Discovering 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 taking time off work to meet them just to determine the fault.
The good news is it’s possible to determine and often fix a number of machine issues by yourself without having to call for dishwasher repair, especially if you have a multimeter.
You could find you are able to fix the fault quite easily alone, especially if you are good at DIY, and if you can’t at least you will have a better idea of the issue when you do call an engineer.
In advance of searching for a replacement machine there are a few common issues you should be able to identify fairly easily.
Safety Warning: Always make sure your machine is unplugged before attempting repairs.
In advance of investigating your dishwasher for issues ensure that it hasn’t been inadvertently switched off, plus that none of the switches on the circuit breaker have tripped.
At this point you can also check that the child lock hasn’t been activated and try resetting your machine.
You will probably require the user guide for this due to the fact that machines are all different but the child lock tends to be quite simple to engage without meaning to. Similarly, the machine might have power however will not run, in this case the answer might be as simple as resetting the program.
Once you have ruled out these problems you can start the real troubleshooting.
To check these components you will have to have a multimeter, or VOM (volt-ohm-milliammeter) to test the resistance plus test the parts are working as they should.
The first place to start is the door latches plus door latch switches. Your dishwasher is not designed to start if the door latches are not working for understandable reasons. There’s no way you would want to be able to inadvertently begin the dishwasher with the door ajar.
A broken switch will stop your dishwasher from starting plus completing a cycle. You may wish to check the switch using a multimeter. The switch will usually be located behind the front door panel or control panel.
Make sure the dishwasher is unplugged prior to accessing the door panel as well as testing for continuity to prevent yourself from getting an electric shock.
If the latches or switches are broken you will need a replacement door latch assembly.
If the door latch and door latch switch, are working as they are meant to the next component to test is the timer or electronic control.
This is the component that sends electricity to all the different electrical components the machine needs to run such as the motor, plus the valves.
If your dishwasher is controlled electronically rather than mechanically then it could have to be checked 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 cycle , it’s style and location will vary contingent on the make and model of your dishwasher. A not working selector switch or even one that has not been fully pressed down could cause the machine not to start.
You should be able to see if the buttons are going down all the way, or you could have to unplug the dishwasher and access the control panel to test the connections for continuity using a multimeter.
The motor relay is another component that can cause your machine not to start, thus this might be the problem if you have checked the control panel and so know that there should be power going to the motor.
To test if this is the case you will have to gain access to the motor as well as find the relay that will usually be located next to the motor. This could then be taken out plus tested using a multimeter, if broken you may have to replace it.
Once you have investigated the above issues but still haven’t found the fault the next part of the machine to test would be the thermal fuse. This may or may not be present and is there to stop the control board overheating.
If you locate the fuse and discover it is blown you will need to replace it in order to restore power to the control board.
The final part of the dishwasher you could investigate that could stop your machine from running is the drive motor. This is the part of the machine that moves the water around to wash your dishes.
If you have tested the other electrical components yet still aren’t getting anywhere this might be the cause of the problem especially if you noticed a loud humming coming from the machine.
You should be able to locate the motor by taking off the lower access panel. Check 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 testing the components then you will need to call an engineer.
If you do have a multimeter and can perform the above tests then you may well be able to resolve the problem without needing a professional. But if you are not sure it’s always better to contact an engineer.
Plus have a look at your warranty plus your home cover as appliance repairs might be covered which means the costs might not be as high as you think.
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