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Kenmore Dishwasher won't start

If your Kenmore dishwasher won't start, the most common causes are a blown thermal fuse, a failed door switch, or a damaged wire harness that is not sending power where it needs to go. A broken door latch is another likely issue, since the dishwasher will not run if the door is not fully latched and the switch does not close. Less often, the problem is the main control board, though control boards are commonly misdiagnosed, or a drain pump that cannot clear water before the fill cycle begins. If your dishwasher not starting or dishwasher has power but will not start, check these parts in that order before replacing anything expensive. A quick continuity test with a multimeter can confirm whether the thermal fuse or door switch has failed, and a close visual inspection can reveal frayed or broken wires in the harness. RepairClinic.com makes it easier to match the right Kenmore part, whether you need a thermal fuse, door switch, wire harness, door latch, main control board, or drain pump. Enter your model number to find the exact replacement part for your specific dishwasher.

01 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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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Highly Likely

05 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 won't my Kenmore dishwasher start even though it has power?
How do I tell if the door latch or door switch is keeping my Kenmore dishwasher from starting?
Can a blown thermal fuse cause a Kenmore dishwasher not to start?
Can a bad drain pump keep my Kenmore dishwasher from starting a cycle?
How do I find the right replacement part for my Kenmore dishwasher?

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