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Product Help | Maytag

Dishwasher Not Starting or Not Operating

Troubleshooting Your Maytag Dishwasher: Not Starting or Operating

Experiencing issues with your Maytag dishwasher not starting or operating can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to diagnose and potentially fix the problem. This guide outlines common causes for a Maytag dishwasher not starting, provides instructions, and advises when professional help may be needed. By following these troubleshooting steps, you can aim to restore your dishwasher’s functionality, making kitchen chores more manageable.

Common Causes for a Dishwasher Not Starting

When your dishwasher won't start, several common issues should be checked before seeking professional assistance.

Check for Power: Confirm the power supply and circuit breaker status. Ensure the dishwasher is plugged in and receiving power. For hardwired units, check the circuit breaker to see if it has tripped. Resetting a tripped breaker might solve the problem.

Check the Door: Begin by ensuring the dishwasher door is securely closed and latched, as many models have safety features that prevent operation if the door isn’t properly shut. Verifying the door's closure can often resolve the issue. A lower dish rack that is installed backward can also prevent the door from latching properly. 

Check the water supply: Ensure the dishwasher's water supply is turned on. If water is not detected by the dishwasher, the cycle won't start. See the installation instructions for your model if you are unsure how to check this.

Check the Controls: Examine the control panel's responsiveness.  Look for a lock icon on the display; if it’s illuminated, the control lock is enabled. The control lock is used to prevent unintended use of the dishwasher; some models have a sleep mode function. The control lock light will stay on for a short time, indicating that it is activated and all buttons are disabled. If any buttons are pressed while the dishwasher control is locked, the light will flash three times. Refer to your Owner's Manual on how to disable the Control Lock. Review Using Control Lock for additional information. 

Check for Delay Start: A delay wash option runs the dishwasher at a later time or during off-peak electrical hours. If the delay wash has been selected, the dishwasher will not run until the delay time is reached. To cancel a delayed start cycle, press the CANCEL/DRAIN button.  

Resetting Your Dishwasher

Much like a computer, resetting the dishwasher's control can sometimes solve the issues you're experiencing.  Here’s how to proceed. To perform a simple reset, press the 'Cancel' button to halt any current cycle and clear settings. Then, unplug the dishwasher or turn off the circuit breaker for approximately 1 minute. Afterward, reconnect the power or switch the breaker back on to reinitialize the control panel.

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