Samsung Dishwasher: not running

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing issues with your Samsung dishwasher not running? This common problem often results in a complete lack of operation when the start button is pressed. Even if the lights are on, no cycle begins, and there’s no motor noise. Understanding the potential causes can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Samsung Models

  • Samsung support recommends simple steps like resetting circuit breaker and checking power button as initial troubleshooting.

Possible Causes

Door not fully closed or latched

How to Identify: Dishwasher won’t start but lights/power might be on; door may seem closed but not clicked in; pressing and listening for click of latch can verify.

Part: Door latch / door switch

Power supply issue (breaker, plug, GFCI)

How to Identify: Dishwasher has no lights or control response; breaker tripped; GFCI tripped; unplugging/replugging resets.

Part: Power supply / breaker / outlet

Control panel or button failure

How to Identify: Pressing buttons yields no response; touch controls unresponsive; cleaning improves response.

Part: Control panel / touch pad

Thermal fuse blown

How to Identify: Dishwasher has power but does not start; component test shows open circuit on fuse.

Part: Thermal fuse

Wire harness or internal wiring fault

How to Identify: Intermittent or no start even with correct power and door latch; visual damage or continuity test fails.

Part: Internal wire harness

Control board failure

How to Identify: No response to inputs; other causes eliminated; professional diagnosis shows board fault.

Part: Main control board

DIY Solutions

Ensure Door is Fully Closed and Latched

Easy 2-5 minutes
  1. Open dishwasher door fully and then close with firm pressure until latch clicks.
  2. Try starting a cycle again.
  3. Check that nothing obstructs door seal or latch mechanism.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure hands and surfaces are dry to avoid slips.

Check Power Supply and Reset Breaker

Easy 5-10 minutes
  1. Locate household circuit breaker panel and check if dishwasher breaker is tripped; reset if so.
  2. Unplug dishwasher or turn off power at breaker for 1-2 minutes, then restore.
  3. Ensure wall outlet or GFCI is functioning by testing another device.
⚠️ Safety First: Only reset breakers; do not work on live wiring.

Clean and Test Control Panel Buttons

Easy 10 minutes
Tools Needed: Damp cloth
  1. Wipe control panel gently with a damp (not wet) cloth to remove grime.
  2. Dry thoroughly.
  3. Try pressing buttons again to ensure touch recognition.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not use excessive liquid; avoid water ingress.

Professional Repairs

Replace Door Latch or Door Switch Assembly

Estimated Cost: $30 - $120

Replace Thermal Fuse

Estimated Cost: $15 - $50

Repair/Replace Control Board or Wiring Harness

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300+

When to Call a Professional

Dishwasher shows no signs of life after checking door latch and power supply
Control panel is unresponsive and suspected electronic failure
Internal wiring or control board is suspected

Preventive Maintenance

  • Regularly clean door latch and sealing surfaces: Door latch-related non-start issues
    Frequency: monthly
  • Keep control panel clean and dry: Unresponsive controls
    Frequency: monthly
  • Occasionally reset power by cycling breaker after power events: Power glitch issues
    Frequency: as-needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Samsung Dishwasher not running?
Common causes include a door not fully closed, power supply issues, or a faulty control panel.
How do I fix Samsung Dishwasher not running myself?
Check if the door is latched, reset the circuit breaker, and clean the control panel buttons.
How much does it cost to fix not running?
Professional repairs can range from $15 for a thermal fuse to over $300 for control board repairs.
When should I call a technician for not running?
If DIY fixes do not resolve the issue or if you suspect complex electrical faults.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

100%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Stuck valve or sensor issue (2 mentions)
  • Silt blockage in cold water inlet valves (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Clean the cold water inlet valves due to potential silt blockage.

    Success rate: 20.0%
  2. Dry off the sensor and ensure the valve is clear.

    Success rate: 20.0%

Community Discussions

dishwasher won't run after well pump replacement

Clean the cold water inlet valves due to potential silt blockage.

won’t run, keeps trying to drain continuously

The issue was likely caused by a stuck valve and water on the sensor, which was resolved by drying off the sensor and ensuring the valve was clear.

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

User Comments (0)

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