Things You Will Need
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Check the circuit breaker in the breaker box that controls power to the dishwasher. Press a tripped breaker in the on position. A breaker may become weak with added appliances on it and need replacement. Turn the dishwasher on to see if it has power.
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Check the dishwasher plug to make certain it is plugged in firmly. Push the reset button on a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) plug. GCFI plugs cut power off to any appliance in the plug to ground it so that it does not short out in the case of power surges and power outages. Turn the dishwasher on to check for power.
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Place a large towel in front of the dishwasher so that it spreads out for at least 3 inches on both sides of the door. Open the dishwasher door about 4 inches and hold it in this position.
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Place a small flat screwdriver in the latch retainer on the dishwasher. This latch is depressed by a bar when the dishwasher door is shut. The latch has to be depressed for the dishwasher to operate. Turn the dishwasher on while holding the screwdriver on the latch. If the dishwasher starts, the door latch is faulty and needs adjusting or replacing.
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Turn the screw on the door latch clockwise so the latch protrudes farther from the retainer. Extending the latch can adjust it so that the dishwasher operates as normal. Close the dishwasher and turn it on. A nonworking dishwasher at this point needs a latch replacement.
The Drip Cap
- Dishwashers are a convenience item that appears in most households.
- The most common problems with a dishwasher that will not operate are either a lack of power to the appliance or a faulty door latch.
- Press a tripped breaker in the on position.
- Turn the dishwasher on to check for power.
- This latch is depressed by a bar when the dishwasher door is shut.