What To Do If Your GE Dishwasher Won’t Start?

You’ve loaded the dishwasher, and you’re all set to get on with your day without worrying about dirty dishes. Then, you find out the start button won’t respond. Then, you realize your not getting your dishes washed today. 

Then, the headaches set in!

However, if you’ve ever found yourself in this situation, there’s no need to panic! 

Typically, a dishwasher that isn’t starting is being caused by something as simple as something preventing the door from closing properly, or an interference with the power supply, which are both usually quick and easy issues to resolve. 

Below, we’ll go over a few simple troubleshooting steps to help you diagnose and repair your dishwasher, as well as explaining when it’s time to throw in the towel and call in the pros!

Make Sure The Door Closes Securely

When you noticed your dishwasher isn’t starting the way it should, the first thing to investigate is the door. 

The door latch mechanism is an integral component of your dishwasher as it prevents any water from leaking out, as well as letting the unit’s main control board know when it’s safe to run a wash cycle. 

In other words, the dishwasher will only start if the door is closed properly and the door latch is engaged and sealed. 

So make sure to double-check there are not any dislodged dishes obstructing the door and that the interior racks are pushed back. 

Check The Power Supply

Another common culprit when your dishwasher won’t start is the power supply. 

Ensure that the dishwasher is properly connected to an electrical supply and that the power switch (usually located beneath the sink) is definitely switched on. 

In some cases, your dishwasher might be plugged into a GFCI outlet, which might have tripped and broken the circuit. So make sure to check the test and reset buttons to ensure that the outlet is providing power.

If it’s plugged in and switched on but still not working, check to see if you might have tripped breakers or a blown a fuse. If you find other electric appliances have stopped working, too, then this is likely the case. 

You will have to replace the fuse or reset the circuit breakers to get your dishwasher up and running again.

Why Should You Choose Us to Repair Your GE Dishwasher?

We’ve been providing outstanding repair services in Denver for over a decade and take pride in our ability to repair and service all major appliances. We only use high quality and factory approved parts which always come with a warranty.

Your call to us is completely free, and from there, we arrange an appointment according to your schedule. We estimate the total cost, and if you agree, we will carry out the repairs that very day.

• Free Service Call
• Guarantee on Parts up to 5 Years
• Same Day Repairs
• No Hidden Fees

If you need a dishwasher repaired or parts replaced, Denver Appliance Repairs can help. Contact us today, and we’ll be happy to get started right away.

Check The Water Valve

Like the power switch, your water supply valve will probably be found under the sink or behind the unit itself. 

If the supply valve has been turned off, your unit will not be getting any water, which could be what is preventing it from starting and running through a cycle. 

If the valve is open and the dishwasher still won’t start, it’s worth checking that there aren’t any kinks in the connecting pipe or lines, which might possibly be obstructing the water flow. 

If that’s all fine and you’re still having issues, then the valve itself may be defective, and we recommend contacting a professional to help you resolve your problem.

Check You Cycle Settings

This might seem obvious, but make sure you have selected your desired cycle before pressing start, as, without this instruction, your dishwasher won’t be able to begin its cleaning cycle. 

Also, check via your control panel that you haven’t accidentally programmed a delayed start or activated any type of child lock, which is a common feature on most modern dishwashing units. 

If you’re unsure, you can usually press and hold the start button for 3 seconds to reset.

Alternatively, if your control panel is visibly damaged or not responding, you will likely need to get it replaced.

Check The Motor

If you haven’t used your dishwasher in some time, the motor’s seals might have dried out and gotten stuck, temporarily preventing the washer from starting. 

To remedy this, first, remove the interior racks, then dissolve 3-4 teaspoons of citric acid in a litre of hot water and pour into the bottom of the washer. Wait around half an hour for it to soak and then start a cycle.

The citric acid should help dissolve any mineral buildups that are preventing the motor from turning. 

If this doesn’t fix the problem and you’ve noticed a humming sound coming from the washer on previous cycles, then you might just have a malfunctioning motor and should seek out a professional to replace it.

Dishwasher Still Not Starting?

In addition to these 5 common issues, there is a myriad of other more serious problems that may require the skill and knowledge to solve. 

These include repairing or replacing the spray arm, replacing a float switch, fixing the timer, replacing worn-out filters, or addressing a defective pump. 

If you’ve already tried all the suggestions above, then we recommend seeking out the help of an experienced professional.