Your dishwasher is loaded, the detergent dispenser is full and your rinse agent has been poured. But despite (repeatedly) pushing the Start button, your Samsung dishwasher won’t start. This is a common malfunction, but one that can potentially be fixed by following a few simple steps. We’ll review the most likely reasons a dishwasher won’t start from power issues to incorrect cycle settings so this nightmare scene can fade to memory.

Troubleshooting When Your Samsung Dishwasher Won’t Start

Though it’s easy to fear the worst, there are usually simple solutions when your Samsung dishwasher won’t start. Our troubleshooting guide starts with some easy answers and DIY fixes.

1. Dishwasher Not Turned On

Sometimes incorrect starting procedures or power issues can keep your dishwasher from starting. Wondering how to start a Samsung dishwasher? Press the Power button, select a cycle and press the Start button. It seems simple, but it’s important to remember to avoid pressing buttons with wet hands, and keep the area around them clean, as dirt and dampness can hamper sensors.

If the Power button has been pressed and your Samsung dishwasher power won’t come on, an incoming power issue could be the problem. Here’s how to assess for common electrical issues:

• Make sure the dishwasher is properly plugged in without the use of an extension cord.
• Confirm that the dishwasher’s power switch is turned on. Oftentimes this switch is on a wall near the dishwasher or under the sink.
• Check for tripped breakers in your home’s circuit breaker box, resetting any as needed.

2. Dishwasher Door Not Latched

To prevent leaks, make sure your dishwasher’s door latches. Your dishwasher will not begin a wash cycle if the door latch isn’t engaged. For the dishwasher to start, make sure the door is fully closed and the latch is enabled.

A broken door latch can also be responsible for a Samsung dishwasher not starting. As this component is electronic, multimeter testing will show a lack of continuity if the latch has malfunctioned. When this happens the latch must be replaced.

3. Problem With Dishwasher Cycle Settings

When your Samsung dishwasher won’t start, cycle setting problems can often be responsible. These common cycle setting complications can prevent a wash cycle from starting:

• Failure to select a cycle: Make sure to select a cycle before pressing the Start button.
• Delayed Start or Child Lock is engaged: If the Delayed Start function or the Samsung dishwasher child lock is engaged, your dishwasher won’t start. Make sure these options aren’t enabled when starting your dishwasher.
• Flashing error code: Blinking lights on your dishwasher often indicate an error code. Refer to your user manual to troubleshoot the code.
• Wet or damaged touchpad: While a wet touchpad can be wiped dry with a clean cloth, a damaged touchpad requires replacement. If multiple buttons on the pad don’t respond, it’s likely that the pad is damaged.

4. Faulty Samsung Dishwasher Parts

If your Samsung dishwasher won’t start, even after these troubleshooting steps, then it’s possible a part has malfunctioned. These kinds of part failures are often responsible for causing the problem:

• Faulty thermal fuse: if a dishwasher is in danger of overheating, the thermal fuse will blow to cut off power to the unit. The fuse can also blow if it’s faulty. If multimeter testing of the fuse shows no continuity, it needs to be replaced.
• Malfunctioning control board: the control board is a computerized mechanism that processes dishwasher commands. If it malfunctions, the dishwasher won’t be able to start. A professional technician can best assess and replace a control board if needed.
• Damaged timer: the timer works with the control board, providing power to the right dishwasher functions at the right times. A damaged timer may not provide the power to start the dishwasher and unfortunately must be replaced.

A professional dishwasher repair service can help when your Samsung dishwasher won’t start. Call CD Appliance Repair for any dishwasher repair need!