Dishwasher won't start: causes and fixes
A dishwasher that refuses to start is almost never a serious fault. In most cases a safety device has tripped or the door isn't latched properly.
The causes, from most to least common
Check them in this order: the first ones are free and solve the majority of cases.
- 1
Door not latched
very commonHow to check: Open and close the door firmly: you should hear a click. A rack sticking out is enough to stop it latching.
Fix: Reposition the racks and close the door firmly.
EasyEstimated cost: 0 € - 2
Anti-flood safety tripped
commonHow to check: There is water in the tray in the base of the machine: a float then blocks any start (the tap light often flashes).
Fix: Tilt the machine forward to empty the tray, dry it, then try again.
ModerateEstimated cost: 0 € - 3
Delayed start switched on
commonHow to check: A countdown or a clock symbol is displayed.
Fix: Cancel the delayed start (often by holding the start button for a few seconds).
EasyEstimated cost: 0 € - 4
Power supply or water tap
commonHow to check: Test the socket with another appliance, check the circuit breaker, and make sure the water tap is open.
Fix: Reset the breaker, open the tap, and clean the inlet hose filter if it is scaled up.
EasyEstimated cost: 0 to 15 € - 5
Control board or door interlock failed
less commonHow to check: No light comes on despite a working socket, or the machine never recognises that the door is shut.
Fix: Professional diagnosis.
ProfessionalEstimated cost: 120 to 250 €
If you take this out-of-warranty dishwasher to a QualiRépar-certified repairer, 50€ comes off the invoice.
| Repair by a professional | 120 to 250 € |
| Repair bonus deducted | - 50 € |
| What you pay | 70 to 200 € |
Indicative estimate: the real price depends on the part, the model and the call-out. The bonus can never exceed the invoice total.
How to claim the repair bonus →When to call a professional
If the machine stays completely dead while the socket works, or an error code persists after a reset, call a repairer. A control board on an appliance over 10 years old is rarely worth replacing.
Find a repairer near you →Frequently asked questions
My dishwasher won't start and the tap light is flashing, why?
That light indicates a water supply problem or a tripped anti-flood safety. Check the tap is open and the inlet hose filter isn't scaled up, then tilt the machine forward to drain any water sitting in the base tray.
How do you reset a dishwasher?
Unplug it for 5 to 10 minutes, then plug it back in: that resets the control board on most models. Some also have a specific button combination, given in the manual.
Your dishwasher may be nearing the end of its life: a dishwasher lasts 8 to 12 years. Beyond that, an expensive repair is harder to justify.