Fisher & Paykel Dishwasher: not functioning

Possible Causes

Loss of electrical power to the dishwasher

How to Identify: Dishwasher has no lights, no display, and shows no signs of receiving power; other devices on the same circuit also may not work; circuit breaker may be tripped

Part: Household power supply / circuit breaker / power cord

Blown internal thermal fuse or electrical component failure

How to Identify: Dishwasher is dead even with confirmed power supply and properly closed door; thermal fuse testing required

Part: Thermal fuse / internal electrical components

DIY Solutions

Verify Power and Reset Circuit

Easy 5-10 minutes

Tools Needed: none

1. Check that the dishwasher is plugged in and that the household circuit breaker has not tripped; reset breaker if it has.
2. Test the outlet by plugging in another device to confirm it has power.
3. If no power, reset GFCI outlet if present and ensure water supply valves are open.

⚠️ Safety First: Do not work on electrical components with wet hands or near water.

Ensure Door/DishDrawer is Fully Closed and Latched

Easy 2-5 minutes

Tools Needed: none

1. Open and firmly close the dishwasher door or dishdrawer until the latch clicks.
2. Check that nothing (such as dishware) is preventing the door from fully closing.
3. Try starting the dishwasher again after ensuring proper closure.

Deactivate Child/Key Lock on Control Panel

Easy 1-2 minutes

Tools Needed: none

1. Consult your model’s manual to identify the child or key lock button.
2. Press and hold the lock button to deactivate the feature.
3. Try selecting a wash program and starting the dishwasher.

Power Cycle / Reset Dishwasher

Easy 10 minutes

Tools Needed: none

1. Turn off dishwasher power at the breaker or unplug from outlet.
2. Wait 5–15 minutes to allow internal electronics to reset.
3. Restore power and try to start the dishwasher again.

⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before disconnecting or reconnecting power.

Professional Repairs

Electronic Control Board Replacement

Estimated Cost: $200 - $400

User Interface Control Repair/Replacement

Estimated Cost: $150 - $300

Thermal Fuse or Internal Electrical Component Repair

Estimated Cost: $100 - $250

When to Call a Professional

Dishwasher remains unresponsive after verifying power supply and door closure

Control panel still unresponsive after attempts to reset and deactivate child lock

Signs of internal electrical damage (burnt smell, sparking) or visible wiring issues

Preventive Maintenance

• Regularly check and clean door seal and latch area to ensure proper closure: Prevent false non-start conditions due to door sensor issues
  Frequency: monthly
• Run occasional power cycle/reset if occasional glitches occur: Minor control board lockups and temporary software glitches
  Frequency: quarterly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Fisher & Paykel Dishwasher not functioning?

The top causes include loss of electrical power or a blown thermal fuse.

How do I fix Fisher & Paykel Dishwasher not functioning myself?

Check power supply, ensure the door is closed, deactivate child lock, or reset the dishwasher.

How much does it cost to fix not functioning?

Professional repairs range from $100 to $400 depending on the issue.

When should I call a technician for not functioning?

If DIY solutions fail or if you suspect internal component issues, call a technician.

References & Sources

• F&P Dishwasher Will Not Start Official

Common Issues Reported by Users

• Rotor malfunction (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions