Finding out your dishwasher is broken isn’t a good way to start your day, especially if you have to deal with the cost of calling out an engineer and staying home to meet them just to diagnose the fault.
The good news is it’s possible to pinpoint and often fix many dishwasher issues alone without needing to call for dishwasher repair, especially if you have a multimeter.
You could realize you can resolve the fault quite easily yourself, especially if you are good at DIY, and if you can’t at worst you will have a better idea of the problem when you do have to call a repair man.
In advance of looking for a replacement dishwasher there are a few possible problems you should be able to identify fairly easily.
Safety Warning: Always make sure your dishwasher is unplugged before attempting repairs.
In advance of checking your machine for problems ensure that it hasn’t been inadvertently unplugged, and that none of the switches on the circuit breaker have tripped.
This is also an opportune moment to see if the child lock isn’t on as well as try resetting your dishwasher.
You will most likely require the user guide for this due to the fact that machines are all different but the child lock is often quite simple to engage accidentally. Likewise, the machine might have lights but will not run, in this case the solution may be as easy as resetting the cycle.
Once you have ruled out these issues you can start the real troubleshooting.
To check these electrical components you will have to have a multimeter, or VOM (volt-ohm-milliammeter) to test the resistance and test the electrical components are working as they should.
The first place to start is the door latches plus door latch switches. Your machine is designed not to run if the door latches are broken for obvious reasons. There’s no way you would want to be able to accidentally run the dishwasher with the door open.
A faulty switch will stop your dishwasher from starting and operating. You can test the switch using a multimeter. The switch will usually be located under the front door panel or control panel.
Double check you have disconnected power to the machine prior to taking off the door panel as well as checking for continuity to prevent yourself from getting an electric shock.
If the latches or switches are faulty you will need a replacement door latch assembly.
If the door latch as well as door latch switch, are working as they are meant to the next thing to check is the timer or electronic control.
This is the component that distributes electricity to all the different parts the machine requires to operate including the motor, as well as the valves.
If your dishwasher is controlled electronically rather than mechanically then it may have to be tested while live, this can be dangerous and should only be done by someone who is professionally trained.
The selector switch is the part of the machine that selects the program , it’s style and location will vary contingent on the make and model of your dishwasher. A faulty selector switch or even one that has not been fully pressed down could result in the dishwasher not to start.
You can usually see if the buttons are depressing fully, or you could be required to disconnect the dishwasher and access the control panel to test the connections for continuity with the help of a multimeter.
The motor relay is another part that may cause your machine not to start, thus this might be the fault if you have tested the control panel and thus know that there is power going to the main pump.
To check if this is the case you need to gain access to the motor and locate the relay that will usually be located next to it. This may then be taken out as well as checked with the help of a multimeter and it could have to be replaced.
When you have tested all the above and are yet to find the problem the next component to check is the thermal fuse. This may or may not be present and is designed to protect the control board.
If the fuse is blown you will need to replace it in order for the control board to get power.
The final part of the machine you should be able to check that could prevent your dishwasher from operating is the drive motor. This is the component that moves the water around to wash your dishes.
If you have checked the other parts and still aren’t getting anywhere this might be the cause of the problem especially if you noticed a loud humming coming from the machine.
You should be able to locate the motor by taking off the panel at the bottom of the machine. Check it with the help of a multimeter then replace if not working.
Not everyone has a multimeter, or would know how to use one even if they do, in which case you will be better off calling an engineer.
If you are happy to perform the above troubleshooting then you may well be able to resolve the issue without assistance. Yet if you are con confident it might be easier to call in the professionals.
And check your warranty and your home cover as appliance repairs may be included and so the expense may be less than you were expecting.
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