Maytag Dishwasher: not starting

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Maytag dishwasher not starting? When you press START/RESUME, the machine remains idle with no motor sound. This issue can occur due to a faulty door latch, control lock engagement, or a delay mode being activated. Ensure the door is fully closed and check for any control settings that might prevent operation.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag units will not start if control lock, sleep, or delay wash functions are active; these must be disabled before starting.

Possible Causes

Door not fully closed or faulty door latch/switch

How to Identify: Dishwasher remains idle with lights on, press door firmly and listen for a click. If door won’t latch securely, or multimeter shows no continuity on switch, this cause is likely.

Part: Door latch assembly / door switch

Control Lock or Delay/ Sleep Mode engaged

How to Identify: Control lock icon or delayed start indicator visible (varies by model. Dishwasher won’t start until lock/delay mode is cancelled.

Part: Control panel settings

DIY Solutions

Ensure Door is Fully Closed and Latched

Easy 2-5 minutes
  1. Open door, ensure racks are properly positioned so they do not block closure.
  2. Firmly close dishwasher door until you hear a click from the latch.
  3. Attempt to start a cycle again.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not force door closed if something is clearly blocking it.

Disable Control Lock or Delay Start

Easy 1-3 minutes
  1. Look for a lock icon or delay indicator on control panel.
  2. Press and hold the appropriate control lock or cancel button per manual to disable.
  3. Select cycle and press START/RESUME.

Check Thermal Fuse Continuity

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: multimeter, screwdriver
  1. Disconnect power at breaker.
  2. Remove inner door panel to access thermal fuse.
  3. Use multimeter to check continuity across thermal fuse terminals.
  4. Replace fuse if no continuity and reassemble.
⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power before accessing internal parts.

Professional Repairs

Replace Control Board

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

Replace Door Latch Assembly

Estimated Cost: $50 - $120

When to Call a Professional

Dishwasher still won’t start after verifying door latch, settings, and thermal fuse, or when internal electrical diagnostics are needed
Signs of electrical damage (burnt smells, visible board damage)

Preventive Maintenance

  • Inspect and clean door latch and seal: Latch-related non-start issues
    Frequency: monthly
  • Check and reset control settings: Unintended control lock or delay start engagement
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Dishwasher not starting?
Common causes include a door not fully closed, a faulty latch, or control lock mode being activated.
How do I fix Maytag Dishwasher not starting myself?
Ensure the door is closed properly and check for control lock or delay settings. Follow the manual for specific button sequences.
How much does it cost to fix not starting?
Professional repair costs range from $50 for a door latch to $350 for a control board replacement.
When should I call a technician for not starting?
If DIY fixes do not resolve the issue or if there are signs of electrical problems, it's time to contact a technician.

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

  • Door latch issue (3 mentions)
  • Control panel failure (2 mentions)
  • Touchpad or control board issues (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check for door latch issues and faulty switches

    Success rate: 8.0%

  2. Inspect float and fill valve for obstructions

    Success rate: 8.0%

  3. Replace control panel or control module

    Success rate: 8.0%

  4. Check for door switch failure or keypad issue

    Success rate: 8.0%
Analysis based on 10 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. maytag dishwasher lights flashing
  2. Maytag dishwasher won't start
  3. Maytag dishwasher won't start
  4. Dishwasher Sometimes Won’t Start – Works Perfectly When It D...
  5. Maytag dishwasher suddenly won’t start
  6. OLD Maytag dishwasher will no longer start... most of the ti...
  7. Maytag dishwasher won't start
  8. Maytag Dishwasher FE E flashing. Won’t start.
  9. Maytag Dishwasher MDB7851AWS
  10. Maytag dishwasher won’t start-Flashing

Community Discussions

Sometimes won’t start, no lights or noise, unresponsive

Possible door latch issue; check for faulty switches.

DIY View on Reddit →

FE E flashing. Won’t start.

Check for obstructions under the float and inspect the fill valve.

DIY View on Reddit →

won't start

Possible door switch failure or keypad issue.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Dishwasher will not turn on when pressing 'START/CANCEL' and no lights come on except faint lights but they go off when release start button.

Control panel likely needs replacement, but it is discontinued.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

start button unresponsive, cycle select button works intermittently

Possible issues with touchpad or control board, no definitive solution found.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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