![15 Reasons Why KitchenAid Dishwasher Not Starting [Solutions]](https://dishwasherleak.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Reasons-Why-KitchenAid-Dishwasher-Not-Starting-Solutions-1.jpg)
The dishwasher is one of the most reliable and convenient kitchen appliances, and we can’t deny the convenience it provides.
That is why it is critical that we keep the dishwasher operational at all times.
However, the KitchenAid Dishwasher does not always start or function properly.
As a result, we have created a troubleshooting guide to assist you in repairing the dishwasher as soon as possible.
Common Reasons Why the KitchenAid Dishwasher Not Starting:
- Control Lock is On!
- Child Lock is On!
- Check Power Source
- Close the Door
- Faulty Components or Motor
- Sleep Mode is On!
- Dishwasher Settings Issues
- Thermal Fuse is Blown
- Check Water Supply
- Internal Wiring has Been Damaged
- Delay Wash is On!
- Control Board is Defective
- Malfunctioning Timer
- Reset the Power Cycle
- Touchpad is Faulty
Solutions of KitchenAid Dishwasher Not Starting
To begin with, there are a few things you should keep in mind. The first step is to inspect the dishwasher’s basic operations to see if they are functioning properly.
Only then should you go to advanced fixing, and if you are not a dishwasher specialist, you should contact a professional to get it repaired.
Control Lock is On!
The control lock is a safety feature that prevents the unintended use of the dishwasher from accidentally turning on.
Sometimes the control lock is on. This can be caused by someone turning the control lock on, or the control lock can be stuck in place.
- First of all, hold the lock button of the dishwasher for a few seconds.
- The lock light will blink and turn off.
- That’s it. The control lock is now turned off.
Child Lock is On!
The Child Lock functions in the same way as a control lock, but different dishwashers may have this feature under a different name.
This feature protects the child from accidentally opening the dishwasher door and turning it on.
- Locate the Energy Saver button on the dishwasher.
- Press and hold the Energy Saver button for a few seconds. To be precise, hold it for at least 5 seconds.
- Check if the Child Lock has turned off.
Check Power Source
If you’re having trouble with your KitchenAid dishwasher, check to see if there’s anything obstructing the power cord or power plug.
If you see anything, remove it to make sure the power is getting through.
If you don’t see anything and the machine still doesn’t work, try unplugging it for a few minutes and plugging it back in.
You can try plugging in different devices like your phone’s charger to make sure that the power plug is working fine.
Close the Door
In some circumstances, the dishwasher door is not properly closed or latched, which can create a problem.
In this scenario, make sure the door is properly locked and latched.
The dishwasher will not work if the door is not closed because the door contains a sensor or door switch that checks the door is shut and then directs the dishwasher to run.
In certain circumstances, the door is correctly latched and closed, but if the dishwasher still does not function, it could be due to a faulty door switch that prevents the dishwasher from starting up.
Faulty Components or Motor
First, the motor could malfunction. If you have a high-end dishwasher that isn’t working, the motor is most likely failing.
Turning on your motor and listening for any form of noise coming from it can tell you if it is faulty.
If there is no noise and the dishwasher still does not turn on, it is possible that the motor is malfunctioning.
Aside from the motor, a few additional components may be defective and create this problem.
For example, a faulty dishwasher door switch can prevent the appliance from starting.
Furthermore, if the circuit board is dead or has a short circuit, it will most likely be the source of the problem.
Furthermore, a faulty or burned-out cable may be the root cause of the problem.
The problem can also be caused by a loose wire that has lost its connection.
In such circumstances, you should contact the manufacturer to have the dishwasher serviced.
Also, you can engage a local technician to fix it because opening the dishwasher and repairing it at home without appropriate tools is not recommended.
Sleep Mode is On!
If your KitchenAid dishwasher isn’t starting, check to see if it is in the “sleep” mode.
- To check if your KitchenAid dishwasher is in sleep mode, unplug the appliance and wait 15 seconds.
- If the lights are still flashing on the control panel, move the selector on that side of the door to “on” and then plug in the appliance again.
- In some dishwashers, you may need to press and hold the lock control lock button for a few seconds, and the sleep mode will be turned off.
- Apart from this, in some dishwashers, you may need to press and hold different buttons like the Start, Resume, or even the Cancel button.
Dishwasher Settings Issues
A modern dishwasher can have modern problems. For instance, there are some modern or advanced features in some dishwashers which may be the root cause of this issue.
If you have mistakenly turned such features on or off, the dishwasher may not start.
In such cases, it is best to look for the manual or quick start guide that contains all the details about the features of your modern dishwasher.
Try disabling and enabling all the features and check if the issue still persists.
Delay Start, Control Lock, and Sleep mode are some of the basic features that all the dishwashers have, so make sure to turn all such functions off.
