To start a Whirlpool dishwasher, load the dishes and add detergent. Select your desired cycle and options. Press the Start/Resume button, then firmly close the door within 4 seconds. The door must latch completely for the machine to begin washing.
Solution
If your Whirlpool dishwasher won't turn on, start by power cycling the unit. Unplug it or flip the circuit breaker off for 10 minutes, then restore power and hold the Start/Resume button for 3 to 5 seconds.
Common Causes for a Dishwasher Not Starting
Check for Power: Confirm the power supply and circuit breaker status. Ensure the dishwasher is plugged in and receiving power. For hardwired units, check the circuit breaker to see if it has tripped. Resetting a tripped breaker might solve the problem.
If your dishwasher starts but nothing happens (e.g., no filling, washing, or draining), the most likely culprit is a faulty door latch, a tripped power switch or breaker, a stuck float switch, or an active delay/child lock.
The first step to resetting your dishwasher control is to locate the power source that your dishwasher uses. Next, disconnect it from the power source for at least one minute. If your dishwasher is plugged into an outlet, unplug it for one minute and then plug it back in.
If your dishwasher is not working, you may want to consider these potential causes:
If your Whirlpool washer has power but won't start, the issue usually stems from a control glitch, a faulty lid/door latch, or an improperly held Start button.
To hard reset a dishwasher, cut off its power to clear the control board's memory. Unplug the unit or turn off the dedicated circuit breaker in your home's electrical panel. Wait at least 1 to 5 minutes before restoring power, then select your cycle and press Start.
Dishwasher door is not closed properly
If the dishwasher door does not latch and close fully, the appliance will not start due to safety precautions. Please ensure that you have firmly closed the dishwasher door and then run the program. If the dishwasher door cannot be closed, click here for more information.
Issues like leaks, poor drainage, unclean dishes, foul odors and overall appliance operation, though infrequent, can be the most common problems with a dishwasher that isn't operating properly. In some cases, you can resolve these issues with a little elbow grease and the help of your product manual.
Starting a dishwasher requires just four basic steps: scraping large food off your dishes, loading the racks, adding detergent, and selecting a cycle before pressing start. Be sure that nothing blocks the spinning spray arms and that the detergent dispenser lid clicks securely shut.
To restart a Whirlpool washer and clear temporary glitches, try the Standard Power Reset: simply unplug the machine or flip the circuit breaker off for 5 minutes. Plug it back in, select your cycle, and press Start.
Why does my washer have power but won't start? If the display lights up but it won't start, common causes include door/lid lock problems, control lock/delay settings, load interference, or a latch/control issue.
The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer is not turning on are a malfunctioning electronic control board, broken motor or an inoperative power supply board.
Whirlpool washers most commonly experience issues like failing to spin or drain, loud thumping noises from unbalanced loads, water leaks, or cycle malfunctions. Many of these glitches are minor sensor errors and can be fixed with a simple machine reset or recalibration.
Make sure the dishwasher door is properly closed. Make sure your water supply is turned on. Check to see if the circuit breaker is tripped or if a fuse is blown.
A Whirlpool dishwasher not starting is usually caused by the control lock being active, an unlatched door, a tripped circuit breaker, or a delayed wash setting.
If your dishwasher turns on (the lights and control panel are lit) but refuses to start a cycle, it is usually caused by an interrupted safety switch, an active lock setting, or a system glitch.
To hard reset a dishwasher, cut off its power to clear the control board's memory. Unplug the unit or turn off the dedicated circuit breaker in your home's electrical panel. Wait at least 1 to 5 minutes before restoring power, then select your cycle and press Start.