Discovering your dishwasher is broken is never going to be the highlight your day, particularly if you have to deal with the expense of phoning a repair person as well as staying home to let them in just to diagnose the problem.
Fortunately it’s often easy to pinpoint and even resolve a number of dishwasher problems by yourself without needing to call for dishwasher repair, especially if you happen to are able to find a multimeter.
You could realize you are able to fix the issue quite easily yourself, particularly if you are good at DIY, and if not at least you will be better placed to describe the problem when you eventually do phone a repair person.
In advance of looking for a new dishwasher there are a few common faults you can identify without too much issue.
Safety Warning: Never attempt repairs while your dishwasher is plugged in.
In advance of going through the following list of possible problems ensure that your machine hasn’t been inadvertently switched off, as well as that there are no tripped switches in the circuit breaker.
This is also an opportune moment to see if the child lock hasn’t been activated plus try resetting your machine.
You will probably require the user guide for this due to the fact that machines are all different however the child lock is often quite easy to engage without meaning to. Likewise, if the machine has lights yet will not start, the answer may be as easy as resetting the program.
Once you have eliminated these problems it’s time for the real investigations to begin.
To examine these parts you will need a multimeter, or VOM (volt-ohm-milliammeter) to test the resistance plus test the components are operating as they are meant to.
The initial thing to check is the door latches and door latch switches. Your dishwasher is designed not to start if the door latches are broken for obvious reasons. You wouldn’t want to be able to inadvertently run the machine with the door ajar.
A defective switch will prevent your dishwasher from starting plus running. You should test the switch with a multimeter. The switch will usually be located under the front door panel or control panel.
Ensure the machine is disconnected before removing the door panel plus checking for continuity to make sure you do not get an electric shock.
If you discover the latches or switches are not working you will need a replacement door latch assembly.
If the door latch plus door latch switch, are working as they should the next component to check is the timer or electronic control.
This is the part of the machine that distributes electricity to all the other components the machine requires to run such as the motor, as well as the water inlet valve.
If your dishwasher is controlled electronically rather than mechanically then it could have to be checked while plugged in, in which case you should call a repair man.
This is the part of your machine that selects the program , it’s style and location will vary depending on the make or model of your dishwasher. A not working selector switch or one that has got stuck may result in the machine not to start.
You should be able to see if the buttons are going down all the way, or you could have to disconnect the dishwasher in order to access the control panel to check the connections for continuity using a multimeter.
The motor relay is an alternative part that may result in your dishwasher not starting, so this could be the issue if you have tested the control panel and thus have ascertained that there is power going to the motor.
To test if this is the case you will have to gain access to the motor and locate the relay that will usually be mounted next to it. This could then be taken out plus checked using a multimeter, if broken it could need to be replaced.
When you have tested all the above but still haven’t found the problem the next part to check is the thermal fuse. Note: Not all machines have a thermal fuse.
If you locate the fuse and discover it is blown you will need to replace it in order to restore power to the control board.
The final part of the dishwasher you can check that might prevent your machine from running is the drive motor. This is the part of the machine that moves the water around to wash your dishes.
If you have tested the other parts yet still aren’t getting anywhere this might be the cause of the problem particularly if your machine has previously been making a loud humming noise.
You can usually locate the motor by removing the lower access panel. Check it using a multimeter and replace if faulty.
Not everyone has a multimeter, or would know how to use one even if they do, in which case you will need to call a professional.
If you do have a multimeter and can perform the above tests then you might well be able to fix the problem without needing a professional. However if you are con confident it’s always better to call in the professionals.
Don’t forget to examine your insurance and your home cover as appliance repairs may be included meaning the expense might not be as high as you think.
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