The Kitchenaid dishwasher is one of the handiest appliances that any household can have. Although KitchenAid dishwashers are made with durable components, in some cases there can be problems such as the power button not working properly.
There can be many reasons why this problem occurs. If your start button on the KitchenAid dishwasher is not working then you need to try a few of the troubleshooting steps that we have listed below.
What to Check Before Turning on Your Dishwasher
Many homeowners don’t check their appliances before they use them. When using your KitchenAid dishwasher there are a few aspects to check first before using the start button:
- Check that dishes are packed correctly to avoid jamming the door
- Ensure that you’ve placed enough detergent into the dishwasher
- Don’t overload your dishwasher
- Make sure the temperature of the water is set correctly
- Ensure food isn’t clogging the pipes
- Check the control panel to ensure all your settings are correct
- Make sure the water pipe is attached correctly to the tap
We also recommend that you read your instructions manual before operating your dishwasher to ensure you’re following the guidelines correctly.
The user manual will provide instructions on how to properly clean your KichenAid dishwasher and what to do when certain functions stop working.
How To Fix KitchenAid Dishwasher Start Button Not Working?
- Control Lock Turned On
If you are pressing your start button and it’s not starting then you must check whether the control lock is on. A control lock is designed to prevent unintended use such as accidently pressing another button or preventing children from playing with the appliance.
If the control lock is turned on you’ll sometimes see a light flashing to indicate that the function is on. If this is the case then you must turn it off in order for the dishwasher to work.
You can turn off the control lock feature by pressing and holding the lock button for about 4 to 5 seconds. The control light will turn off which indicates that the lock is off. You can then try the pressing the start button. If it still doesn’t work it may be because sleep mode is on.
- Sleep Mode Turned On
When your dishwasher is in sleep mode, it’s basically paused. The appliance will be on and have the settings you’ve placed. However, sometimes your KitchenAid dishwasher is put into sleep mode which makes it not function by pressing the start button.
You can turn off sleep mode by pressing the Start, Resume or Cancel button. You can also open and close the dishwasher door before choosing your cycle option.
When you’ve tried these steps your KichenAid should reset itself and the start button will continue to work. You can then pause, start or stop your cycle as normal.
- Delayed Wash Activated
One other common reason for your start button not working is maybe you’ve selected the delayed wash option by mistake. This function can cause the KitchenAid dishwasher to delay before starting.
The delay wash option can be turned off by pressing the cancel button. After you’ve pressed the cancel button your KitcheAid’s start button should work as normal.
- Door Not Closed Properly
Sometimes a door of the KitchenAid dishwasher is not closed properly. There could be a piece of food strapped in the hinges. Or perhaps the racks inside the dishwasher haven’t been pushed in properly.
There is a lower rack in your KitchenAid dishwasher that if installed backward it can cause the door to be latched and not close properly. The dishwasher has a sensor that knows when the door is shut tightly. So if the door isn’t closing properly it will prevent the appliance from starting up.
Move your racks around and ensure that there is nothing hindering the door from closing. Once the door is shut correctly, the sensor will prompt the machine that it’s safe to start the washing cycle. The start button will then be functional again.
- Water Supply Not Turned On
Many of us forget to turn on the water supply before turning on our dishwasher. The dishwasher will not start no matter how many times you press your start button until the water supply is turned on.
If you are unsure about your water supply and how to turn it on then you can check the instruction of your model.
However, if you are still unable to resolve the problem with your start button then you can go for a service if it’s within your warranty. You can contact the customer service of KitchenAid so that they can help you resolve the problem.
Additional Reasons Why Start Button isn’t Working
The 5 reasons we’ve mentioned above are common reasons why your dishwasher start button isn’t working. But there may be other reasons why the start button isn’t functioning.
- Electrical Wiring Problems
One of the more major reasons why the start button isn’t working on the KitchenAid dishwasher is because of faulty wiring.
The control panel functions through electrical systems and if one of those wires are loose or disconnected it can cause certain buttons to stop working. You may not be able to fix this problem yourself especially if you’re not an electrician.
You may make the problem worse if you try to open up your dishwasher yourself. Rather opt for professional help from a local electrician.
- Dirt Build Up
Another reason your KitchenAid dishwasher start button isn’t working is because of dirt build up in and around the button. Sometimes dirt can become sticky causing the button to get stuck and malfunction when you try press it.
You can clean the dirt off by using an ammonia based cleaning aid. Place a small amount of cleaner on a soft cloth to clean the area around the button. Once the area is clean the button may become unstuck.
- Trap and Filter Assembly System Issues
Sometimes the trap and filtration system of a dishwasher can become clogged with food or debris. This causes the water pump to stop working. If the water pump isn’t working properly then chances are the entire dishwasher will stop functioning too.
You may need to clean the filtration and trap system by removing food and debris. The user manual should have instructions on how to complete the task. Once the filtration and trap system is clean the water pump will start working again and the start button should then also function correctly.
- The Timer is Faulty
The KitchenAid timer is essential to its operation. Without a timer, energy can’t transfer to the right channels at the right time. This will prevent the dishwasher from starting when you push the start button.
You may need the help of a professional to change the timer on the dishwasher. While the timer is being checked or replaced, ask to check other components of the dishwasher to ensure they’re all working well.
If the Problem Persists – Reset
Have you tried all the troubleshooting tips and the start button still isn’t functioning? You may need to reset your KitchenAid dishwasher. The dishwasher is similar to a computer so when you reset the controls it can help make the functions work properly again.
Unplug The Dishwasher
To reset your KitchenAid dishwasher it must be unplugged from the power source for at least one minute. Then simply plug the appliance back in. Then power up your dishwasher and press the start button to see if it’s finally working.
Run a Test Cycle
You can run a test cycle to see if the dishwasher is working properly after resetting it. Press the following buttons in this order: heat dry, normal, heat dry, normal.
When you see the lights turn on, press the start button. This process will take the dishwasher through its cycle so you can see if it’s working correctly.
Use the Reset Function
You may need to reset your dishwasher from the control panel. To do this ensure the dishwasher door is closed properly and latched. Then press the hi-temp scrub and energy saver dry buttons one after the other until each button has been pressed 5 times.
It should be noted that some models may reset after each button has been pressed 4 times but to be sure press each button 5 times. By pressing these buttons your dishwasher may automatically reset itself.
Once reset the functions of the dishwasher may start to work properly again. Try pressing the start button to see if it’s working before packing dishes into your dishwasher.
Final Thoughts
Every homeowner needs a dishwasher in the kitchen so they can save time on doing dishes. The KitchenAid removes stubborn dirt from your dishes leaving them sparkling clean.
If you take care of your KitchenAid then it will last for many years to come. If you’re having issues with the start button not working then consider the tips we’ve provided in this post.
