Amana Dishwasher: not turning on

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Amana Dishwasher is not turning on, you may notice that there are no lights or responses from the control panel when attempting to start a cycle. This issue can stem from several common causes, including power supply problems, door latch issues, or faults in the control board.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Amana Models

  • Amana models often include control lock and delay start features that can prevent start if engaged
  • Faulty electronic control board or user interface can prevent start even when power is present

Possible Causes

Dishwasher not receiving power (power supply issue)

How to Identify: No lights or display, control panel completely dead, breaker tripped or unplugged dishwasher.

Part: Household circuit breaker/power connection

Door not fully closed or latched (door switch circuit not engaged)

How to Identify: Door appears closed but not fully latched; cycle won’t start and often no control response until door is properly latched.

Part: Door latch/door switch

Faulty door switch

How to Identify: Door is closed and latched but multimeter shows lack of continuity in door switch or machine still won’t start.

Part: Dishwasher door switch

Defective main control board or user control/display board

How to Identify: Power is present (lights/display, but buttons unresponsive or no cycle start; requires advanced testing.

Part: Main control board/User control board

DIY Solutions

Check and reset power supply

Easy 5–10 minutes
Tools Needed: none
  1. Check dishwasher plug or hardwired connection to ensure it is connected and breaker has not tripped
  2. If tripped, reset circuit breaker and attempt to start dishwasher
⚠️ Safety First: Do not touch electrical components with wet hands

Ensure door is properly closed and latched

Easy 2–5 minutes
  1. Open the dishwasher door fully
  2. Check for any obstruction preventing the door from closing
  3. Firmly press door until latch engages before attempting to start

Disable control lock/delay start

Easy 2–5 minutes
  1. Locate Control Lock or Delay Start on control panel
  2. Press and hold appropriate button(s) per manual instructions to disable features
  3. Try starting cycle again

Professional Repairs

Replace door switch

Estimated Cost: $20–$60 for part

Replace main control board or user control/display board

Estimated Cost: $150–$400

When to Call a Professional

Dishwasher has power but still won’t start after basic checks
Multimeter diagnostics required to confirm faulty electrical components
Control board or wiring harness suspected to be defective

Preventive Maintenance

  • Regularly clean and inspect door latch and seals: Latch-related start failures
    Frequency: monthly
  • Check power connection and breaker occasionally: Power supply-related start issues
    Frequency: quarterly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Dishwasher not turning on?
Common causes include power supply issues, door not fully closed, or a faulty control board.
How do I fix Amana Dishwasher not turning on myself?
Check the power supply, ensure the door is closed, and disable control lock features.
How much does it cost to fix not turning on?
Professional repairs range from $20–$60 for door switch replacement to $150–$400 for control board replacement.
When should I call a technician for not turning on?
If DIY solutions fail or if you suspect a complex issue, it's best to consult a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Control board failure (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace the control board due to damage or failure

    Success rate: 100.0%
Analysis based on 2 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. My amana dishwasher will not turn on or cycle. There are no ...
  2. Amana adb1500adw Control board damaged?

Community Discussions

will not turn on or cycle, no lights on control panel

A blown capacitor on the control board was the issue.

won't turn on, no response when pushing any button

Replacing the control board is recommended due to visible damage.

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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