FixPlainly

Dishwasher won’t start

A dishwasher that won’t start is usually waiting for something: a latched door, an unlocked panel, the end of a delay, or water. Check those before anything electrical.

6 checks, quickest firstAbout 13 minutes if you do them allLast checked against its sources on

Fix Finder

Fix Finder: dishwasher won’t start

Work through the checks below, in order.

Turn on JavaScript to use the interactive step-by-step version.

Before you start

  • Before reaching into the tub or under the sink: switch the dishwasher off at the circuit breaker.
  • Before touching any hose or connection: turn off the water valve under the sink.
  • Let the dishwasher cool after a cycle; the water and heating element can be hot.
  • Wear gloves when clearing filters. Broken glass ends up there.

More in appliance repair safety basics.

All the checks, in order

  1. Latch the door

    Safe to tryAbout 1 min

    It won’t start unless the door is fully closed and latched.

    1. Close the door firmly until it latches.
    2. Make sure the bottom rack isn’t in backwards; that can stop the door latching.

  2. Turn off control lock

    Safe to tryAbout 1 min

    With the lock on, buttons don’t respond.

    1. Look for a lit lock symbol.
    2. Turn the lock off as your manual describes (often a 3-second press).

  3. Cancel delay start

    Safe to tryAbout 1 min

    A delayed wash won’t run until its set time.

    1. If the display shows a countdown such as 2H, a delay is set.
    2. Press Cancel to clear it, then start again.

  4. Check the water is on

    Safe to tryAbout 2 min

    Without water, the cycle won’t start.

    1. Make sure the valve under the sink is open.

  5. Check the power

    Take careAbout 5 min

    No power means no lights at all.

    1. If it plugs in, check the plug under the sink is pushed in.
    2. Check the breaker panel and reset a tripped breaker once.

  6. Reset the dishwasher

    Safe to tryAbout 3 min

    A reset clears a stuck control.

    1. Press Cancel.
    2. Unplug it or switch off its breaker for about a minute, then restore power and start a cycle.

When to call a technician

  • The breaker trips again after one reset.
  • There are no lights with power at the outlet and breaker.
  • You smell burning.

Error codes that point here

If your dishwasher shows one of these, open it for the brand’s exact meaning.

Whirlpool H2ONo water detectedGE H2OLow waterSamsung 4CWater supply problemLG IENo water coming in

Questions

What does PF mean on my dishwasher?

On GE and LG dishwashers, PF means the power was interrupted. It isn’t a fault: choose your cycle again and press Start.

Sources

  1. Dishwasher Not Starting or Not Operating, Whirlpool Product Help
  2. Dishwasher: Error, Fault or Function Codes, GE Appliances Support
  3. LG Dishwasher: Guide to Error Codes, LG USA Support
Last checked against its sources on