Discovering your dishwasher has stopped working is never going to be the highlight your day, particularly if you are also faced with the cost of calling out a professional plus staying home to let them in just to pinpoint the issue.
The good news is it’s possible to diagnose and often resolve a number of dishwasher issues yourself without having to call for dishwasher repair, particularly if you happen to are able to find a multimeter.
You could realize you can fix the issue quite easily yourself, particularly if you are good at DIY, and if not at least you will have a better idea of the fault when you eventually do phone an engineer.
In advance of looking for a new dishwasher there are a number of possible problems you can identify without too much trouble.
Safety Warning: Never attempt repairs while your dishwasher is plugged in.
Before you start investigating your dishwasher for problems ensure that your machine hasn’t been inadvertently unplugged, and that none of the switches on the circuit breaker have tripped.
This is also a good time to check if the child lock isn’t on plus try resetting your machine.
You will probably need the user guide to do this as models are all different but the child lock tends to be quite easy to engage without meaning to. Likewise, the machine could have power yet will not start, in this case the solution could be as easy as resetting the program.
When you have ruled out these issues you can start the real troubleshooting.
To test these electrical 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 are meant to.
The first place to start is the door latches plus door latch switches. Your dishwasher is not designed to start if these are not working for obvious reasons. There’s no way you would want to be able to accidentally run the dishwasher with the door open.
A faulty switch will stop your dishwasher from starting plus operating. You can check the switch using a multimeter. The switch is generally located under the front door panel or control panel.
Double check you have disconnected power to the machine before accessing the door panel plus checking for continuity to ensure you do not get an electric shock.
If the latches or switches are broken you will need to replace them.
If you have tested your door latch and door latch switch and ascertained they are operating correctly the next component to test is the timer or electronic control.
This is the component that sends electricity to all the other parts the machine requires to operate including the motor, as well as the valves.
If your machine has an electric control rather than a mechanical timer then it may need 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 cycle , it’s style and location will vary contingent on the make or model of your dishwasher. A faulty selector switch or one that has got stuck could cause the machine not to run.
You can usually see if the buttons are going down all the way, or you may be required to unplug the machine in order to access the control panel to test the connections for continuity using a multimeter.
The motor relay is an alternative component that may cause your machine not to run, thus this may be the problem if you have tested the control panel and know that there should be power running to the main pump.
To check if this is the case you will have to locate the motor and locate the relay that should be located next to it. This could then be removed plus checked using a multimeter and it might need to be replaced.
If you have checked the above issues but still haven’t found the fault the next part of the dishwasher to test would be the thermal fuse. Note: Not all machines have a thermal fuse.
If you will need to replace it in order to restore power to the control board.
The final component you could investigate that might prevent your machine from running is the drive motor. This is the component that moves the water around to wash your dishes.
When you have checked the other components but 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 gain access to the motor by taking off the lower access panel. Test it with the help of a multimeter and replace if not working.
If you don’t have a multimeter and are not confident in taking panels off your machine and checking the components then you will need to call a professional.
If you do have a multimeter and can perform the above checks then you may well be able to fix the issue without assistance. Yet if you are not sure it might be easier to call in the professionals.
Don’t forget to check your warranty as well as your home cover as dishwasher repairs could be included and so the costs may be less than you were expecting.
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