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Dishwasher Won't Start: Door, Power & Controls

No lights, no spray, nothing happening — usually the door latch, a power issue, or a control lock, not a dead control board.

By Tobias Nwosu3 min read read

Written by Sawyer Kincaid, Lead Technician — True Fix Houston. Factory-trained, EPA-certified, 6 years servicing Greater Houston.

A dishwasher that won't begin its cycle is usually waiting on a latch or a setting rather than suffering a major failure.

Latch the Door Fully

The cycle simply won't begin until the door latch is fully engaged.

Fix: Push firmly on the door until it clicks shut; adjust the strike plate if it refuses to catch.

Check Power and the Disposal Switch

Plenty of dishwashers share a switched circuit with the garbage disposal.

Fix: Confirm the breaker's on and that any wall switch controlling the unit is flipped to on.

Clear Control Lock or Delay

A child lock, or a delay-start setting left active, can make a perfectly fine machine look unresponsive.

Fix: Hold the lock button down for about three seconds and cancel any delayed start.

Not sure what's wrong? Book online — every visit includes a free diagnosis.

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