Miele Dishwasher: not starting

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Miele dishwasher not starting? This issue often manifests as the appliance failing to initiate a wash cycle despite being powered on and the Start/Stop button pressed. You may notice that the display shows no lights or unresponsive behavior, even if some lights are on. Common causes include a door that isn’t fully closed or a latch that isn't engaged properly. Follow our troubleshooting guide to resolve this problem effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Miele Models

  • Miele official support lists basic checks like door closure, power, program selector, and water supply as first troubleshooting steps.

Possible Causes

Door not fully closed or door latch not engaged

How to Identify: Dishwasher will not start if the door isn’t fully closed with a click; start command ignored.

Part: Door latch / door switch

DIY Solutions

Ensure door fully closes and latch engages

Easy 2-5 minutes
  1. Open door fully and close firmly until it clicks.
  2. Verify latch engages and door stays closed without support.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not force the door closed if misaligned, may damage seal.

Select program and press Start correctly

Easy 1-2 minutes
  1. Turn program selector to desired wash cycle.
  2. Press Start/Stop button and wait a couple of seconds.
  3. Ensure no delay wash icon is active.

Check water supply and inlet hose

Moderate 10 minutes
Tools Needed: Adjustable wrench, flashlight
  1. Ensure the household water supply valve feeding dishwasher is fully open.
  2. Inspect inlet hose for kinks or visible damage.
  3. If kinked, reposition or replace hose.
⚠️ Safety First: Turn off water supply before adjusting connections.

Deactivate child lock or delay

Easy 2 minutes
  1. Locate child lock slide or button per your model control panel.
  2. Deactivate by sliding or holding the indicated button.
  3. Cancel any delay start setting before starting cycle.

Professional Repairs

Replace door switch or latch assembly

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

Repair or replace electronic control board

Estimated Cost: $200 - $500

Inspect and replace water inlet valve or float switch

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

When to Call a Professional

If dishwasher shows no response or lights even with verified power and start.
If door latch or switch appears broken.
If internal control board diagnostics needed.

Preventive Maintenance

  • Check and clean door latch and seals: Door not engaging and starting issues
    Frequency: monthly
  • Inspect water inlet hose: Water supply blockages affecting start
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Miele Dishwasher not starting?
The most common cause is the door not being fully closed or the latch not engaging.
How do I fix Miele Dishwasher not starting myself?
Check if the door is closed properly, select a program, and ensure the water supply is on.
How much does it cost to fix not starting?
Professional repair costs range from $50 for a door latch to $500 for an electronic control board.
When should I call a technician for not starting?
If simple DIY solutions don't work, or if the issue seems complex, consider calling 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: Professional

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Door switch issue (1 mentions)
  • Drain pump issue (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Adjust door switch and replace heater pressure switch

    Success rate: 25.0%

  2. Try the cancel/drain option to address drain pump issues

    Success rate: 25.0%
Analysis based on 4 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Very disappointed by Miele Customer Service
  2. Miele dishwasher install error - won't start, just beeps
  3. Why is it impossible to find technical/service manuals for r...
  4. miele dishwasher won't start program when door closed

Community Discussions

won't start program when door closed

The door switch was adjusted and the heater pressure switch was replaced, resolving the issues.

DIY View on Reddit →

cannot set cycles and start the dishwasher

Filed a small claims case and won; the dishwasher is now functioning well.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

machine turns on, but when you close the door there's a rapid, faint clicking noise chik-chik-chik-chik-chik and nothing happens

Try the cancel/drain option as dishwashers always drain before starting a cycle; the clicking noise may indicate an issue with the drain pump.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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