Is your LG dishwasher refusing to start? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. A dishwasher that won’t turn on can be a frustrating issue, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can get your dishwasher up and running again in no time.
This article will explore 12 easy ways to fix your LG dishwasher when it fails to turn on. From simple solutions like securing the door latch and checking the power supply to more complex fixes involving touchpad repair and motor replacement, we’ll cover various potential issues and their corresponding solutions.
Whether it’s a malfunctioning timer control, a blown thermal fuse, or a clogged drain pump, we’ve gathered valuable insights from reliable sources to help you diagnose and resolve the problem.
By following these troubleshooting techniques and using the information provided, you can save time and money by fixing your LG dishwasher.
So, let’s dive into the 12 effective ways to bring your dishwasher back to life and enjoy hassle-free dishwashing.
Why Won’t Your LG Dishwasher Turn On?
If your LG dishwasher is not turning on, there could be several reasons for this issue. Here are some possible causes and solutions:
1. Unlatched Door
If the dishwasher door is not securely closed and latched, it prevents the dishwasher from starting. This can occur if the door is not pushed all the way or if an obstruction prevents it from closing properly.
Additionally, a faulty door latch mechanism or a worn-out gasket may contribute to the door not being fully latched, leading to the dishwasher’s inability to turn on.
2. Power Issues
Various power-related issues can prevent the dishwasher from turning on. These include a loose or damaged power cord, which can disrupt the power supply to the dishwasher. Problems with the circuit breaker box, such as a tripped breaker or a blown fuse, can also result in power issues.
Additionally, a faulty electrical outlet or a power outage in the house may affect the dishwasher’s ability to receive power and start properly.
3. Faulty Touchpad
The touchpad on the dishwasher, responsible for easy operation, may malfunction due to blown fuses or burned-out wires.
Over time, especially after 7 or 10 years of use, the touchpad can start experiencing issues. This can be attributed to electrical faults within the dishwasher, such as faulty wiring connections or damaged components.
These issues can disrupt the communication between the touchpad and the control panel, resulting in the dishwasher’s failure to start.
4. Clogged or Broken Drain Pump
The drain pump, responsible for forcing water through the drain hose, may be clogged, or the hose itself may be bent, obstructing proper functionality. Food particles, debris, or hard water deposits can accumulate in the drain pump or hose, leading to blockages.
Additionally, a bent or kinked drain hose can impede the water flow. If the drain pump is clogged or the hose is obstructed, the dishwasher may not start as it cannot effectively remove the water from the tub, triggering safety mechanisms to prevent operation.
5. Burned-Out Wires
The wires connected to the control panel, pumps, and filters may become faulty or experience shortages, leading to the dishwasher not operating correctly. These wires can deteriorate due to wear and tear, electrical surges, or rodent damage.
When the wires are burned out or damaged, they can disrupt the flow of electricity, causing malfunctions in various dishwasher components and preventing them from starting.
6. Door Latch Switch Assembly Issues
The dishwasher’s door latch switch assembly may have a faulty sensor or a loose latch, preventing the dishwasher from sensing that the door is closed and inhibiting power.
The latch assembly is responsible for electronically locking the door during a cycle. If the sensor within it malfunctions or the latch becomes loose, the dishwasher may not recognize that the door is securely closed. As a result, the safety mechanisms of the dishwasher prevent it from starting to ensure proper operation.
7. Child Lock Activated
The child lock feature may be activated, which stops the dishwasher from starting until it is disabled. The child lock is designed to prevent accidental operation or tampering by children.
When the child lock is enabled, pressing the start or control buttons will not affect the dishwasher. It ensures the safety of children and avoids any unintended changes or interruptions to the dishwasher’s operation.
8. Stuck in a Cycle
The dishwasher may be stuck in a cycle due to compartmental failure or component malfunction, preventing it from initiating a new cycle or progressing further.
This can occur when a specific component, such as the timer control or motor relay switch, fails to function correctly. As a result, the dishwasher remains locked in its current cycle, unable to move forward or start a new wash cycle.
This issue requires troubleshooting and potentially replacing the faulty component to restore normal operation.
9. Malfunctioning Timer Control
The timer control, responsible for regulating the timing of the wash cycle, may malfunction, resulting in the dishwasher’s failure to initiate a new cycle or getting stuck in a particular phase.
The timer control plays a crucial role in coordinating the stages of the wash cycle, such as prewashing, washing, rinsing, and drying.
If the timer control malfunctions, it can disrupt the sequencing of these stages or prevent the dishwasher from advancing to the next phase, causing the dishwasher to remain inactive or stuck in a specific part of the cycle.
10. Faulty Motor Relay Switch
The motor relay switch, which initiates the dishwasher’s operation when the “Start” button is pressed, may malfunction.
The motor relay switch is a gateway for electrical power to reach the dishwasher’s motor. When the start button is pressed, the motor relay switch should send a signal to activate the motor and begin the wash cycle.
However, if the switch is faulty or fails to function properly, it can disrupt the power flow and prevent the dishwasher from starting. This can be caused by internal damage, wear and tear, or electrical issues with the switch.
11. Blown Thermal Fuse
The thermal fuse, a safety device that protects the control board from overheating, may blow out, causing the dishwasher not to turn on. The thermal fuse is designed to interrupt the electrical circuit if the temperature inside the dishwasher exceeds a certain threshold.
If the fuse blows out, it indicates that the dishwasher has experienced excessive heat, potentially due to a malfunctioning component or electrical issue.
When the thermal fuse is blown, power is cut off to the control board, preventing the dishwasher from turning on as a safety measure.
