Discovering your dishwasher isn’t working isn’t a good way to start your day, particularly if you have to deal with the cost of calling out a professional and taking time off work to let them in just to determine the fault.
Fortunately it’s often easy to diagnose and even fix plenty of machine issues by yourself without needing 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 quite handy, and if not at worst you will be better placed to describe the fault when you do have to phone a repair person.
In advance of considering a replacement machine there are a number of simple problems you should be able to identify without too much trouble.
Safety Warning: Always make sure your dishwasher is unplugged before testing or replacing any electrical components.
In advance of going through the following list of potential problems make sure that it hasn’t been inadvertently switched off, plus that there are no tripped switches in the circuit breaker.
This is also an opportune moment to check if the child lock isn’t on as well as try resetting your machine.
You will often require the user manual for this as models vary but the child lock tends to be quite simple to put on without meaning to. Similarly, the dishwasher could have lights however will not start, in this case the solution may be as simple as resetting the program.
When you have eliminated these faults it’s time for the real troubleshooting to begin.
To check these components you will have to have a multimeter, or VOM (volt-ohm-milliammeter) to measure the resistance plus test the parts are working as they are meant to.
The first thing to test is the door latches plus door latch switches. Your machine is designed not to start if these are faulty for obvious reasons. You wouldn’t want begin the dishwasher without meaning to with the door open.
A broken switch will stop your machine from starting plus operating. You may wish to test the switch with a multimeter. The switch will usually be situated behind the front door panel or control panel.
Double check the machine is disconnected before taking off the door panel plus testing for continuity to prevent yourself from getting an electric shock.
If the latches or switches are faulty you will need to replace them.
If you have tested your door latch as well as door latch switch and ascertained they are operating as they should the next thing to check is the timer or electronic control.
This is the component that distributes power to all the different parts the machine needs to operate such as the pumps, as well as the valves.
If your machine has an electronic control rather than a mechanical timer then it could have to be tested while plugged in, this can be dangerous and should only be done by someone who is professionally trained.
This is the part of your machine that selects the program , it’s style and location will vary contingent on the make as well as the model of your machine. A broken selector switch or one that has got stuck might result in the dishwasher not to turn on.
You can usually see if the buttons are depressing fully, or you might be required to unplug the dishwasher and access the control panel to check the contact points for continuity using a multimeter.
The motor relay is another component that could result in your dishwasher not starting, thus this could be the fault if you have checked the control panel and so have ascertained that there should be power running to the motor.
To investigate this you need to find the motor as well as find the relay that will usually be located next to it. This may then be taken out and checked with the help of a multimeter and you may have to replace it.
Once you have investigated the above issues but still haven’t found the problem the next component to check would be the thermal fuse. Note: Not all dishwashers have a thermal fuse.
If it will need to be replaced in order for the control board to get power.
The final component you should be able to test that could prevent your dishwasher from running is the drive motor. This is the part of the machine that moves the water around to wash your dishes.
When you have checked the other parts and still aren’t getting anywhere this may be the culprit particularly if your machine has previously been making a loud humming noise.
You should be able to access the motor by removing the lower access panel. Test it using a multimeter then replace if faulty.
If you don’t have a multimeter or are not confident in taking panels off your dishwasher and checking the components then you will need to call a professional.
If you are happy to undertake the above troubleshooting then you might well be able to sort out the problem without assistance. Yet if you are unsure it might be easier to contact an engineer.
Don’t forget to check your warranty as well as your home cover as appliance repairs could be covered meaning the costs may not be as high as you think.
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