Washing machine will not turn on or start: what to do

Likely causes

The machine does not switch on, no display:

• the plug is not fully in or the socket is faulty;
• the breaker in the fuse box has tripped;
• the machine is plugged into an extension lead or surge protector — Samsung advises plugging it straight into the wall socket;
• a damaged power cord;
• a faulty interference (mains) filter, power supply or control board.

The display is on, but the programme does not start:

• the door is not shut until it clicks: laundry or an overfull drum is in the way;
• Start was pressed too briefly — Bosch advises holding it for 1–2 seconds;
• the child lock is on, or a delayed start is set;
• the water tap is closed or the water is off;
• a faulty door lock or board.

Safe steps you can try

1. Check the plug: it must be pushed fully in. Plug another appliance, such as a lamp, into the same socket to see whether the socket works.
2. Check the breaker in the fuse box: if it has tripped, switch it back on. If it trips again, do not switch the machine on — call a technician.
3. Plug the machine straight into the wall socket, without an extension lead or surge protector, and do not run other powerful appliances on the same circuit.
4. Check the power cord: if it is damaged, do not use the machine.
5. If the display is on, shut the door until it clicks and check that no laundry is caught between the door and the cabinet.
6. Press and hold Start for 1–2 seconds. If you hold it too long, some machines give a double beep and do not start — as Bosch describes.
7. Check whether the child lock symbol is lit and whether a delayed start is set.
8. Make sure the water tap is open.

When to call a technician

Call a technician if the socket and breaker are fine but the machine will not switch on, the breaker trips when you switch the machine on, the display is on but the programme will not start with the door shut, or the machine hums and switches off straight away.

The cause may be the interference filter, the door lock, the control buttons or the board. A MasService technician will check the machine's electrics and name the price before the repair.

Book a technician