Why did my dishwasher stop working all of a sudden?

Author: Jean Goyette  |  Last update: Saturday, March 22, 2025

If you find your dishwasher stopping mid-cycle, it could be due to several reasons, including a malfunctioning door latch, a defective control board, or even a power interruption.

Why would my dishwasher just stop working?

The usual culprits are misalignment of the machine, a latch dirty with food, soap, and grime, a dishwasher rack sticking out, a micro switch in the latch is faulty, problems with the mechanical hinges or springs on the door, or the gasket seal is failing. Check each of these components.

How do you reset a dishwasher that won't start?

Some models require you to shut off the power to the dishwasher either by unplugging it or shutting off the circuit breaker. Others are reset by pressing and holding the Start/Reset button on the control panel, then waiting a few moments before attempting to start a wash cycle.

Why would the dishwasher suddenly have no power?

The more common reasons are a power surge, pressing the start button too many times, a failing component, or an aging control board. If the dishwasher has been working without any issues or error codes showing, it is unlikely a more serious issue, like a failing component or defective control board, is responsible.

What is the most common failure on a dishwasher?

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.

✨ DISHWASHER HAS NO POWER (EASY FIX) ✨

What is a good lifespan for a dishwasher?

Most dishwashers last 10-15 years with proper use and maintenance. Consider replacement if repair costs are near replacement value or the unit is over 12 years old.

Why is my dishwasher not starting its cycle?

When your dishwasher won't start, begin troubleshooting by looking at the most common causes: lack of power, broken door latch, defective timer switch, and blown thermal fuse. If it's not those things, you may need to replace the motor starter relay or drive motor instead.

Why did my dishwasher stop suddenly?

Perform basic troubleshooting by cleaning the filter and spray arm. Also, ensure your dishwasher is getting sufficient water pressure. If you find your dishwasher stopping mid-cycle, it could be due to several reasons, including a malfunctioning door latch, a defective control board, or even a power interruption.

When I press start on my dishwasher, nothing happens.?

Several factors can contribute to this, including: Power Issues: The dishwasher might not be plugged in, the circuit breaker could have tripped, or there might be a blown fuse. Door Latch: As mentioned earlier, if the door doesn't latch correctly, the dishwasher won't start as a safety measure.

What buttons do I push to reset my dishwasher?

How to reset a dishwasher control panel
  1. First press the “Cancel/Resume” button, which won't be illuminated, then unplug the appliance from the outlet. ...
  2. Wait approximately 1 minute, plug the cord back into the AC outlet or flip the breaker back on.
  3. Start a new cycle and check if the dishwasher is working properly.

What causes the dishwasher control panel to stop working?

There are several easy options that may be causing your dishwasher control panel to not work, including the following: The dishwasher control panel needs to be reset. The dishwasher control panel problem is caused by a lack of power. A child lock has been activated, causing your dishwasher control panel problems.

What is the most common thing to break on a dishwasher?

Door Latch and Handle:

The door latch and handle are among the most frequently used components of a dishwasher. Frequent opening and closing can lead to wear and tear, causing these parts to break. Additionally, if the door isn't properly aligned or closed forcefully, it can strain the latch mechanism.

How do you know if your dishwasher is broken?

  1. Signs Your Dishwasher May Need To Be Repaired.
  2. The Door Doesn't Latch Properly. ...
  3. Pooling Water At The Bottom Of The Dishwasher. ...
  4. Dishes Come Out Dirty. ...
  5. The Dishwasher Is Making Odd Noises. ...
  6. Water Will Not Pump Into Or Out Of The Dishwasher. ...
  7. The Dishes Are Not Hot After A Wash. ...
  8. The Dishwasher Is Flooding Your Kitchen.

How to fix a dishwasher that won't turn on?

First, check the light switch beside the sink that mysteriously controls power to your dishwasher. Next, reset the house circuit breaker for the dishwasher and see if the dishwasher powers up. Check the power cord to see if it's plugged in and then see if the electrical outlet is working.

Where is the fuse on a dishwasher?

The thermal fuse is normally located on the top side of the circuit board assembly with two wires attached to it. When the thermal fuse fails, the control board will not receive power and the dishwasher will not start.

Which breaker turns off dishwasher?

Typically, the kitchen appliance wiring circuit is on a 20 amp breaker. Switch a 20 off, and see if there is any activity with the dishwasher.

How do you know if your dishwasher control board is bad?

There are several signs that your dishwasher's control board may be faulty. The most obvious sign is that your dishwasher won't turn on or won't respond to your commands. You may also notice that your dishwasher is running for longer than usual or that it's not cleaning your dishes properly.

Why would my dishwasher just stopped working?

The most frequent reasons for a dishwasher suddenly losing power include door latch issues, power supply problems (such as tripped circuit breakers or faulty outlets), and control panel malfunctions.

How long do dishwashers last?

The average lifespan of a dishwasher is approximately 8-10 years. However, the longevity of your appliance can vary based on multiple factors such as usage, brand, and maintenance.

What would cause a dishwasher to short out?

Water Leaks or Damp

This can cause the dishwasher to trip – either when it's sitting on idle, or when it's mid-wash. A water leakage within the internals of the machine may also be causing such a problem. Irrespective of whether it's a leak or dampness, water and electrics simply don't mix.

Is there a reset button on my dishwasher?

Some dishwashers come equipped with a reset button on the control panel. If your model has one, locate the button and press it. Hold the button for a few seconds until you see lights blink or hear a beep. This action should initiate the reset process.

Why is my dishwasher not starting and beeping?

Beeping Sound, Blinking or Will Not Start

This light will blink for 75 to 90 seconds, depending on the model. Other blinking lights or beeping sounds: These may indicate a problem with the dishwasher caused by power surges. Try pressing the "Start/Reset" pad to reset the dishwasher and wait 2 minutes.

Previous article
Are egg shells bad for garbage disposal?
Next article
How do I know if my air conditioner condenser is bad?