Finding out your dishwasher has stopped working isn’t a good way to begin your day, especially if you have to deal with the expense of phoning a professional plus staying home to let them in just to diagnose the issue.
The good news is it’s often easy to determine and even resolve plenty of machine issues yourself without having to call for dishwasher repair, particularly if you have a multimeter.
You might realize you can fix the fault quite easily alone, especially if you are good at DIY, and if you can’t at worst you will have a better idea of the problem when you do have to phone an engineer.
In advance of looking for a new machine there are a number of common issues you should be able to identify fairly easily.
Safety Warning: Never attempt repairs while your machine is plugged in.
Before you start investigating your machine for issues make sure that your machine hasn’t been inadvertently switched off, as well as that none of the switches on the circuit breaker have tripped.
This is also a good time to see if the child lock isn’t on plus try resetting your machine.
You will most likely require the manual for this due to the fact that models vary but the child lock is usually quite easy to engage without meaning to. Likewise, the machine could have power but will not run, in this case the solution might be as easy as resetting the cycle.
Once you have eliminated these problems you can start the real troubleshooting.
To examine these parts you will need a multimeter, or VOM (volt-ohm-milliammeter) to test the resistance and check the parts are operating as they should.
The first thing to check is the door latches and door latch switches. Your machine is designed not to start if these are not working for obvious reasons. There’s no way you would want start the machine without meaning to with the door open.
A faulty switch will stop your machine from turning on plus running. You should check the switch with a multimeter. The switch is generally found under the front door panel or control panel.
Make sure you have disconnected power to the dishwasher prior to accessing the door panel and checking for continuity to make sure you do not get an electric shock.
If you discover the latches or switches are not working you will need a replacement door latch assembly.
If you have tested your door latch and door latch switch and ascertained they are operating correctly the next component to check is the timer or electronic control.
This is the part of the machine that sends power to all the other parts the machine needs to run such as the pumps, as well as the water inlet valve.
If your machine has an electric control as opposed to a mechanical timer then it may have to be checked while plugged in, this can be dangerous and should only be done by someone who is professionally trained.
The selector switch is the component that selects the program and will vary contingent on the make as well as the model of your dishwasher. A faulty selector switch or one that has got stuck might result in the machine not to run.
You should be able to see if the buttons are depressing fully, or you might need to unplug the dishwasher and have a look at the control panel to test the contact points for continuity using a multimeter.
The motor relay is an alternative part that may cause your dishwasher not to run, and this may be the problem if you have tested the control panel and so know that there should be power running to the main pump.
To investigate this you will have to find the motor as well as locate the relay that should be located next to the motor. This could then be taken out and checked with the help of a multimeter, if faulty you may have to replace it.
If you have investigated all the above yet still haven’t found the issue the next component to investigate is the thermal fuse. This will only be found on some models and is there to protect the control board.
If you will need to replace it in order for the control board to get power.
The final part of the dishwasher you can test that may prevent your dishwasher from working is the drive motor. This is the part of the machine that circulates the water to wash your dishes.
Once you have tested the other parts yet still haven’t discovered the issue this might be the cause of the problem especially if you noticed a loud humming coming from the machine.
You can usually gain access to the motor by taking off the lower access panel. Check it by using a multimeter then replace if not working.
Not everyone has a multimeter, or would know how to use one even if they do, in which case you will need to call a professional sooner rather than later.
If you are happy to undertake the above checks then you could well be able to fix the issue without assistance. Yet if you are unsure it might be easier to contact an engineer.
Plus examine your warranty plus your home cover as appliance repairs could be included which means the expense may be less than you were expecting.
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