Finding out your dishwasher has stopped working isn’t a fun way to begin your day, especially if you are also faced with the expense of calling out a professional plus taking time off work to meet them just to determine the issue.
Luckily it’s possible to diagnose and even fix many dishwasher faults alone without needing to call for dishwasher repair, especially if you happen to are able to find a multimeter.
You might find you can resolve the issue quite easily yourself, particularly if you are quite handy, and if you can’t at least you will have a better idea of the issue when you eventually do call an engineer.
In advance of searching for a replacement machine there are a number of common issues you can troubleshoot without too much issue.
Safety Warning: Always make sure your machine is unplugged before testing or replacing any electrical components.
In advance of going through the following list of potential issues make sure that your dishwasher hasn’t been inadvertently unplugged, and that there are no tripped switches in the circuit breaker.
At this point you can also check that the child lock hasn’t been activated plus try resetting your dishwasher.
You will often require the user guide to do this due to the fact that models are all different but the child lock is often fairly simple to put on without meaning to. Likewise, if the dishwasher has lights however will not run, the solution may be as simple as resetting the program.
Once you have eliminated these problems it’s time for the real investigations to begin.
To test these parts you will have to have a multimeter, or VOM (volt-ohm-milliammeter) to measure the resistance as well as check the parts are working as they are meant to.
The first place to start is the door latches and door latch switches. Your dishwasher is not designed to run if these are faulty for understandable reasons. You wouldn’t want to be able to inadvertently start the machine with the door ajar.
A faulty switch will prevent your dishwasher from starting plus running. You should test the switch using a multimeter. The switch will usually be found under the front door panel or control panel.
Ensure you have disconnected power to the machine before removing the door panel plus testing for continuity to ensure you do not get an electric shock.
If the latches or switches are broken you will need a replacement door latch assembly.
If the door latch and door latch switch, are working as they should the next thing to check is the timer or electronic control.
This is the component that sends power to all the different electrical components the machine requires to operate such as the motor, and the valves.
If your dishwasher is controlled electronically rather than mechanically then it could need to be checked while connected, in which case you will need to call a repair man.
This is the part of your machine that selects the cycle , it’s style and location will vary depending on the make and model of your dishwasher. A not working selector switch or one that has got stuck could cause the dishwasher not to turn on.
You can usually visually check to see if the buttons are going down all the way, or you might need to unplug the dishwasher and gain access to the control panel to check the connections for continuity using a multimeter.
The motor relay is an alternative component that can result in your dishwasher not starting, and this may be the fault if you have tested the control panel and so have ascertained that there should be power going to the main pump.
To test this you need to locate the motor and locate the relay that will usually be located next to it. This could then be removed and tested with a multimeter and it may have to be replaced.
If you have tested the above issues and are yet to find the issue the next part of the machine to investigate would be the thermal fuse. This may or may not be present and is designed to stop the control board overheating.
If the fuse is blown you will need to replace it in order for the control board to get power.
The final part of the machine you could test that could prevent your machine from running is the drive motor. This is the component that circulates the water to wash your dishes.
Once you have tested the other parts but still aren’t getting anywhere this could be the issue particularly if you noticed a loud humming coming from the machine.
You should be able to locate the motor by taking off the lower access panel. Check it with the help of a multimeter and replace if faulty.
Not everyone has a multimeter, or would know how to use one even if they do, in which case you will be better off calling a repair person sooner rather than later.
If you do have a multimeter and can perform the above checks then you could well be able to fix the problem without needing a professional. However if you are unsure it’s always better to contact an engineer.
Plus examine your insurance plus your home cover as appliance repairs might be covered and so the expense might be less than you were expecting.
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