--- title: "Dishwasher Not Starting: Causes and Fixes" description: "The door is shut and a cycle is chosen, but nothing happens, or the lights come on and it will not run." url: "https://dishwasherrepair.center/problems/dishwasher-not-starting/" --- # Dishwasher Not Starting The door is shut and a cycle is chosen, but nothing happens, or the lights come on and it will not run. ## What it usually means. Before a dishwasher runs, the control has to see power, a closed and latched door, and no lock or delay setting holding it back. Most no-start calls end at one of those three. When the lights are on but the machine will not begin, it is usually the door switch or a setting. When the panel is completely dark, it is power, a thermal fuse or the control board. The 5 causes, cheapest first Answer these first 01 Is the control panel lit at all, or completely dark? 02 Does a lock symbol or a delay-start indicator show? 03 Do you hear a click when you close the door firmly? 04 Has the breaker tripped or the GFCI outlet under the sink popped? 05 Does it start and then stop within a few seconds? ## Check these before you book. Dishwasher not starting: 5 checks, and none of them costs anything. 01 Look for a lock symbol and hold the lock or start button for three to five seconds to release it. 02 Check the breaker panel and the GFCI outlet under the sink, and reset them once. 03 Close the door firmly and listen for the latch to click. ### Also worth checking - Make sure delay start is off and a cycle is actually selected. - Turn off the breaker for one minute, then turn it back on to reset the control. ### How soon does it need a visit? Not urgent. If the breaker trips again when you reset it, leave it off and treat it as an electrical problem; otherwise nothing is at risk. ## The causes, cheapest first. 5 things dishwasher not starting turns out to be, from control lock or delay start set to control board or user interface. [The cost guide](https://dishwasherrepair.center/cost/) 1. 01 no repair ### Control lock or delay start set A child lock or a delay start set by accident looks exactly like a dead machine. Holding the lock button for a few seconds usually clears it. No repair: check it yourself [See dishwasher control panel not responding](https://dishwasherrepair.center/problems/control-panel-not-responding/) 2. 02 no repair ### Tripped breaker or GFCI The dishwasher shares its circuit with the disposal in many kitchens. A tripped GFCI under the sink stops both. No repair: check it yourself 3. 03 low ### Door latch or door switch The control will not run unless it sees the door locked. A worn latch or a switch that no longer closes leaves the lights on and nothing happening. [Fixed by door latch and hinge repair](https://dishwasherrepair.center/services/door-latch-and-hinge-repair/) [See dishwasher door won't latch](https://dishwasherrepair.center/problems/dishwasher-door-wont-latch/) 4. 04 low ### Blown thermal fuse A one-time fuse protects the control from overheating. When it blows, the panel goes dark, and something made it overheat. [Fixed by controls and sensors](https://dishwasherrepair.center/services/controls-and-sensors/) 5. 05 moderate ### Control board or user interface A board damaged by moisture or a surge can stop responding altogether. It is the conclusion after power, latch and fuse are ruled out. [Fixed by controls and sensors](https://dishwasherrepair.center/services/controls-and-sensors/) 6. What it costs ### Every repair on the site's cost scale, side by side Open the cost guide ## What else it could be. Most often confused with dishwasher control panel not responding, then dishwasher door won't latch. [All problems](https://dishwasherrepair.center/problems/) Codes that come with it - [`E27` Bosch · Mode, not a failure](https://dishwasherrepair.center/error-codes/bosch-e27/) - [`980199` Cove · Mode, not a failure](https://dishwasherrepair.center/error-codes/cove-980199/) - [`PF` Electrolux · Mode, not a failure](https://dishwasherrepair.center/error-codes/electrolux-pf/) - [`01-24` Electrolux · Mode, not a failure](https://dishwasherrepair.center/error-codes/electrolux-01-24/) - [`CL` Frigidaire · Mode, not a failure](https://dishwasherrepair.center/error-codes/frigidaire-cl/) - [`PF` Frigidaire · Mode, not a failure](https://dishwasherrepair.center/error-codes/frigidaire-pf/) [6 more codes, by make](https://dishwasherrepair.center/error-codes/) Also related - [**Dishwasher Showing an Error Code** 5 causes](https://dishwasherrepair.center/problems/dishwasher-error-code/) ### Dishwasher Control Panel Not Responding 5 causes ### Dishwasher Door Won't Latch 5 causes Water or wiring at risk ### Dishwasher Tripping the Breaker 5 causes ## The makes it happens on. 27 makes on this site; dishwasher not starting can show up on any of them. Each mark opens that make's own page. [All 27 brands](https://dishwasherrepair.center/brands/) ## Dishwasher Not Starting, where we come out. 9 metros, each with its own page. 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Why? That pattern almost always means the control does not believe the door is shut. The latch may be catching without closing the switch behind it. Try pressing the door firmly at the latch while you press start. ### How do I turn off the control lock? On most models, you hold the button with the lock symbol, or the one marked for heated dry or start, for three to five seconds. The owner's manual lists the exact button; the model number on the door edge finds the manual online. ### Could it be the water supply? A closed supply valve does not stop the cycle from starting; the machine will start and then sit waiting to fill. If nothing happens at all, including no hum, look at power and the door first. ### Is it worth resetting the power more than once? Once is enough. A reset clears a control that locked up, and if that was the issue it works the first time. Repeated resets can hide a pattern the technician would want to see. --- **[Read on the site: Dishwasher Not Starting: Causes and Fixes](https://dishwasherrepair.center/problems/dishwasher-not-starting/)** **[Book a visit with DishwasherRepair.center](https://dishwasherrepair.center/schedule/)**