If the issue doesn’t get resolved, the best way to fix it is to reset the settings to factory settings. Here is how to reset dishwasher settings:
- Unplug the dishwasher from the power source.
- Wait for a few minutes (1 or 2) and then plug into a power source.
- Now press and hold the Start / Reset Button for a few seconds, and the dishwasher will restart with the factory settings.
Thermal Fuse is Blown
Thermal fuses are designed to prevent damage from overheating caused by a build-up of electricity.
They do this by breaking the circuit, which means that no electricity can flow through the appliance.
If your dishwasher has a defective thermal fuse, it’s best to replace it with a new one before trying to fix it yourself.
The Thermal Fuse is located inside the unit, and it protects the motor from overloading.
It can also protect you from a fire if your appliance begins to melt down.
The fuse is also found on the bottom of your dishwasher, and sometimes it will have to be replaced entirely.
You can replace this fuse yourself if you have the necessary tools, but it’s better to call an expert for help.
Check Water Supply
Check the water supply to your KitchenAid dishwasher. The water supply should be turned on and run for at least a few minutes before you begin using the machine.
If there is no water, check your faucet or water meter.
If you have a water filter, make sure it’s installed properly and that the filter is not clogged.
If this is the case, remove and replace it with a new one.
If you don’t have a water filter, make sure there is enough pressure in your water line to run the dishwasher.
You can test this by opening a faucet in your sink and turning on the hot water tap.
If this works fine, then you need to install an additional shutoff valve at your kitchen sink to ensure that all of your appliances will be able to use water from that faucet.
Internal Wiring Has Been Damaged
If your KitchenAid dishwasher is not starting, it’s likely that the internal wiring has been damaged.
This can happen because the appliance has been exposed to water damage or an electrical problem.
To check for internal wiring damage:
- Turn off the power to the dishwasher.
- Open the front door and remove any removable parts inside the machine, including racks and trays.
- Check for any water damage by lifting up on the drain hose or spray arm and watching for dripping water or moisture coming out of it onto other parts of the machine or onto a clean towel underneath it.
- If so, this is an indicator that there is internal wiring damage and needs to be repaired immediately before further damage occurs.
- It is advisable not to fix the damaged wiring at home. Call an expert and get it fixed.
Delay Wash is On!
If your KitchenAid dishwasher is not starting, you should also check the delay wash feature.
This is a timer that lets you set it to wash at a certain time of day. Make sure that this feature is not on.
If the delay wash feature is on, turn it off. Then check the “Max Wash” setting on your appliance’s control panel.
It should be set to “Normal.” If it’s not, adjust it according to what’s on the owner’s manual.
If neither of these options works, then try resetting the Dishwasher to default settings, and it will fix the issue.
Control Board is Defective
The control board is the computer that controls all of the functions of the dishwasher.
It’s located inside the door, and it relays signals to other parts of the machine so that they can do their jobs properly.
If this part is damaged or defective, then it will have an effect on everything else in the machine,
including how long it takes to start up and whether or not it detects when things need to be cleaned.
If the control board of your dishwasher machine is defective, you need to call the technician and get it fixed.
Malfunctioning Timer
The malfunctioning timer can also be the culprit of this issue. If this is the case, then the dishwasher will not start,
and if it starts, it may not be able to initiate the cleaning or dry cycle. Timers can also be burned out or worn out due to overuse of the dishwasher.
- To fix this problem, first, check the timer to make sure it’s working.
- If it is, try resetting the timer by unplugging the unit and then plugging it back in.
- If that doesn’t solve the issue, you’ll need to replace the timer.
Reset the Cycle
There are some changes when the washing cycle of the dishwasher doesn’t work properly.
In this case, you need to reset the dishwasher wash cycle, and the dishwasher will start functioning again.
You can simply do this by turning the dishwasher off and then on. Moreover, you can also reset the dishwasher to its default settings.
Touchpad is Faulty
The touchpad or the control pad is the part of your dishwasher that you use when you select dishes to wash.
The control panel sends commands to the internal component to work, and if it is faulty, then you can’t use any of the features of your dishwasher.
It’s also where you can control the timer and other features, like how long it takes for your dishes to get clean.
If it isn’t working properly, it could be because of a faulty touchpad. Here’s how to check:
- First of all, unplug the dishwasher from the power source.
- Now, reconnect after a few minutes, and then let it start.
- Click on the Start button and check if there is a green light blinking on the panel.
- If there are no indicators or lights flashing, then it means that the touchpad or the control panel of your dishwasher is faulty.
- You can call the manufacturer or a local technician to get it fixed.
Conclusion
In short, there can be several reasons why the KitchenAid Dishwasher not starting, and you can follow the tutorial given above to fix your dishwasher or identify the root cause of the problem.
No matter what the cause is, you’ll find that these tips help you tackle any issues with your KitchenAid dishwasher—and get it working again in no time at all.
And if you found this information helpful, please share it with others who are looking for answers as well.
