Finding out your dishwasher is broken is never going to be the highlight your day, especially if you are also faced with the expense of calling out a professional plus taking time off work to meet them just to determine the problem.
Luckily it’s very feasible to diagnose and often sort out a number of machine issues yourself without needing to call for dishwasher repair, especially if you happen to own a multimeter.
You could discover you can fix the issue quite easily alone, particularly if you are quite handy, and if you can’t at worst you will be better placed to describe the fault when you do have to phone a repair person.
In advance of searching for a new machine there are a number of simple problems you should be able to troubleshoot fairly easily.
Safety Warning: Always make sure your dishwasher is unplugged before attempting repairs.
In advance of investigating your dishwasher for faults make sure that it hasn’t been switched off, and 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 dishwasher.
You will most likely require the manual to do this as machines are all different however the child lock tends to be fairly easy to activate accidentally. Similarly, the machine could have power yet will not run, in this case the solution could be as easy as resetting the program.
When you have ruled out these faults it’s time for the real detective work to start.
To test these components you will have to have a multimeter, or VOM (volt-ohm-milliammeter) to test the resistance and test the parts are operating 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 broken for obvious reasons. There’s no way you would want to be able to accidentally begin the machine with the door ajar.
A broken switch will prevent your machine from starting plus operating. You should check the switch with a multimeter. The switch is generally situated under the front door panel or control panel.
Ensure the machine is disconnected before taking off the door panel plus checking for continuity to prevent yourself from getting an electric shock.
If the latches or switches are faulty you will need a replacement door latch assembly.
If your latch mechanism is operating as it should the next component to test is the timer or electronic control.
This is the component that sends electricity to all the other components the machine needs to operate such as the motor, and the valves.
If your dishwasher has an electric control rather than a mechanical timer then it might have to be tested while connected, 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 dishwasher. A broken selector switch or one that has got stuck may result in the dishwasher not to start.
You can usually see if the buttons are depressing fully, or you may be required to disconnect the dishwasher in order to have a look at the control panel to check the contact points for continuity using a multimeter.
The motor relay is another part that can result in your machine not running, thus this might be the fault if you have tested the control panel and so have discovered that there should be power running to the main pump.
To investigate if this is the case you will have to gain access to the motor and find the relay that should be located next to the motor. This can then be removed plus tested with the help of a multimeter, if broken it may need to be replaced.
Once you have checked all the above but still haven’t found the issue the next part to investigate is the thermal fuse. This may or may not be present and is designed to protect the control board.
If it will need to be replaced in order for the control board to get power.
The final part of the dishwasher you should be able to check that could stop your dishwasher 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 checked the other electrical components 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 should be able to access the motor by taking off the panel at the bottom of the machine. Check it by using a multimeter then replace if faulty.
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.
If you do have a multimeter and can perform the above tests then you might well be able to resolve the fault without assistance. Yet if you are unsure it’s always better to call in the professionals.
And examine your warranty plus your home cover as appliance repairs may be covered and so the costs might be less than you were expecting.
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