A dishwasher usually operates without any problems. But, if your dishwasher won’t start, it’s easy to get frustrated and think that you need a new unit. Oftentimes, however, you can easily fix this problem without the assistance of a repair person. You can save money and avoid waiting for a service technician to repair your dishwasher.
Electricity
If your dishwasher won’t start, see if the power cord fits snugly into the outlet. Do not use an extension cord. Plug the dishwasher directly into the wall. Test the outlet with another appliance, and see if it’s actually live. Check your home circuit breaker or fuses. Turn on the circuit breaker if an appliance has tripped it. Examine the fuses, and change out any ones that are black or have broken wires. If your power is turned off, contact your electricity company.
Water/Control Panel
You must turn the water shutoff valve to the “On” position. Clean the water inlet hoses and filters if they are clogged. Straighten the hose if it’s kinked, or replace it if it’s crushed. Depending on your model, you can lock your control panel. Unlock the control panel, or reboot it if you just experienced a power outage.
Wiring
Check the internal wiring if the dishwasher isn’t powering on. Unplug the dishwasher from the power source, and remove the front panel. Examine the wires, especially the main wiring connection. This connection often burns out on older dishwashers. Check the wiring to the timer and the door switch, and the wiring that runs from the door to the base of the dishwasher. Replace any wires that are corroded or broken. Check the door switch, which is four wires connected via a plastic housing. Get a new door switch if any of the wires are burnt out. You probably have to get this part from an authorized parts supplier or the manufacturer.
Door/Motor
You must completely close the dishwasher door for the cycle to start. If you opened the door in the middle of a cycle, push the door closed and press the “Start/Resume” button to restart the cycle. If the door isn’t closing, check the door gaskets/seals, and clean them if they are dirty. If the gaskets or seals are cracked or falling off, replace them. Your motor may pause between different wash cycles. If the motor doesn’t restart, it’s overloaded. Allow up to 30 minutes for the motor to reset, and then restart the cycle. If the motor is dead, contact a service technician.
Frigidaire is a brand of appliances sold by the Electrolux Group. Frigidaire offers both built-in and portable dishwashers with features like delay start and energy-efficient cycles. If your dishwasher won’t start, you may have a power or water issue. You can usually fix these issues without outside assistance, which saves you money if your dishwasher warranty is expired.
Door Not Closing
Your Frigidaire commonly does not start because you have not completely closed the door. Push the door in place, and then press the “Start/Resume” button. If the door won’t close, push in any racks sticking out too far, and move any dishes blocking the door. Check the door gaskets, and clean them if they are dirty. Food particles or detergent can build up on the gasket surface. See if the gaskets are falling off or torn. Replace the gaskets.
Power Supply
See if the power cord on your Frigidaire dishwasher is inserted completely into the outlet. Verify that the outlet is live by plugging in a lamp into the outlet. If the lamp doesn’t turn on, plug the dishwasher power cord into another outlet. See if your power is on by turning on an appliance plugged into another outlet. Check your circuit breaker, and reset if tripped. Look at your home fuses, and replace any that are blown.
Water Pressure
If your dishwasher won’t run, fully turn on the water supply valve. If the valve won’t turn or is stuck, you must replace it. Check your water inlet hoses, and straighten if kinked. If the hoses are torn or badly crushed, get new ones. Clean out the hose if dirty or if limescale buildup is present. Test the water pressure with a water pressure gauge. If the pressure is below 30 psi, shut off water in other parts of the home, and avoid running appliances like washing machines. Wait for the water pressure to return to normal before restarting the dishwasher.
Additional Issues
If your Frigidaire has the delay-start feature, verify that you have not accidentally selected the delay-start option. Cancel the cycle, and then select a washing cycle. If your washer still won’t start, remove the dishwasher from the power supply, and open up the main housing. Examine the wiring and the door switch. The door switch has a plastic casing from which four wires hang. If any of the connections are broken or corroded, change out the wiring or the door switch. Contact an authorized Frigidaire parts supplier or Frigidaire directly to obtain the door switch.
