Maytag Dishwasher: not running

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Maytag dishwasher isn't running when you press the start button, you're not alone. This issue may stem from a door that isn't fully closed or latched, a blown thermal fuse, a faulty main control board, or a malfunctioning door switch. Fortunately, there are simple troubleshooting steps you can take to diagnose and possibly fix the problem before calling for professional help.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag dishwashers will not start if delay wash, control lock, or sleep mode is active; resetting control via power cycle is recommended.

Possible Causes

Door not fully closed or latched

How to Identify: Dishwasher will not start and often gives no response if door isn’t securely closed; a misaligned lower rack can prevent the door from latching correctly.

Part: Door latch and/or door switch

Blown thermal fuse

How to Identify: Dishwasher has power but won’t start; control panel unresponsive even after reset; fuse may lack continuity when tested with a multimeter.

Part: Thermal fuse

Faulty main control board

How to Identify: Dishwasher has power but does not start or respond; visible burned spots or component failure signs on board; other components tested functional.

Part: Main control board

Door switch failure

How to Identify: Dishwasher thinks door is open even when closed — no start; multimeter test of switch shows no continuity when pressed.

Part: Door switch

DIY Solutions

Ensure door closes and latches properly

Easy 5-10 minutes
  1. Remove and correctly reposition lower rack to ensure it isn’t preventing door closure.
  2. Firmly close dishwasher door until you hear the latch click into place.
  3. Try starting the dishwasher again.
⚠️ Safety First: No special safety concerns beyond typical appliance use.

Deactivate control lock/delay start

Easy 2-5 minutes
  1. Check control panel for lock or delay indicators.
  2. Follow manufacturer instructions to hold the lock button (usually ~3 seconds) to disable control lock.
  3. Cancel delay wash mode if active and retry start.

Power supply check and reset breaker

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Check if dishwasher is plugged in (if applicable) and outlet has power (use lamp/device).
  2. Inspect home circuit breaker panel for tripped breaker for dishwasher circuit; reset it.
  3. Attempt to start the dishwasher again.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure hands are dry when handling circuit breaker.

Control panel reset by power cycling

Easy 10 minutes
  1. Disconnect power to dishwasher by unplugging or turning off breaker for ~30 seconds.
  2. Restore power and try starting a cycle.
  3. Observe if control panel responds normally.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is fully off before pulling any panels if accessing internal parts.

Professional Repairs

Replace door latch assembly or door switch

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

Replace main control board

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

Replace thermal fuse

Estimated Cost: $25 - $70

When to Call a Professional

Dishwasher still does not start after door, power, control lock and reset checks
You suspect internal electrical component failure or are uncomfortable testing components
Visible damage or burnt smell from control board area

Preventive Maintenance

  • Regularly clean door latch area and check rack alignment: Door closure issues that prevent start
    Frequency: monthly
  • Periodically inspect control panel for stuck buttons or lock mode: Unintended control lock or delay wash activation
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Dishwasher not running?
Common causes include an unlatched door, blown thermal fuse, faulty control board, or door switch failure.
How do I fix Maytag Dishwasher not running myself?
Ensure the door is properly closed, reset the control lock, check the power supply, or power cycle the dishwasher.
How much does it cost to fix not running?
Professional repairs range from $25 to $350 depending on the issue, with door latch assembly and control board replacements being the most expensive.
When should I call a technician for not running?
If DIY solutions fail or if the problem seems complex, it's advisable to contact a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty control board (1 mentions)
  • Control panel issues (1 mentions)
  • Sump assembly or motor failure (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace faulty control board

    Success rate: 0.0%

  2. Inspect control panel for issues

    Success rate: 0.0%

  3. Check sump assembly and motor

    Success rate: 0.0%
Analysis based on 3 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Maytag Quiet Series 200 Model MDBH945AWW fills but won't run
  2. Maytag dishwasher "sanitized" light flashing
  3. Maytag Dishwasher Not Running

Community Discussions

sanitized light flashing, dishwasher will not run

faulty control board suspected

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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