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Your Whirlpool dishwasher not turning on? Try the fixes in this troubleshooting guide.
So your whirlpool dishwasher won’t turn on?
Well, while that can be very annoying, it does not mean that the appliance has reached the end of the road.
Below is how to troubleshoot a whirlpool dishwasher that is not turning on…
Whirlpool dishwasher not turning on [what to check and potential fixes]
Check the power supply (especially if you see no lights)
Start with the power supply.
You see, if power is not correctly connected to your dishwasher, the appliance won’t start.
Here are the steps you should take:
#1- Plug in the dishwasher power cord properly
If the machine uses a typical plug-in power cord, double check that it is correctly plugged in.
#2- Check the wall switch
Still on the issue of power supply, verify that the wall switch is ON.
This is for users who plug in their whirlpool dishwashers to a wall switch with a power supply controlling button (The unit will obviously not be getting power if the switch is not turned ON).
#3- Change outlets
It is also important to test the outlet itself- you need to confirm that it is actually operational and supplying power.
The easiest way of confirming is by locating another working outlet and plugging in the dishwasher there then checking if it powers on.
#4- Check your wiring
Lastly, if your appliance is directly wired, ensure that the wiring is connecting properly to the unit.
If not sure, check the installation instructions for the correct direct wiring procedure.
Check for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker in your household’s electrical box
If you have checked the above, next check if a household fuse is blown (or if a circuit breaker is tripped).
You want to replace the fuse (or reset circuit breaker).
Don’t forget to check the junction box connections too.
Check the settings
Confirm if the right cycle has been selected.
Is water shut off valve ON?
Check if the water shut off valve has been turned on (if installed).
Whirlpool dishwasher not turning on – what else to check
Check for loose connections in the unit’s power up circuit
To check for loose connections along the unit’s power up circuit, first unplug the dishwasher (or disconnect power).
Next, you need to check resistance of the connections (all) in the power-up circuit to control.
Check the connections between the keypad(s) and control.
The problem can also occur due to a loose connection between the keypad(s) and control.
How to fix this:
Go ahead and check the connections between the keypad(s) and control- you want all of them to be correct and tight.
Also, look for any corrosion signs and clean it out (your soft pencil eraser can work well here).
In some cases, the entire control panel needs to be changed out.
Check the door switch
If the door switch is not making proper contact (meaning the door is not latching the right way), the issue can also occur.
This problem usually occurs if the door latch assembly is faulty or when the door switch (also called interlock switch) has itself developed defects.
How to fix this:
- Unplug the dishwasher or disconnect the power.
- Measure resistance of the door switch contacts. Replace door switch kit (this is oftentimes the solution) and check if it will start running.
- Don’t forget to check if the operation of the latch assembly is mechanically sound too. Fix the latch if not operating properly (or replace it).
Quick Tip: Watch the Video below if you don’t know how to test the door switch for continuity.
Check the Electronic Control Board
The electronic control board may be busted (or having some other problem), causing the dishwasher not to turn on.
Follow the procedure below to troubleshoot the main control board:
- Double check that all connections on your appliance’s control board are properly connected and tightly plugged.
- Check the board for trouble signs (you want to check for burn marks, corrosion, or other damage to wires or the board itself). If you have seen any damage, probably that is where the problem is coming from.
Consider replacing the control board if you still cannot get the dishwasher to run (even after trying out all the above).
Whirlpool dishwasher not starting lights blinking (whirlpool dishwasher not starting lights blinking)
This is frequently caused by short circuit(s) in the keypad or in the control’s input lines (that usually read the keys).
Follow this procedure to troubleshoot the control and the operation of the keypad
- Check the keypad ribbon tail for shorts/corrosion. Also, check for creased traces or if it is broken.
- Next, check for a potentially loose connection to the control.
- Check if you can notice evidence of corrosion or contaminants around the perimeter of the keypad, on the keypad’s ribbon tail, and or on keypad connector (at the control).
- Test if the keypad function is okay.
As a last resort, try replacing the control/keypad (with a good control/keypad).
Precautions to take before and while servicing the dishwasher
Disconnect the power supply
Even with the dishwasher door open, there will be line voltage at a few points (in the console) and underneath the tub.
That being so, ensure you have disconnected the power supply before replacing a part.
Needless to say, power should be disconnected before you touch the circuit board as well as before you re-seat the control connectors.
Check the connectors and wiring harness
Be sure to check the connectors and wiring harness before performing any test procedures.
To add, resistance checks should be made on the components with wiring harness disconnected.
Meanwhile, you run voltage checks by inserting probes beside the wires (on the connector).
Remove the door panel plus console if servicing the door assembly
To service inside the unit’s door assembly, you must remove the door panel as well as the console.
Note that the two must be removed and re-installed together.
Wrap up
So, that is how to troubleshoot a whirlpool dishwasher that wont turn on.
We are keeping our fingers crossed that the recommended fixes will save you a service call.
Remember you can contact Whirlpool and make a service appointment from their preferred list of appliance service providers by clicking here.
ALSO READ:
Whirlpool dishwasher diagnostic mode (How to enter)
Whirlpool dishwasher circulation pump test (step by step)
Whirlpool dishwasher drain pump test (steps)
