Dishwasher will not start: causes and what to do
If a dishwasher will not start a programme although the display is on, the cause is usually a setting or the door. Bosch explains that if the door does not latch and close fully, the appliance will not start, as a safety precaution. Electrolux adds that the programme may not start if none has been selected or a previous setting — such as Delay Start — is still active.
Most of these causes take a minute or two to fix without a technician. If the door closes but does not latch, or the machine responds to nothing after a reset, it needs a repair.
Likely causes
- the door is not fully closed — the machine starts only when it detects the door as fully closed (Bosch, Electrolux);
- no programme selected — Electrolux advises selecting it before closing the door;
- the child lock is on: the buttons do not respond (Bosch);
- a previous setting or programme, such as Delay Start, is still active (Electrolux);
- DEMO mode is on: Electrolux says the start animation shows for about 3 seconds and goes off, and the programme does not start;
- an electronics glitch — Bosch advises a restart with the power disconnected;
- a faulty door latch: the door closes but does not latch (Bosch);
- no power: the socket, the plug or the breaker.
Safe steps you can try
- If the display does not light at all, check the socket and the breaker at the consumer unit.
- Open the door and close it firmly until it clicks — as Bosch and Electrolux advise. Check that no dish or rack stops it from closing.
- Select the programme before closing the door (Electrolux) and press Start.
- If the buttons do not respond, switch off the child lock: Bosch advises holding the lock button for 3–5 seconds until you hear a beep or the symbol disappears. On models with a mechanical lock, slide the catch above the door.
- Reset the previous programme or Delay Start. According to Electrolux: on integrated models, hold ON/OFF (or RESET) for 3 seconds; on freestanding models, hold Option and Delay together until the machine returns to programme selection; on models with a RESET/CANCEL button, hold it for 3–5 seconds — the cycle is cancelled and the machine drains.
- If the display shows "d:on" or the animation goes off after 3 seconds, switch off DEMO mode as your model's manual describes (Electrolux).
- Restart the machine: unplug it or switch off the breaker, wait at least 5 seconds and switch it back on (Bosch).
When to call a technician
Call a technician if the door closes but does not latch, if the machine does not respond to the buttons after a reset and restart, or if an error code appears. Bosch notes that a faulty latch must be replaced and advises against repairing it yourself. The control panel or the board may also be faulty.
A MasService technician will check the latch, the buttons and the board and name the price before starting the repair.
Frequently asked questions
How do I switch off the child lock on a dishwasher?
Bosch advises holding the lock button for 3–5 seconds until you hear a beep or the symbol disappears. Where the button is depends on the model — see the manual.
What is DEMO mode and why is the machine not washing?
It is a showroom mode: Electrolux says the start animation shows for about 3 seconds and goes off, and the programme does not start. You switch it off as the model's manual describes.
Will a restart help?
Often, yes. Bosch advises disconnecting the power (unplugging the machine or switching off the breaker), waiting at least 5 seconds and switching it back on.
Other faults
Dishwasher repair — Brands
Could not fix it yourself? A technician comes to your home in Baku, finds the cause on site and names the price before the repair: Dishwasher repair