Cycle Does Not Start on Kenmore Dishwasher

Door Ajar

• If the door of the dishwasher is not securely closed, the dishwasher will not start its cycle. Give the door a firm push to determine if it is securely closed. Most models will make a clicking noise when the door latches closed. You can also open the door and give it a firm push shut to confirm that it is closed.

Door Lock

• Depending on the model of your Kenmore dishwasher, you may have to lock the dishwasher door on your own. Some models automatically lock when the door is closed and a cycle selected. Other models require you to flip a switch to lock the door. If you have a model that does not auto-lock, move the switch so that the door locks. This should help start the cycle.

Power Supply

• If you have no lights showing up on the control panel of the dishwasher, you may be experiencing a power supply problem. The dishwasher may have blown a fuse or tripped a circuit breaker. Your home will either have a circuit breaker box or a fuse box. Find it in your home to determine if this is the cause of the problem. You will have to flip a tripped breaker to reset it, or replace a blown fuse with a new fuse.

Start Button

• Once you select the wash cycle and your drying options, the dishwasher will not automatically start on its own. If you do not press the “Start” button, nothing will happen at all. To get the cycle started, you must first press your preferred cycle button followed by your preferred drying option. Once you have done that, you must push “Start” for the cycle to begin. When this is done properly, the cycle will start immediately.

Delay Option

• If your dishwasher has a “Delay Hours” button, this may be the cause of your problem. Pressing this button delays the start of your cycle. Push the “Cancel” button to clear this setting so that you can reselect your wash cycle. Instead of pressing the delay button, push “Start” after selecting the cycle so that it will start immediately.

Internal Component

• If normal troubleshooting does not solve your problem, the cause may be the failure of an internal component. It can be an electrical component in the control panel, part of the water delivery system or the motor. Consult a qualified dishwasher repair technician to properly diagnose and fix the problem.