Finding out your dishwasher has stopped working isn’t a good way to start your day, especially if you are also faced with the cost of phoning an engineer as well as taking time off work to meet them just to determine the fault.
Luckily it’s very feasible to diagnose and even fix many dishwasher issues yourself without needing to call for dishwasher repair, particularly if you happen to are able to find a multimeter.
You could find you are able to fix the issue quite easily by yourself, particularly if you are good at DIY, and if you can’t at worst you will be better placed to describe the fault when you eventually do call a repair man.
In advance of searching for a new dishwasher there are a number of simple faults you can troubleshoot fairly easily.
Safety Warning: Always make sure your dishwasher is unplugged before testing or replacing any electrical components.
In advance of going through the following list of potential faults make sure that your dishwasher hasn’t been accidentally unplugged, and that there are no tripped switches in the circuit breaker.
This is also a good time to check if the child lock isn’t on as well as try resetting your machine.
You will most likely require the user manual for this due to the fact that machines vary however the child lock tends to be fairly simple to engage accidentally. Likewise, the machine may have lights yet will not start, in this case the answer might be as easy as resetting the cycle.
When you have ruled out these issues it’s time for the real detective work to start.
To check these components you will need a multimeter, or VOM (volt-ohm-milliammeter) to measure the resistance and check the electrical components are operating as they should.
The first place to start is the door latches as well as door latch switches. Your machine is designed not to run if the door latches are not working for obvious reasons. There’s no way you would want to be able to accidentally run the machine with the door open.
A broken switch will prevent your dishwasher from starting as well as operating. You should test the switch with a multimeter. The switch will usually be situated under the front door panel or control panel.
Make sure you have disconnected power to the machine prior to taking off the door panel as well as checking for continuity to make sure you do not get an electric shock.
If the latches or switches are not working you will need to replace them.
If the latch mechanism is operating as it should the next thing to test is the timer or electronic control.
This is the component that sends power to all the other electrical components the machine requires to run such as the motor, as well as the valves.
If your machine is controlled electronically as opposed to mechanically then it might need to be tested while plugged in, in which case you will need to call an engineer.
The selector switch is the part of the dishwasher that selects the program , it’s style and location will vary depending on the make as well as the model of your dishwasher. A broken selector switch or even one that has not been fully pressed down may result in the machine not to start.
You can usually visually check to see if the buttons are depressing fully, or you might need to unplug the dishwasher and have a look at the control panel to check the connections for continuity with the help of a multimeter.
The motor relay is another component that can result in your dishwasher not starting, so this could be the fault if you have checked the control panel and have ascertained that there is power going to the main pump.
To test if this is the case you need to gain access to the motor plus find the relay that should be mounted next to it. This may then be removed plus checked with a multimeter and it could have to be replaced.
When you have investigated the above issues but still haven’t found the problem the next part to investigate is the thermal fuse. This may or may not be present and is there to protect the control board.
If the fuse is blown you will need to replace it in order to restore power to the control board.
The final component you should be able to investigate that may prevent your dishwasher from operating is the drive motor. This is the part of the machine that circulates the water to wash your dishes.
If you have checked the other parts but still aren’t getting anywhere this might be the issue particularly if your machine has previously been making a loud humming noise.
You can usually locate the motor by taking off the panel at the bottom of the machine. Check it by using a multimeter then replace if faulty.
If you don’t have a multimeter or are not confident in taking panels off your dishwasher and checking the parts then you will need to call a repair person sooner rather than later.
If you are happy to undertake the above troubleshooting then you might well be able to resolve the fault without assistance. Yet if you are not sure it’s always better to call in the professionals.
Plus check your warranty as well as your home cover as appliance repairs might be included which means the expense may be less than you were expecting.
Copyright ©2024 Hi-Tech Miramar Appliance Repair