Whirlpool dishwasher won't start

A dishwasher that won't start is first checked for power and a latched door. The control lock, a delay start, a paused cycle that needs Start/Resume, and a door that was not opened since the last cycle all block starting by design. If the panel is dead or ignores keys, the door switch, keypad and control need service.

Quick checks first

• Check the breaker, and the wall switch if the dishwasher shares a switch with the disposer.
• Close the door firmly until it latches.
• If the Start/Resume light blinks, press Start/Resume; the cycle was paused.
• Open and close the door, then press Start again. Some models will not start a new cycle until the door has been opened.
• Turn off control lock by holding the key the owner's manual names.
• Check that delay start is not set.

Power Owner check

With a dark panel, the documentation starts at the house: fuses, breakers and the junction box. Some dishwashers are plugged in under the sink and share a switched outlet with the disposer, so a wall switch can turn them off. A dead panel with good power then points to connections, the door switch, or the control.

Door latch Owner check

The Start key works only with the door latched. The documentation notes that on models with keys on the top edge of the door, Start is pressed with the door open and the door must then be closed within a few seconds. A latch that does not catch, or a door blocked by an oversized item, prevents starting.

Paused cycles and door checks Owner check

By design, opening the door or a power interruption pauses the cycle, and the Start/Resume light blinks until it is pressed. Some models also refuse to start, with three flashes of the Start light, if the door has not been opened since the last cycle; the control uses this to confirm the door switch is not stuck closed. Both are in the documentation and are not faults.

Demo mode and control lock Owner check

A dishwasher that lights up and counts down but runs no water may be in sales demo mode. The documentation says newer models leave demo mode after power is cut for at least a minute; others need the service cycle. Control lock makes keys appear dead and is turned off from the panel.

Door switch, keypad and control Technician

If power is present and the door latches, the documentation checks the door switch contacts and latch, loose connections in the power-up circuit, the keypad, a thermal device on the control on some models, and finally the control. A stuck key makes a light flash rapidly and blocks other keys. These checks require opening the door and console.

What the service documentation checks on Whirlpool platforms

For this symptom, the manufacturer's troubleshooting tables list causes in a specific order. Here is that order, in our words, for the Whirlpool platforms with the most models:

Error codes linked to this problem

If your Whirlpool dishwasher shows one of these codes, start with its page:

• F1E1
• F1E2
• F2E1
• F2E2
• F5E1
• F5E2
• F6E1
• F6E4
• F8E4
• 1-1
• 1-2
• 2-1
• 2-2
• 5-1
• 5-2
• 6-4

Repair cost

Typical total ranges for the Las Vegas area, parts and labor included. The final cost depends on diagnosis, the exact model, parts availability and whether other damage is found.

When to call for diagnosis

Call for service if power and the latch are good but the panel stays dark or ignores keys, or if a door switch code appears.

Model-specific information

Causes and codes differ by platform. Look up your model for its exact fault-code list, or start from a popular model:

• WDPA70SAMZ
• WDPS7024RZ
• WDT970SAKV
• WDT970SAKZ
• WDTA50SAKT
• WDTS7024RZ
• WDF331PAMB
• WDF331PAMS
• WDF331PAMW
• WDF332PAMB
• WDF332PAMS
• WDF332PAMW