If you own a KitchenAid dishwasher and have experienced the frustration of it not starting, you’re not alone. Many users like you have encountered this issue, but the good news is that there are a lot of easy fixes you can try to get your dishwasher to work again.
In this article, we’ll explore eight different ways to troubleshoot and solve the problem of a KitchenAid dishwasher that won’t start.
Why Won’t Your KitchenAid Dishwasher Start?
KitchenAid dishwashers are known for their efficiency, but like any other appliance, they can encounter problems. One example is when the dishwasher refuses to start.
There could be several reasons why your KitchenAid dishwasher won’t start; in this section, we’ll discuss some of the most common reasons.
1. Door Switch.
If the door switch is not working fine, the dishwasher will not start. The door switch detects when the dishwasher door is closed and signals the control board to start the dishwasher. If the switch is faulty or not aligned correctly, the dishwasher may not start.
2. Control Board.
The control board, also the dishwasher’s brain, controls all of the dishwasher’s functions. If the control board is faulty, the dishwasher may not start. A power surge or electrical issue can cause the control board to malfunction.
3. Timer.
The timer on your machine controls the cycle times and ensures that the dishwasher runs for the appropriate or required space of time. If the timer is faulty, the dishwasher may not start or may stop mid-cycle.
4. Thermal Fuse.
The dishwasher’s thermal fuse is a safety device that protects your dishwasher from overheating.
If the thermal fuse blows, the dishwasher will not start.
This dishwasher thermal will blow if the dishwasher overheats due to a faulty heating element or other malfunction.
5. Motor.
The motor powers the dishwasher’s pump and spray arms. If the motor fails, the dishwasher may not start or circulate water adequately.
6. Float Switch.
The float switch is a safety device that detects when the dishwasher is overfilled with water. If the float switch is stuck or faulty, the dishwasher may not start or may stop mid-cycle.
7. Power Supply.
A KitchenAid dishwasher may not start if there is a problem with the power supply. This can be due to a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker.
8. Water Inlet Valve.
The water inlet valve in your appliance controls water flow into the dishwasher. If the valve is faulty, the dishwasher may not start or cannot fill with water properly.
9. Pump Motor.
The drain pump motor pumps water out of the dishwasher at the end of the cycle. If the pump motor is faulty, the dishwasher may not start or may not be able to drain water properly.
10. User Error.
Sometimes, the reason a KitchenAid dishwasher won’t start is simply because of user error. For example, if the dishwasher is not correctly loaded, the door may not close properly, or the dishwasher may not start if the control panel buttons are not pressed correctly.
It’s important to note that troubleshooting a KitchenAid dishwasher can be complex and should only be done by a trained professional. If you are unsure what is causing your dishwasher not to start, it is best to contact a certified repair technician.
How to Fix a KitchenAid Dishwasher Not Starting
If your KitchenAid dishwasher is not starting, you can try a few things to fix the issue. Here are some solutions you can try:
1. Check the Power supply.
The first thing to do when your KitchenAid dishwasher is not starting is to check the power supply (or power source). Ensure the dishwasher is properly plugged in and the circuit breaker is not tripped. If everything is okay, you can check if there is power in the outlet by plugging in another appliance.
2. Inspect the Door latch.
The door latch is another component that can cause your KitchenAid dishwasher not to start. If the door is not closed properly, the dishwasher will not start. Check the door latch assembly to ensure that it is functioning correctly.
If you find any damage or issues, you may need to replace the door latch.
3. Check the Control panel.
The dishwasher control panel sends signals to the dishwasher’s components to start the cleaning cycle. If the control panel is faulty or damaged, your KitchenAid dishwasher will not start.
Inspect the control panel for any visible damage or loose connections. If everything seems fine, you can reset the control panel by turning off the dishwasher’s power supply for a few minutes and then turning it back on.
4. Examine the Thermal fuse.
The thermal fuse is a safety feature that protects your dishwasher from overheating. If the thermal fuse is blown, your KitchenAid dishwasher will not start. You can check the thermal fuse using a multimeter to determine if it functions correctly. If the thermal fuse is faulty, you will need to replace it.
5. Inspect the Motor relay.
The motor relay is responsible for sending power to the dishwasher’s motor. If the motor relay is faulty, your KitchenAid dishwasher will not start. You can test the motor relay using a multimeter to determine if it works correctly. If the motor relay is defective, you will need to replace it.
6. Check the Motor.
The motor is the main component that powers the dishwasher. If the motor is malfunctioning, your KitchenAid dishwasher will not start.
Check the motor for any visible damage or debris that may be causing it to malfunction. You can also test the motor using a multimeter to determine if it functions correctly. If the motor is faulty, you will need to replace it.
7. Inspect the Door switch.
The door switch is responsible for signaling the dishwasher that the door is closed, allowing it to start the cleaning cycle. If the door switch is defective, your KitchenAid dishwasher will not start.
You can test the door switch using a multimeter to determine if it works correctly. If the door switch is faulty, you will need to replace it.
8. Check the Timer.
The dishwasher timer controls the duration of each cycle in your KitchenAid dishwasher. If the timer is faulty or damaged, your dishwasher will not start.
Inspect the timer for any visible damage or loose connections. You can also test the timer using a multimeter to determine if it works correctly. If the timer is defective, you will need to replace it.
You should be able to troubleshoot and repair your KitchenAid dishwasher if you follow the procedures we’ve provided for you. If you have any doubts about any of the methods, please seek the assistance of a skilled appliance repair technician.
FAQs
Why won’t the buttons work on my KitchenAid dishwasher?
The buttons on your KitchenAid dishwasher may stop working due to several reasons. Some common causes include a malfunctioning control panel, a faulty door switch, or a damaged electronic control board.
A power surge or electrical problem can also cause the buttons on your KitchenAid dishwasher model to stop working. It is essential to troubleshoot the issue and find the root cause to determine the best action to fix the problem.
How do I reset my KitchenAid dishwasher with the buttons?
You can perform a simple reset on your KitchenAid dishwasher by following these steps:
Open the dishwasher door and make sure it is securely latched.
Press the “Heated Dry” button, then quickly press the “Normal” button.
Press the “High-Temp Wash” button, then quickly press the “Normal” button again.
Repeat steps 2 and 3.
Close the dishwasher door and wait for the dishwasher to reset. This may take a few minutes.
Once the dishwasher has reset, the buttons should work like normal again.
If this reset sequence doesn’t work, you may need to try a different method or contact a professional for assistance.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
