Finding out your dishwasher has stopped working isn’t a good way to begin your day, especially if you have to deal with the cost of phoning an engineer as well as staying home to let them in just to pinpoint the problem.
The good news is it’s possible to pinpoint and often resolve a number of dishwasher problems yourself without needing to call for dishwasher repair, particularly if you happen to own a multimeter.
You might realize you are able to sort out the problem quite easily yourself, especially if you are mechanically minded, and if you can’t at worst you will have a better idea of the issue when you do call an engineer.
In advance of looking for a new machine there are a number of possible problems you can troubleshoot fairly easily.
Safety Warning: Always make sure your machine 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 inadvertently switched off, as well as 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 and try resetting your dishwasher.
You will probably require the manual for this as machines are all different but the child lock is often quite easy to engage without meaning to. Similarly, the dishwasher might have power yet will not run, in this case the answer could be as easy as resetting the cycle.
When you have eliminated these issues you can start the real troubleshooting.
To test these parts you will need a multimeter, or VOM (volt-ohm-milliammeter) to test the resistance and check the parts are working as they are meant to.
The first thing to test is the door latches and door latch switches. Your machine is not designed to run if these are broken for obvious reasons. You wouldn’t want to be able to inadvertently begin the machine with the door ajar.
A broken switch will prevent your dishwasher from starting plus running. You should test the switch with a multimeter. The switch is generally situated behind the front door panel or control panel.
Make sure the machine is disconnected prior to taking off the door panel as well as 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 you have tested your door latch as well as door latch switch and ascertained they are operating as they should the next component to check is the timer or electronic control.
This is the part of the machine that distributes power to all the other components the machine requires to operate such as the motor, as well as the water inlet valve.
If your machine has an electronic control rather than a mechanical timer then it may have to be checked while plugged in, this can be dangerous and should only be done by someone who is professionally trained.
This is the part of your machine that selects the cycle , it’s style and location will vary contingent on the make and 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 visually check to see if the buttons are going down all the way, or you may need to unplug the dishwasher and have a look at the control panel to check the contact points for continuity using a multimeter.
The motor relay is an alternative part that can cause your machine not to run, so this could be the issue if you have tested the control panel and so know that there is power running to the main pump.
To check this you will have to locate the motor plus find the relay that will usually be located next to it. This may then be taken out as well as checked with the help of a multimeter and you may have to replace it.
When you have checked the above issues yet still haven’t found the problem the next part to investigate would be the thermal fuse. Note: Not all machines have a thermal fuse.
If you locate the fuse and discover it is blown it will need to be replaced in order for the control board to get power.
The final component you could investigate that may prevent your dishwasher from running is the drive motor. This is the part of the machine that moves the water around to wash your dishes.
When you have tested the other components yet still haven’t discovered the issue this may be the culprit especially if you noticed a loud humming coming from the machine.
You can usually gain access to the motor by removing the panel at the bottom of the machine. Check it by using a multimeter and replace if not working.
Not everyone has a multimeter, or would know how to use one even if they do, in which case you will be better off calling a repair person sooner rather than later.
If you do have a multimeter and can perform the above checks then you may well be able to sort out the issue without needing a professional. However if you are unsure it might be easier to contact an engineer.
Don’t forget to have a look at your warranty as well as your home cover as dishwasher repairs might be covered which means the costs might not be as high as you think.
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