified repair technician.

This professional help is preferred whenever there is a problem with the control board or dishwasher motor.

1. Change the Damaged Fuse

Replacing a frayed fuse will be fine if you know your way around a circuit breaker and a fuse box. Just disconnect the power and release the control board adequately to avoid further damage.

2. Replace the Thermal Fuse

Replacing this part has the same rules as replacing the other washer fuses. Consider the difference in location and function between this component and the thermal cutoff. Also, replacing this component might not be the answer to all the issues with older models of dishwashers, particularly those that have been around for over a decade.

3. Replace the Latch

The door latch of a dishwasher is built to last a long time. Still, it must be replaced whenever the door fails to lock. Fortunately, finding a replacement latch is neither difficult nor expensive. It ranges somewhere between $50 and $60, depending on the model and brand of the washer.

4. Check the Breaker Box

Garbage disposals and dishwashers are connected to the same circuit in many households. Both appliances are hooked up to the same unit. So, whenever there is a tripping in the circuit breaker of the latter, the former will be affected too. Either way, check the position of the box. Usually, it should be set to the on position.

In this case, you should reset it by turning it off and on again.

5. Clean the Filter

There are some dishwasher models equipped with self-cleaning filters. However, most models available on the market come with manually-cleaned filters. The good news is that there is no hassle or effort associated with the cleaning process.

All you need to do is to soak the filter in lukewarm water until the stuck debris loosens. Then remove them with your hand until there is nothing more left. Let the filter dry before reinstalling it in the washer.

6. Replace the Faulty Fan

Fans are absent in all dishwashers, but many new models have them. Replacing the fan and the vent when the fan becomes defective is best. To DIY this task, you should review the dishwasher manual for guidance on replacement and installation.

7. Replace the Control Board

A dishwasher’s board or control panel is a critical machine component. It is built to last as long as you operate the machine. However, it might become defective. But before rushing to replace this expensive component, ensure you have enough power to operate the machine.

Moreover, this board might stop working due to the need for a reset. You can easily reset the dishwasher by unplugging it. Leave it unplugged for 10 minutes until the electrical charge is removed from the machine’s system. Then replug it into the power outlet and check whether the problem is resolved.

Also, check if the child lock setting is active. This setting may cause the washer to seize. So, correct the incorrect settings and give it another shot.

If none of these fixes work, call a technician for help choosing and installing the replacement. You might also find some help in the dishwasher user manual.