Why Won’t My Citrus Heights Dishwasher Turn On?

Helpful Troubleshooting for Citrus Heights Homeowners

If you’ve loaded up the dishwasher and pressed start — only to be met with silence — you’re not alone. A dishwasher that won’t turn on is one of the most common appliance issues we see in Citrus Heights homes. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most likely causes and what to do next if your dishwasher just won’t cooperate.

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Check the Power Source

First things first: make sure the dishwasher is getting power.

  • Is it plugged in securely? Some units are hardwired; others plug into a wall outlet behind or under the sink.
  • Has the circuit breaker tripped? Resetting it may solve the problem immediately.
  • Is there a GFCI outlet nearby that may need to be reset?

If the power supply checks out but the unit remains dead, the issue could be internal.

Inspect the Door Latch

Dishwashers won’t start if the door isn’t securely latched. Common issues include:

  • A misaligned door latch that prevents contact with the start mechanism
  • A broken latch switch, which may require replacement
  • Debris in the latch area — clean and test again

Even if it feels like the door is closing normally, the internal switch may not be registering — so don’t overlook this step.

Look for Control Panel or Display Issues

Many modern dishwashers include a digital display or touch-sensitive controls. If nothing lights up or responds:

  • There could be a faulty control board or blown fuse inside the panel
  • Excess moisture from a recent cycle may have shorted out a component
  • Press and hold the reset/start button — some models need this to reboot

If the display lights up but nothing happens, you may be dealing with a stuck cycle or internal error code.

Cycle or Timer Malfunctions

In dishwashers with mechanical timers or rotary dials, failure to engage could point to a stuck or worn cycle selector. Digital models may get stuck between cycles or misread inputs. Resetting the unit or performing a hard reboot may resolve this, but if problems persist, the timer or main board may need to be inspected.

Still Not Working? It’s Time to Call a Pro

If you’ve ruled out simple fixes and your dishwasher still won’t power on, it’s time to bring in someone who can test electrical components, switches, and wiring safely and accurately. We’ll determine whether it’s a power supply issue, a bad thermal fuse, a control board problem, or something else entirely — and we’ll walk you through your options with no pressure.

Citrus Heights Appliance Repair Pros — fast, friendly service to get your dishwasher back up and running.