Discovering your dishwasher isn’t working is never going to be the highlight your day, especially if you are also faced with the expense of phoning a professional as well as staying home to let them in just to pinpoint the problem.
Fortunately it’s very feasible to diagnose and even sort out many dishwasher issues alone without needing to call for dishwasher repair, particularly if you happen to are able to find a multimeter.
You may realize you can sort out the problem quite easily yourself, especially if you are quite handy, and if not at least you will have a better idea of the fault when you eventually do phone an engineer.
In advance of considering a new dishwasher there are a number of possible problems you can troubleshoot without too much trouble.
Safety Warning: Always make sure your dishwasher is unplugged before testing or replacing any electrical components.
Before you start going through the following list of potential issues make sure that your machine hasn’t been accidentally switched off, plus that none of the switches on the circuit breaker have tripped.
This is also an opportune moment to check if the child lock isn’t on and try resetting your dishwasher.
You will probably require the user guide for this as machines are all different but the child lock is often quite simple to engage without meaning to. Similarly, the machine might have lights yet will not start, in this case the solution could be as simple as resetting the program.
Once you have eliminated these issues it’s time for the real detective work to begin.
To examine these parts you will have to have a multimeter, or VOM (volt-ohm-milliammeter) to test the resistance as well as check the components are working as they are meant to.
The first thing to test is the door latches plus door latch switches. Your machine is not designed to start if these are not working for obvious reasons. There’s no way you would want to be able to inadvertently run the dishwasher with the door not closed.
A defective switch will stop your dishwasher from turning on as well as completing a cycle. You should check the switch with a multimeter. The switch is generally situated under the front door panel or control panel.
Make sure you have disconnected power to the machine prior to accessing the door panel and testing for continuity to ensure you do not get an electric shock.
If the latches or switches are not working you will need to replace them.
If the door latch as well as door latch switch, are working as they should the next thing to check is the timer or electronic control.
This is the component that sends power to all the other parts the machine requires to operate such as the pumps, plus the valves.
If your machine is controlled electronically rather than mechanically then it may need to be checked while connected, this can be dangerous and should only be done by someone who is professionally trained.
The selector switch is the part of the dishwasher that chooses the program and will vary contingent on the make as well as the model of your dishwasher. A faulty selector switch or one that has got stuck may result in the machine not to run.
You can usually see if the buttons are going down all the way, or you could need to disconnect the machine and gain access to the control panel to test the connections for continuity using a multimeter.
The motor relay is another component that can cause your machine not to run, and this might be the problem if you have tested the control panel and thus have discovered that there is power running to the main pump.
To check this you need to gain access to the motor and find the relay that will usually be located next to it. This can then be removed plus checked with a multimeter and you may have to replace it.
Once you have tested the above issues and are still looking for the fault the next part to check is the thermal fuse. This may or may not be present and is designed to protect the control board.
If the fuse is blown you will need to replace it in order for the control board to get power.
The final part of the dishwasher you should be able to investigate that could stop your dishwasher from working is the drive motor. This is the component that moves the water around to wash your dishes.
If you have tested the other parts yet still aren’t getting anywhere this may be the issue particularly if your machine has previously been making a loud humming noise.
You can usually access the motor by taking off the lower access panel. Test it with the help of 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 an engineer.
If you are happy to perform the above checks then you could well be able to resolve the problem without assistance. However if you are con confident it’s always better to contact an engineer.
Plus examine your warranty as well as your home cover as appliance repairs might be covered and so the costs may be less than you were expecting.
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