Finding out your dishwasher is broken isn’t a fun way to start your day, especially if you have to deal with the cost of calling out an engineer plus taking time off work to meet them just to determine the fault.
Luckily it’s very feasible to determine and even fix a number of dishwasher issues alone without needing to call for dishwasher repair, especially if you have a multimeter.
You could find you are able to resolve the fault quite easily yourself, especially if you are quite handy, and if you can’t at worst you will have a better idea of the issue when you do phone a repair man.
In advance of searching for a new dishwasher there are a few common faults you can troubleshoot without too much trouble.
Safety Warning: Always make sure your machine is unplugged before attempting repairs.
In advance of checking your dishwasher for problems make sure that it hasn’t been inadvertently switched off, plus that there are no tripped switches in the circuit breaker.
This is also an opportune moment to check if the child lock hasn’t been activated as well as try resetting your dishwasher.
You will most likely need the user manual to do this due to the fact that models are all different however the child lock tends to be quite simple to activate without meaning to. Similarly, if the machine has lights however will not start, the solution could be as easy as resetting the program.
Once you have ruled out these problems you can start the real troubleshooting.
To check these electrical components you will need a multimeter, or VOM (volt-ohm-milliammeter) to measure the resistance and check the parts are working as they are meant to.
The first place to start is the door latches and door latch switches. Your machine is not designed to start if these are not working for understandable reasons. There’s no way you would want to be able to inadvertently start the dishwasher with the door open.
A faulty switch will stop your machine from turning on as well as completing a cycle. You may wish to check the switch with a multimeter. The switch is generally located under the front door panel or control panel.
Double check you have disconnected power to the machine prior to removing the door panel as well as checking for continuity to ensure you do not get an electric shock.
If the latches or switches are not working you will need a replacement door latch assembly.
If you have tested your door latch as well as door latch switch and discovered they are working as they should the next component to check is the timer or electronic control.
This is the part of the machine that sends power to all the other components the machine needs to run including the motor, and the water inlet valve.
If your machine has an electric control as opposed to a mechanical timer then it could have to be tested while connected, in which case you will need to call an engineer.
The selector switch is the part of the machine that chooses the program , it’s style and location will vary contingent on the make and model of your machine. A broken selector switch or one that has got stuck might result in the dishwasher not to turn on.
You should be able to see if the buttons are depressing fully, or you may have to unplug the dishwasher and gain access to the control panel to test the contact points for continuity using a multimeter.
The motor relay is an alternative part that could result in your machine not starting, so this could be the fault if you have checked the control panel and know that there is power going to the motor.
To test if this is the case you will have to find the motor and locate the relay that will usually be mounted next to the motor. This could then be removed plus checked using a multimeter, if broken you may have to replace it.
When you have investigated all the above yet still haven’t found the problem the next part to test would be the thermal fuse. This may or may not be present and is there to stop the control board overheating.
If you locate the fuse and discover it is blown you will need to replace it in order for the control board to get power.
The final component you could test that could prevent your machine from operating is the drive motor. This is the component that moves the water around to wash your dishes.
When you have checked the other parts yet still haven’t discovered the issue this may be the culprit especially if you noticed a loud humming coming from the machine.
You should be able to gain access to the motor by taking off the lower access panel. Check it by using a multimeter then replace if broken.
If you don’t have a multimeter or are not confident in taking panels off your dishwasher and checking the parts then you will be better off calling a repair person.
If you are happy to perform the above checks then you may well be able to sort out the fault without assistance. But if you are not sure it’s always better to contact an engineer.
Don’t forget to check your warranty and your home cover as dishwasher repairs could be included meaning the expense could not be as high as you think.
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