Maytag Dishwasher: not powering on

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Maytag dishwasher not powering on? This common issue may leave your appliance unresponsive, with no lights or sounds when you press the start button. Potential causes include power supply problems, a malfunctioning door latch, or an issue with the control panel. Let’s explore how to diagnose and fix this frustrating problem.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag dishwashers may have control lock or delay start features that can make it appear as if the unit has no power; check these settings per model.

Possible Causes

Power supply issue (no electrical power reaching dishwasher)

How to Identify: No lights or sounds at all; other appliances on same circuit also dead or breaker tripped; outlet test fails.

Part: Power connection / circuit breaker / outlet

Door latch or door switch not engaging

How to Identify: Dishwasher appears dead until door is fully and correctly closed with audible click; internal latch mechanism may feel loose.

Part: Door latch assembly / safety switch

Control panel or control lock / settings preventing start

How to Identify: Control lock or delay start is active; lights may appear off or unresponsive; deactivating lock changes behavior.

Part: Control panel / child lock setting

Blown internal thermal fuse or electronic control board failure

How to Identify: No power even when external power and door latch are correct; multimeter shows blown fuse; past surge or overheating event.

Part: Thermal fuse / control board

Faulty wiring or junction box connection

How to Identify: Intermittent power or no power despite correct breaker and outlet; visible wiring damage on inspection.

Part: Internal wiring / junction box

DIY Solutions

Check and reset power supply at breaker/outlet

Easy 10-15 minutes
Tools Needed: flashlight
  1. Locate home electrical panel and check if dishwasher circuit breaker is tripped; reset it completely off and then on.
  2. Test the outlet with another device or outlet tester to confirm it has power.
  3. Ensure dishwasher power cord is fully plugged in and not loose or damaged.
⚠️ Safety First: Turn off breaker before touching any wires; do not operate with wet hands.

Deactivate control lock or cancel delay start

Easy 2-5 minutes
  1. Consult your model’s user manual to identify the control lock or delay wash button combination.
  2. Press and hold the appropriate button(s) to deactivate control lock.
  3. Press CANCEL or START/RESUME to exit delay start mode.

Ensure door latch fully engages

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Open and close dishwasher door firmly until you hear a click indicating latch engagement.
  2. Remove any rack items blocking door closure.
  3. Check latch for visible debris or misalignment and clean if needed.

Reset dishwasher control by power cycling

Easy 5-10 minutes
  1. Turn off dishwasher power at breaker or unplug unit.
  2. Wait at least 30–60 seconds then restore power.
  3. Attempt to start dishwasher normally.

Professional Repairs

Replace thermal fuse or electronic control board

Estimated Cost: $150 - $500

Repair or replace internal wiring/junction connections

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

When to Call a Professional

Dishwasher still shows no power after checking breaker, outlet, door latch, and control settings
Internal electrical components (fuse, board) are suspected failed
Visible damage to wiring or junction box

Preventive Maintenance

  • Periodically test outlet and circuit breaker: Unexpected power loss due to tripped breakers or outlet faults
    Frequency: annually
  • Clean and inspect door latch area: Latch misalignment causing power/start issues
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Dishwasher not powering on?
Common causes include power supply issues, a faulty door latch, or control panel malfunctions.
How do I fix Maytag Dishwasher not powering on myself?
Check the power supply, reset the control lock, ensure the door latch engages, and power cycle the unit.
How much does it cost to fix not powering on?
Professional repairs range from $150 to $500, depending on the specific issue.
When should I call a technician for not powering on?
If DIY fixes don't resolve the issue or if you suspect a blown fuse or wiring issue.

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 bimetal on the control board (part no W10258275)

    Success rate: 50.0%
Analysis based on 2 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Maytag dishwasher (MDB8959AWS2) won't turn on.
  2. How can I open/fix this ACU/control board case?

Community Discussions

won't turn on

Replace the bimetal on the control board (part no W10258275).

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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