Likely categories to check
- Control Lock or Child Lock is active.
- Delay Start, Sleep/Standby, or a paused cycle is preventing an immediate start.
- The door is not fully closed or the latch is not engaging.
- The Start/Resume sequence was not completed as required by the model.
- The dishwasher circuit, nearby wall switch, plug, or household supply is off.
- The household water valve is closed on models that verify fill conditions before proceeding.
- An error condition or internal door, control, power, wiring, fill, or safety component may require model-specific service.
Safe checks in order
- 1
Separate “no power” from “won’t start”
- If the display and controls are completely dark, check the home breaker and any nearby dishwasher power switch. If the breaker trips again, stop and contact a qualified electrician or service professional.
- If the dishwasher powers on, continue with control, door, cycle, and water checks rather than repeatedly resetting power.
- 2
Clear locks, delays, and standby modes
- Check the control panel for a lock/padlock indicator and disable it using the exact owner-manual method for your model.
- Cancel Delay Start if selected. Some models also need the door opened/closed or Start/Resume touched to leave standby.
- 3
Confirm the door closes normally
- Remove racks, utensils, or dishes that keep the door from closing. Close the door firmly without slamming it.
- Do not push, tape, clamp, or bypass a door latch or switch. A damaged latch, door, hinge, or strike needs model-specific service.
- 4
Repeat the normal start sequence
- Select a normal cycle, press Start or Start/Resume as the owner manual specifies, and close the door within the model’s allowed time if required.
- On some models, holding Start too long cancels or drains instead of starting. Use the documented button sequence rather than guessing.
- 5
Check the water supply and displayed errors
- Verify the accessible household dishwasher water valve is open if your installation has one and there is no active leak.
- If an error code appears, stop using generic start/reset advice and follow the exact model/code guidance. A reset may clear the display without correcting the cause.
Brand and model differences
- Samsung distinguishes a dishwasher that will not turn on from one that powers on but will not start or fill; installation and breaker checks matter when there is no power.
- Whirlpool lists Control Lock, sleep/standby, Delay Wash, door closure, and Start/Resume behavior among common start blockers.
- Frigidaire specifically calls out Delay Start, Child Lock, Start/Cancel, door closure, water supply, and household breaker/fuse checks.
- Button names, lock-release combinations, door-close timing, and reset procedures vary by model. Use the exact owner manual before holding buttons or cycling power.
Actions not recommended
- Do not repeatedly reset a breaker that trips again.
- Do not open a hardwired junction box or probe live voltage as a homeowner troubleshooting step.
- Do not tape, clamp, magnetically defeat, or otherwise bypass the door/latch safety system.
- Do not force a reset to hide a recurring error code.
- Do not replace a board, latch, fuse, valve, pump, or wiring component from the symptom alone.
When to request service
- The breaker trips again after one normal reset, or there is heat, arcing, smoke, or burning odor.
- The door or latch is visibly damaged or will not close normally.
- The dishwasher has verified power but remains completely unresponsive.
- The correct start sequence, lock/delay settings, water supply, and door closure are confirmed but the cycle still will not begin.
- A recurring error code, leak, or internal electrical condition accompanies the no-start symptom.
Official manufacturer sources
- Samsung Support USSamsung dishwasher will not turn on ↗
- Samsung Support USHow to reset your Samsung dishwasher ↗
- WhirlpoolHow to Reset a Dishwasher That Won’t Start ↗
- Frigidaire Owner SupportWhat should I do if my dishwasher is not starting? ↗
Reviewed: September 21, 2026.