Dishwasher Won’t Start? Simple Steps to Get It Running Again

Few things feel more annoying than a dishwasher that refuses to start. You load the dishes. You add detergent. You close the door. You press the button.
And nothing happens.

No lights.
t=”561″ data-end=”564″ />>No sound.
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I have been there. One evening after dinner, I stood in front of my dishwasher pressing the start button again and again. I even pressed it harder, like that would help. It didn’t. After ten minutes of frustration, I realized the problem was simple. The door was not fully closed.

That moment taught me something important. Most dishwasher problems look big, but many are very small.

This guide will help you get your dishwasher to start again, step by step. It is written for beginners, renters, students, and anyone feeling stuck right now.

Let’s fix it together.

Table of Contents

First: Take a Deep Breath

Before doing anything, pause for a moment.

Most dishwashers stop starting for safety reasons. They are designed to protect your home from leaks, floods, or damage. That means when something is wrong, the dishwasher refuses to run.

That is good news. It means the machine is trying to keep you safe.

Now let’s check the most common causes.

Quick Checks That Fix Most Problems

These simple checks solve many cases.

1. Check If the Dishwasher Has Power

This sounds obvious, but it is often the issue.

What to check

Is the dishwasher plugged in?
Did a power cut happen?
Is the circuit breaker tripped?
Is the wall switch turned on?

Try plugging another device into the same outlet to test power.

I once thought my dishwasher was broken. The real problem? Someone had switched off the wall socket by accident.

2. Make Sure the Door Is Fully Closed

Dishwashers will not start if the door is not locked properly.

What to do

Open the door fully
Close it again firmly
Listen for a click

If the latch does not click, the dishwasher thinks the door is open.

This is the most common reason dishwashers won’t start.

3. Check the Control Panel

Look closely at the buttons or screen.

Things to look for

Flashing lights
Error codes
Locked symbols
Beeping sounds

Some dishwashers will not start if a button is stuck or a setting is wrong.

Wipe the panel with a dry cloth and try again.

4. Make Sure a Cycle Is Selected

Some dishwashers will not start until:

A wash cycle is selected
The start button is pressed again

Try this:

Select a cycle
Press Start
Close the door

Many models only start after the door closes.

5. Check the Child Lock

Child lock is useful, but it confuses many adults.

If child lock is on:

Buttons will not work
The dishwasher will not start

Look for:

A lock symbol
“CL” on the display

Hold the lock button for 3–5 seconds to turn it off.

Dishwasher Won’t Start? Step-By-Step Troubleshooting

Now let’s go deeper.

Check the Water Supply

Dishwashers need water to start.

What to check

Is the water valve open?
Is the hose bent?
Is there water pressure in your home?

If water cannot enter, the dishwasher may not start at all.

I once spent half an hour checking buttons before realizing the water valve under the sink was closed.

Check the Delay Start Setting

Delay start is easy to forget.

If delay start is on:

The dishwasher will wait hours before running

Look for:

“Delay”
“Timer”
Clock symbol

Turn it off if you want the dishwasher to start now.

Try a Simple Reset

Many dishwasher problems are fixed by resetting.

Easy reset method

Turn off the dishwasher
Unplug it
Wait 5 minutes
Plug it back in
Turn it on

This clears small software errors.

How To Fix a Dishwasher That Will Not Run, Start, or Fill With Water

When a dishwasher will not run, start, or fill with water, the issue is usually safety-related. First, check power and door latch. The machine must sense power and a locked door. Next, check the water supply valve under the sink. If water cannot flow, the dishwasher may stop before starting. Also, check the float switch inside the dishwasher. If it is stuck in the up position, the dishwasher thinks it is full and will not fill. Gently move it down. I once fixed my dishwasher by simply cleaning around the float. Dirt had blocked it. Simple checks like these solve many problems without calling a technician.

GE Dishwasher Not Starting? SHOCKING Causes That Will SURPRISE You!

GE dishwashers are reliable, but they also stop starting for small reasons. One surprising cause is a loose door latch. Even a tiny gap can stop the cycle. Another cause is a tripped thermal fuse. This fuse cuts power if the dishwasher overheats. A stuck control button can also confuse the system. Some GE models require you to press Start and then close the door within a few seconds. If you wait too long, the dishwasher cancels the start. Many users think the machine is broken, but it is only waiting for the correct order. Reading the display carefully helps avoid confusion.

What To Do If Your Dishwasher Won’t Start

If your dishwasher won’t start, always begin with simple checks. Power, door, cycle, and water supply should be checked first. Do not assume the worst right away. Many people panic and think they need a new dishwasher. In reality, most issues are small and fixable at home. Take a slow approach. Check one thing at a time. I like to imagine the dishwasher is trying to tell me something. Once I listen, the problem becomes clear. Only after basic checks should you consider professional help. Patience saves time and money.

How to Reset a Dishwasher

Resetting a dishwasher is often the easiest fix. Most dishwashers reset when power is removed for a few minutes. Unplug the unit or switch off the circuit breaker. Wait at least five minutes. This allows the system to clear errors. Then restore power and try again. Some models also have a reset button combination, such as holding Start and Cancel together. Check your manual if available. Resetting helps when the dishwasher freezes or ignores button presses. I reset mine once after a power cut. It worked perfectly after that.

Less Common Reasons Your Dishwasher Won’t Start

If basic steps do not work, consider these.

Faulty Door Latch

A worn latch cannot detect a closed door.

Signs:

Door feels loose
No clicking sound
Dishwasher starts only when pushing the door

This usually needs replacement.

Blown Thermal Fuse

The thermal fuse cuts power if overheating occurs.

If blown:

Dishwasher appears dead
No lights
No response

This repair often needs a technician.

Control Board Issues

Rare but possible.

Signs:

Random lights
Buttons not responding
Dishwasher starts and stops

Control boards are complex and best handled by professionals.

When Should You Call for Help?

Call a technician if:

Dishwasher has power but no response
Burning smell is present
Water leaks appear
Error codes persist

Safety always comes first.

Simple Habits to Prevent Starting Problems

Close the door gently but firmly
Do not slam buttons
Clean the door seal
Keep the control panel dry
Avoid overloading dishes

Good habits keep the dishwasher happy.

Why Dishwashers Are Designed This Way

Dishwashers stop starting to protect:

Your floor from floods
Your kitchen from damage
The motor from burning out

What feels annoying is actually helpful.

Final Thoughts

If your dishwasher won’t start, do not panic. Most problems are simple. Check power. Check the door. Check settings. Reset the machine.

I have learned that dishwashers are not stubborn. They are cautious.

Once you understand how they think, fixing them becomes easy.

Dishwasher Won’t Start? Simple Steps to Get It Running Again

First: Take a Deep Breath