General owner-safe guideUpdated July 2026

Dishwasher not starting

The controls are blank, the buttons respond but the cycle does not start, or the door will not latch.

Start hereDo not bypass or force the door latch.

Try these checks in order

Exact controls and access points differ by model. Stop when a step does not match your appliance or manual.

  1. 1

    Confirm power

    Check that the dishwasher display or indicator lights respond. Reset the household breaker once if it has tripped.

    What you want: The controls turn on and stay on.
  2. 2

    Close the door

    Make sure a rack, pan, or utensil is not blocking the door. Push racks fully in and close the door firmly.

    What you want: The latch engages without force.
  3. 3

    Cancel Control Lock

    Look for a lock symbol or lit control name. Hold the listed button for the time shown in the manual.

    What you want: The lock indicator turns off.
  4. 4

    Cancel Delay Start

    A displayed number may be hours of delay. Cancel the cycle and choose a new normal cycle.

    What you want: No delayed time remains.
  5. 5

    Select a cycle and press Start

    Choose one cycle, press Start, then close the door within the time allowed by the model.

    What you want: The wash or fill sound begins.

Stop and arrange help when

  • The breaker trips again or the control smells hot.
  • The door, latch, or hinge is cracked or misaligned.
  • There is smoke, sparking, or water near wiring.
  • The unit is hard-wired and power testing would require opening panels.

If the problem remains

Find the full model number. Open the official manual, check for a recall, and describe which checks you completed before contacting service.