12. Burned-Out Drive Motor
The drive motor, responsible for providing electricity to the dishwasher from the power source, may be burned out, resulting in the dishwasher failing to initiate a new cycle or stopping mid-cycle.
The drive motor is a critical component that powers the various mechanical functions of the dishwasher, such as the spray arms, pump, and agitator. Over time, the motor can experience wear and tear or be subjected to excessive loads, leading to motor failure.
If the drive motor is burned out, it will be unable to generate the necessary power to operate the dishwasher, causing it to remain inactive or abruptly stop during operation.
How to Fix an LG Dishwasher That Won’t Turn On?
If your LG dishwasher is not turning on, there could be several reasons for this issue. Here are some possible causes and solutions:
1. Secure the Door Latch
If your LG dishwasher doesn’t turn on, one possible reason could be an unlatched door.
Check if the dishwasher door is securely closed and latched. Ensure that there are no obstructions hindering the door from closing properly. A misaligned door latch or a worn-out door gasket can also prevent the door from sealing correctly, leading to the dishwasher not starting.
2. Check Power Supply
When facing a dishwasher that won’t start, it’s essential to investigate power-related problems.
Inspect the power cord for any signs of damage or lose connections.
Consider testing the power outlet by plugging in another device to ensure it works correctly.
Check the electrical junction box for any loose wires or burnt connections if the dishwasher is hardwired. Additionally, fluctuations in the home’s electrical supply or a tripped circuit breaker can disrupt the dishwasher’s operation.
3. Repair or Replace the Touchpad
A malfunctioning touchpad can be the culprit behind an unresponsive LG dishwasher. This issue may arise due to blown fuses or burned-out wires in the touchpad circuit.
If the touchpad buttons are unresponsive or do not register when pressed, it may require replacing the touchpad assembly.
In some cases, the control panel, which houses the touchpad, may need to be replaced entirely to restore normal functionality.
4. Clear Clogs and Repair the Drain Pump
If your LG dishwasher fails to start, it could be due to a clogged or broken drain pump.
Inspect the drain pump and the drain hose for any obstructions or bends. A clogged drain pump can prevent proper water drainage, preventing the dishwasher from starting a new cycle.
Clear any debris from the drain pump impeller or replace the pump if damaged. Ensure that the drain hose is free from kinks or blockages.
5. Replace Faulty Wires
When wires connected to the control panel, pumps, and filters become faulty or experience shortages, it can lead to a dishwasher that doesn’t operate correctly. Examine the harness and connections for signs of burned-out wires or loose connections.
Over time, wires can deteriorate due to heat, moisture, or wear. If damaged wires are found, they should be replaced or repaired using appropriate wire connectors and insulation.
6. Adjust or Replace the Door Latch Switch Assembly
A malfunctioning door latch switch assembly can prevent the dishwasher from sensing the door is closed and failing to power on.
Inspect the latch mechanism and the door latch switch for any visible damage or misalignment.
The door latch switch assembly consists of multiple components, including the door switch, door latch, and door strike plate. If any of these components are faulty or misaligned, they may need to be adjusted or replaced to restore proper functioning.
7. Disable the Child Lock Feature
If your LG dishwasher refuses to start, check if the child lock feature is activated. The child lock function prevents accidental operation by locking the control panel.
Consult the user manual specific to your LG dishwasher model for instructions on turning off the child lock. Typically, this involves pressing and holding a combination of buttons for a few seconds until the child lock indicator light turns off.
8. Reset the Stuck Cycle
A dishwasher that is stuck in a cycle can be a frustrating problem. This issue may occur due to compartmental failure or component malfunction.
Start by trying a simple reset by pressing the “Cancel” or “Reset” button on the dishwasher control panel.
If that doesn’t resolve the issue, disconnect the power to the dishwasher by turning off the circuit breaker or unplugging it from the power outlet for a few minutes. Doing that can help reset the dishwasher’s internal electronics and clear any temporary glitches causing the cycle to be stuck.
9. Repair or Replace the Timer Control
A malfunctioning timer control can disrupt the timing of the wash cycle, leading to a dishwasher that won’t start or gets stuck in a particular phase.
Inspect the timer control module for any visible signs of damage or lose connections. Depending on the model, the timer control may be a separate component or integrated within the main control board.
If the timer control is faulty, it may require replacing the module or the entire control board.
10. Replace the Faulty Motor Relay Switch
The motor relay switch is crucial in initiating the dishwasher’s operation when the “Start” button is pressed. If this switch is faulty or malfunctioning, it can prevent the dishwasher from turning on.
Examine the motor relay switch for any signs of damage or lose connections. If the switch is defective, it may need to be replaced to restore proper functionality to the dishwasher.
11. Replace the Blown Thermal Fuse
The thermal fuse is a safety device that protects the dishwasher’s control board from overheating. If the thermal fuse blows out, it can result in the dishwasher not turning on.
Inspect the thermal fuse for any signs of damage or overheating. If the thermal fuse is faulty, it should be replaced with a new fuse of the same rating.
It’s important to address the underlying cause of the thermal fuse failure to prevent future issues, such as a malfunctioning heating element or inadequate ventilation.
12. Replace the Burned-Out Drive Motor
A burned-out drive motor can cause a dishwasher to fail to start or stop mid-cycle.
Inspect the drive motor for any visible signs of burning or damage. A burned-out motor may emit a burning smell or show signs of melted insulation.
If the drive motor is faulty, it must be replaced with a compatible motor assembly to restore proper operation to the dishwasher.
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.
