Bosch Dishwasher: not turning on

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Bosch dishwasher isn't turning on, you may notice it shows no lights or sounds, and pressing the Start button does nothing. This can indicate power supply issues, door latch problems, or even a child lock feature that prevents operation. Understanding these causes can help you find a solution quickly.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Bosch Models

  • Bosch dishwashers have a safety feature that prevents operation unless the door is securely latched.

Possible Causes

Power supply issues (no power to dishwasher)

How to Identify: Dishwasher display and controls are completely blank; outlet may be dead; circuit breaker may be tripped.

Part: Home electrical supply/circuit breaker/outlet

Door latch or door switch failure

How to Identify: Dishwasher won’t start even with power; door doesn’t latch securely or doesn’t click; safety switch not activated.

Part: Door latch assembly/micro switch

Child lock / control lock active

How to Identify: Lights on display but no response to Start button; lock symbol indicated on panel.

Part: Control panel child lock feature

Control panel or electronic control failure

How to Identify: Display is unresponsive even when power confirmed; buttons don’t respond; resetting power doesn’t help.

Part: Control board / control panel

Blown thermal fuse

How to Identify: Dishwasher completely dead despite power present; fuse fails continuity test with multimeter.

Part: Thermal fuse

DIY Solutions

Check and Reset Circuit Breaker / Power Supply

Easy 5–10 minutes
Tools Needed: None
  1. Locate the home breaker panel, find the dishwasher’s breaker, flip off then back on.
  2. Verify the power outlet works by plugging another device into it.
  3. Ensure the dishwasher’s plug is fully seated in the outlet.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not work on electrical panel if unfamiliar; call electrician if wiring issue suspected.

Ensure Door is Fully Closed and Latches

Easy 1–2 minutes
  1. Open the dishwasher and inspect the door edge and latch.
  2. Clean debris around latch area.
  3. Close door firmly until it clicks to ensure latch engages.

Disable Child Lock

Easy 1–2 minutes
  1. Consult your model’s manual or search for child lock button combination.
  2. Press/hold indicated control(s) to deactivate lock.
  3. Try starting dishwasher again.

Power Reset Dishwasher Electronics

Easy 5 minutes
Tools Needed: None
  1. Turn off dishwasher power at breaker for 1–5 minutes.
  2. Turn power back on.
  3. Try to start dishwasher.

Professional Repairs

Replace Door Latch or Switch Assembly

Estimated Cost: $40–$150

Control Board / Control Panel Replacement

Estimated Cost: $150–$400

Replace Thermal Fuse

Estimated Cost: $20–$80

When to Call a Professional

Dishwasher still won’t turn on after checking power, door latch, and reset
Control panel or electronic components are suspected faulty
Thermal fuse or internal components need testing

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean and inspect door latch area: Latch misalignment or debris obstruction that may prevent start
    Frequency: monthly
  • Check electrical connections and outlet function periodically: Power supply issues leading to no-start
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Bosch Dishwasher not turning on?
Common causes include power supply issues, door latch failure, and child lock activation.
How do I fix Bosch Dishwasher not turning on myself?
Check the circuit breaker, ensure the door is closed properly, and reset the power.
How much does it cost to fix not turning on?
Professional repairs can cost between $40–$400 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not turning on?
If DIY solutions fail, or if the problem seems complex, it's best to call a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

14%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Professional

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Motherboard failure (4 mentions)
  • Control board issues (3 mentions)
  • Fuse failure (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replaced the fuse in the plug, and the dishwasher started working again.

    Success rate: 11.0%
Analysis based on 7 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Bosch 500 Series Dishwasher stopped working
  2. Bosch dishwasher electrical problem?
  3. Bosch dishwasher won't turn on (following heater short & rep...
  4. I turned my dishwasher on it's side to fix a door spring, an...
  5. Bosch SHXM88Z75N/20 Won't Turn On
  6. Bosch 800 series dishwasher won't turn on?
  7. Bosch 800 dishwasher won’t turn on. Any ideas?

Community Discussions

won't turn on

Replaced the fuse in the plug, and the dishwasher started working again.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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