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Whirlpool Dishwasher won't start

If your Whirlpool dishwasher won't start, the most common causes are usually straightforward to check. A blown thermal fuse is the top suspect because it cuts power to the dishwasher if the machine overheats, leaving a dishwasher that has power but will not start. Next, check the door switch, since a failed switch can tell the dishwasher the door is still open even when it is shut. After that, inspect the wire harness for broken or burnt wires that can interrupt power from the control board to key components. A damaged door latch can also keep the unit from starting if the latch does not fully engage the door switch. The main control board is another possible cause, but it is often misdiagnosed, so it should come after the more likely parts. In some cases, a failed drain pump can also stop the cycle from beginning if the dishwasher cannot clear water before filling. If your Whirlpool dishwasher is not starting or the start button seems to work but nothing happens, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact thermal fuse, door switch, wire harness, door latch, main control board, or drain pump for your specific dishwasher.

01 - Whirlpool Dishwasher Thermal Fuse

The thermal fuse shuts off power to the dishwasher if it overheats. If the thermal fuse blows, it will prevent the dishwasher from starting. To determine if the thermal fuse is defective, use a multimeter to test the fuse for continuity. If the thermal fuse does not have continuity, replace it.
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02 - Whirlpool Dishwasher Door Switch

The door switch prevents the dishwasher from running while the door is open. If the door switch is defective, the switch will prevent the dishwasher from running even when the door is closed. To determine if the door switch is at fault, use a multimeter to test the switch for continuity. If the switch does not have continuity, replace it.
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03 - Whirlpool Dishwasher Wire Harness

If the dishwasher start button appears to work, but the dishwasher still won't start, a wire harness which sends power from the control board to the pump components could be damaged. Inspect the wire harness for any frayed or broken wires and replace if necessary.
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04 - Whirlpool Dishwasher Door Latch

The door latch ensures that the dishwasher door latches shut. If the door does not latch properly, the door switch might prevent the dishwasher from running. If the door latch is broken, replace it.
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05 - Whirlpool Dishwasher Main Control Board

The main control board provides power to nearly every component of the dishwasher. If there is a problem with the main control board, it might not send voltage to the dishwasher, causing the dishwasher not to start. Control boards are often misdiagnosed—make sure you check more commonly defective parts before replacing the main control board.
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Highly Likely

06 - Whirlpool Dishwasher Drain Pump

A dishwasher drain pump assists in removing the water from the tank at various times during operation. Since the unit will drain some water from the tank prior to the fill cycle beginning, a faulty drain pump unable to drain any water could prevent the dishwasher from starting.
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Highly Likely

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Whirlpool dishwasher have power but won't start?
How do I tell if the thermal fuse is bad on my Whirlpool dishwasher?
Can a bad door latch or door switch keep a Whirlpool dishwasher from starting?
Can a Whirlpool dishwasher not draining cause it not to start?
How do I find the right Whirlpool dishwasher part for my model?

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