1. Control lock or delay start is on
What it is: A lock icon or a delay timer stops the cycle. Very common after cleaning the front panel.
Fix: Hold the lock button 3–5 seconds, and cancel any delay start.
Typical all-in: DIY · $0
Dishwasher Won't Start 6 Causes, Ranked by What We Find
A dishwasher that won't start is either getting no power, not sensing the door is shut, or locked out by a safety feature. Below are the six causes we find on Twin Cities service calls, in order, and what each costs to fix.
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Reviewed by Mike Larson, Master Appliance Technician · 18+ yrs in-field
Same-day diagnostic
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Brand-specific stocking.
Diagnose before quote
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1-yr labor warranty
Parts & labor in writing.
Quick answer
Dishwasher Won't Start
Check the easy things first: make sure control lock or child lock isn't on (hold the lock button for 3–5 seconds), close the door firmly until it clicks, and check the breaker and the switch under the sink or by the disposal. If it's still dead, the likely parts are the door latch ($185–$285), the thermal fuse ($185–$265), or the control board ($345–$585). Bosch units showing E15 need the base pan drained and the leak fixed ($225–$345). Flat $149 trip fee credited on approval.
Root causes, ranked by what we find
Most-likely failures (by frequency)
2. No power
What it is: A tripped breaker, a wall switch turned off, or a loose plug under the sink.
Fix: Reset the breaker and check the switch and plug.
Typical all-in: DIY · $0
3. Failed door latch or door switch
What it is: The dishwasher won't run unless it senses the door is latched. A worn latch gives lights but no start.
Fix: Test and replace the door latch assembly.
Typical all-in: $185–$285 all-in
4. Blown thermal fuse
What it is: A one-time safety fuse on the control board cuts all power if the unit overheats. Completely dead — no lights at all.
Fix: Replace the thermal fuse and check what caused the overheat.
Typical all-in: $185–$265 all-in
5. Leak in the base pan (Bosch E15)
What it is: Bosch and Thermador dishwashers have a float in the base. Any leak lifts it and blocks the cycle, showing E15.
Fix: Drain the base pan, find and fix the leak, reset the float.
Typical all-in: $225–$345 all-in
6. Failed control board or touchpad
What it is: Buttons don't respond or the display is garbled. Often after a surge or a leak onto the controls.
Fix: Test the touchpad and board; replace whichever has failed.
Typical all-in: $345–$585 all-in
Diagnostic order
How to check a dishwasher that won't start (5-minute check)
1. Turn off control lock
Look for a lock icon. Hold the lock button 3–5 seconds to turn it off.
2. Cancel delay start
Press cancel or reset to clear any delay timer.
3. Close the door firmly
Push the door until you hear the latch click.
4. Check power
Check the breaker and the wall switch near the sink or disposal.
5. Call if it's still dead
If nothing works, it's likely the latch, fuse, or board. Most fixes are $185–$585 all-in.
FAQs
Common questions
Why won't my dishwasher start when the lights are on?
Usually control lock is on, a delay start is set, or the door latch isn't being sensed. A worn latch is the most common failed part.
Why is my dishwasher completely dead?
Check the breaker and the wall switch first. If power is fine, a blown thermal fuse or failed control board is likely.
What does E15 mean on a Bosch dishwasher?
Water has leaked into the base pan and raised the safety float, so the dishwasher won't run. The leak has to be found and fixed, not just the pan drained.
How much does it cost to fix a dishwasher that won't start?
Usually $185–$585 all-in. Door latch $185–$285, thermal fuse $185–$265, Bosch E15 $225–$345, control board $345–$585. The $149 trip fee is credited on approval.
Should I replace a dishwasher that won't start?
Usually no — latches and fuses are cheap. On an entry-level unit past year 10 with a failed board, replacement can make sense.
Related coverage
Keep reading
What will this cost?
Pricing & repair-cost pages
Trying to decide repair vs. replace? These pages break down real all-in pricing by brand, model class, and failure mode — so you know the number before we knock.