Whirlpool Dishwasher: not starting

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Whirlpool dishwasher not starting? You may notice that it powers on but fails to begin a wash cycle, with no movement, water fill, or sounds. This issue can stem from several common causes, including door latch failure, control lock activation, or power issues. Follow our guide for troubleshooting and solutions to get your dishwasher back in action.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Whirlpool Models

Whirlpool models sometimes require specific button sequences to disable control lock or delay start, refer to model manual for exact instructions.
Whirlpool service documentation specifically recommends power cycling by breaker/unplug to reset controls.

Possible Causes

Door latch or door switch failure

How to Identify: Dishwasher will not start even with door closed; no click or engagement sound; door may appear closed but safety interlock isnâ€™t triggered.

Part: Door latch / door switch

Control lock or delay start feature activated

How to Identify: Control lock LED indicator lit or dishwasher shows delay countdown; pressing start yields no response.

Part: Control panel settings

Power control or electrical issue

How to Identify: Dishwasher shows no lights, or a reset via breaker/unplug sometimes temporarily fixes; tripped breaker or blown internal thermal fuse suspected if power is intermittent.

Part: Electrical supply / control board / thermal fuse

Faulty touchpad or control panel

How to Identify: Buttons unresponsive or some controls fail to register presses despite power present; display may be incorrect or blank.

Part: Touchpad / user interface

Water supply or inlet issues preventing cycle initiation

How to Identify: Dishwasher refuses to start because it detects no water supply; sometimes indicated by error codes or absence of fill sound.

Part: Water inlet valve / supply hose

DIY Solutions

Check and fully close/latch door

Easy 5 minutes

Open dishwasher and ensure nothing obstructs the door closure.
Firmly close door until latch clicks into place.
Try pressing Start again.

Disable control lock / delay start

Easy 2 minutes

Look for control lock or delay icons on display.
Press and hold the appropriate button (often Control Lock or Start/Cancel) as per model manual to disable.
Attempt to start cycle again.

Reset power to dishwasher

Easy 5 minutes

Turn off dishwasher at breaker or unplug unit.
Wait ~1 minute.
Restore power and attempt to start cycle.

⚠️ Safety First: Ensure breaker controls only dishwasher before switching.

Professional Repairs

Replace door latch or switch assembly

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

Replace control board or touchpad

Estimated Cost: $100 - $350

Inspect and replace thermal fuse or internal wiring

Estimated Cost: $40 - $200

When to Call a Professional

Dishwasher shows no power or lights after reset and breaker check

Evidence of electrical smells, burnt components, or internal wiring damage

Repeated failure after attempting DIY electrical tests

Preventive Maintenance

Regularly clean door latch and surrounding area: Debris buildup that can prevent proper door closure and starting
Frequency: monthly
Run occasional selfâ€‘clean cycle and check control panel buttons: Sticky or unresponsive controls from grime or moisture buildup
Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Whirlpool Dishwasher not starting?

Common causes include door latch failure, activated control lock, or power issues.

How do I fix Whirlpool Dishwasher not starting myself?

Check the door latch, disable control lock, or reset the power to the dishwasher.

How much does it cost to fix not starting?

Professional repairs range from $50 to $350, depending on the issue.

When should I call a technician for not starting?

If DIY solutions fail, or if the issue involves electrical components, it's best to call a technician.

References & Sources

Dishwasher Not Starting or Not Operating Official

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

Faulty control board (1 mentions)
Faulty user interface panel (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

Replaced bad control board

Success rate: 50.0%
Replaced user interface panel

Success rate: 50.0%

Analysis based on 2 community discussions
View Sources

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

Community Discussions

Dishwasher won't start, display shows flashing time and solid 'DRAIN'

Replaced bad control board; WD-40 temporarily revived the dishwasher

DIY View on Reddit →

flashing F6 E1, does nothing, no water in the bottom

User interface panel was replaced, fixing the issue.