Bosch Dishwasher: not starting

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Bosch dishwasher is not starting, you may notice it is completely silent or has lights on without any response. This issue can often be linked to problems with the door latch, control lock, or power supply. Identifying the exact cause is crucial for getting your appliance back to work efficiently.

Urgency: Medium

Possible Causes

Door latch or door switch safety interlock not engaging

How to Identify: Dishwasher will not start even though power is present and control panel appears functional; door doesn’t click firmly or repeatedly fails to latch.

Part: Door latch assembly / door switch

Control lock (child lock) activated

How to Identify: Control panel shows padlock or “CL” icon; buttons appear unresponsive until lock is deactivated.

Part: Control panel lock feature

Power supply issue — breaker, outlet, connection

How to Identify: No lights or sounds; external outlet not supplying power; tripped breaker; unit unplugged or loose plug.

Part: Electrical power circuit (breaker, plug, outlet)

Delayed start setting engaged

How to Identify: Display shows countdown or delay indicator; dishwasher starts after delay ends or when delay is cancelled.

Part: Control panel and timer settings

Preventive Maintenance

  • Regularly clean and inspect door latch: Latch misalignment or debris causing start failures
    Frequency: monthly
  • Periodically check control panel for sticky buttons: Control lock or unresponsive button issues
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Bosch Dishwasher not starting?
Your dishwasher may not start due to a faulty door latch, activated control lock, or power supply issues.
How do I fix Bosch Dishwasher not starting myself?
No DIY solutions are available for this issue; it's best to consult a professional.
How much does it cost to fix not starting?
Repair costs vary; consult a technician for an accurate estimate based on the specific issue.
When should I call a technician for not starting?
Call a technician if basic troubleshooting does not resolve the issue or if the problem persists.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

43%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • User interface issue (1 mentions)
  • Door switch problem (1 mentions)
  • User error (sensor magnet blockage) (1 mentions)
  • Control board failure (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Ensure the door is fully closed and check for obstructions

    Success rate: 7.0%

  2. Replaced the control board

    Success rate: 7.0%

  3. Must push start after cycle selection and close within a few seconds

    Success rate: 7.0%

  4. Start/resume button started working again after being left plugged in overnight

    Success rate: 7.0%
Analysis based on 14 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Bosch dishwasher - flashing red light, program not starting....
  2. New Bosch Dishwasher Clicking, Won't Start - Please Help Me!
  3. Buying a new panel-ready dishwasher
  4. Bosch Super Silence 42 no start
  5. New Bosch dishwasher all lights flashing will not start.
  6. Bosch dishwasher not starting program
  7. Bosch Dishwasher No Start
  8. Bosch Dishwasher Won't Start
  9. Bosch dishwasher not starting
  10. Bosch dishwasher won't start, just clicks
  11. Bosch dishwasher SHEM30Y55N/28 Will not start, has flashing ...
  12. Can't figure out Bosch dishwasher
  13. Bosch Dishwasher - has power, will not start
  14. Thermador (Bosch) DWHD770WFP/13.... Again

Community Discussions

won't start, just clicks

Replaced the control board, good as new.

DIY View on Reddit →

Will not start, has flashing red auto on front door control

The issue was user error; something was blocking the sensor magnet.

DIY View on Reddit →

start/stop button became inoperative

The new Bosch dishwasher will come with mounting hardware and a template for panel installation.

DIY View on Reddit →

flashing red light, program not starting

Ensure the door is fully closed and check for obstructions; if the issue persists, it may be a door switch problem.

DIY View on Reddit →

start/resume button not working

The start/resume button started working again after being left plugged in overnight.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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