Electrolux Dishwasher: not starting

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Electrolux dishwasher not starting when you press the start button? You may notice no response, no lights, or a delay before it begins. This issue can stem from common causes like a delayed start feature, a door that isn't fully latched, or even power supply issues. Understanding these factors can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Electrolux Models

  • Dishwashers will not start if Delay Start or Child Lock is active; cancel these to start.
  • Proper dishwasher leveling and door alignment can affect door latch engagement; check if upper housing bent prevents latch alignment.

Possible Causes

Delayed Start or Child Lock activated

How to Identify: Dishwasher shows time countdown or indicator for Delay Start / Child Lock; pressing start has no effect until countdown completes or lock is disabled

Part: Control settings

Door not fully closed/latch not engaged

How to Identify: Dishwasher door doesn’t click into place fully; cycle won’t start; sometimes lit control panel but no start

Part: Door latch/switch

No power to unit (breaker, GFCI, connection)

How to Identify: No display lights, no sounds; tripped breaker or GFCI reset needed; loose plug/connection

Part: Household power circuit / dishwasher power connection

Water supply not on or inlet issue preventing start

How to Identify: Dishwasher shows water error or fills slowly, possibly preventing start when water isn’t present; water tap off or kinked hose

Part: Water supply valve / inlet hose

Control panel or touchpad malfunction

How to Identify: Buttons don’t respond, lights behave erratically, unable to select cycles/start despite power and correct settings

Part: Control panel / touchpad

Internal wiring or component fault (door switch, harness, fuse)

How to Identify: No start despite correct settings and power; multimeter testing shows no continuity in safety interlocks or blown fuse

Part: Internal wiring / door switch / thermal fuse

DIY Solutions

Cancel Delay Start / Child Lock

Easy 1–2 minutes
  1. Check control panel for Delay Start or Child Lock indicator
  2. Follow panel instructions to cancel Delay Start or deactivate Child Lock (usually holding specific button)
  3. Press START after disabling lock or when countdown is complete

Ensure Door is Fully Closed and Latched

Easy 1–2 minutes
  1. Open the dishwasher door fully
  2. Close with firm pressure until you hear a 'click'
  3. Observe if start initiates or control panel becomes responsive

Check Household Power and Reset Breaker/GFCI

Easy 5–10 minutes
  1. Check that dishwasher has power lights or display active
  2. Locate and reset any tripped circuit breaker or GFCI outlet feeding the dishwasher
  3. Ensure power cord (if present) is securely connected
⚠️ Safety First: Do not work on electrical panel if unsure; call electrician if unsafe

Verify Water Supply is On

Easy 2–5 minutes
  1. Locate water supply valve under sink or near dishwasher
  2. Ensure valve is fully open
  3. Check for kinks or blockages in the inlet hose

Control Panel Reset

Easy 3–5 minutes
  1. Turn dishwasher power off via breaker or unplug the unit if possible
  2. Wait 30 seconds
  3. Restore power and try selecting a cycle and pressing START

Professional Repairs

Replace Control Panel / Touchpad

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

Replace Door Latch Assembly or Door Switch

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

Internal Wiring or Thermal Fuse Repair

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

When to Call a Professional

Dishwasher has power and correct settings but still won’t start after DIY steps
Control panel buttons are unresponsive or erratic
Electrical issues beyond basic breaker/GFCI resets

Preventive Maintenance

  • Check and clean door latch and sealing surfaces: Latch misalignment issues that prevent start
    Frequency: monthly
  • Test Delay Start and lock features regularly: Unintended settings blocking start
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Electrolux Dishwasher not starting?
Common causes include delayed start or child lock, door not closed, and power supply issues.
How do I fix Electrolux Dishwasher not starting myself?
Try cancelling delay start, ensuring the door is latched, checking power, and verifying water supply.
How much does it cost to fix not starting?
Professional repairs range from $50 for door latch issues to $400 for control panel replacements.
When should I call a technician for not starting?
If DIY solutions don’t resolve the issue, or if internal wiring faults are suspected, it’s time to call a pro.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

100%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Wiring issues (1 mentions)
  • Faulty control board (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check wiring and connections as suggested in a video

    Success rate: 20.0%
Analysis based on 2 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. My electrolux dishwasher doesn’t work
  2. Electrolux dishwasher wont start cycle

Community Discussions

does not work, shows program time then stops

Check a few things as suggested in a video.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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