Is your Samsung dishwasher not starting? Does it start but stop right away?
Let’s talk about why your dishwasher is having trouble starting and what you can do to fix it!
Why is your Samsung dishwasher not starting?
Dishwashers don’t start when the power button is stuck, there’s no power supply, or if the control board and other components malfunction.
To fix it, unplug your dishwasher and clean the buttons thoroughly. Wait for 10 minutes and restart your dishwasher.
If these don’t fix the issue, try the following steps:
- Verify that the circuit breaker and dishwasher switch are turned on.
- Make sure that the door is closed and the door latch is working properly.
- Turn off the Child Lock or Delay Start functions.
- Resolve any error codes displayed in the panel.
If you need step-by-step instructions on how to carry out these troubleshooting methods, keep reading below.
Common Causes of Samsung Dishwashers Not Starting and How to Fix Them
There are several reasons your dishwasher won’t start. Here’s a quick list of all the possible causes and how you can resolve them.
| Cause | Solution |
| No Power Supply | Make sure that the plug’s connection to the socket isn’t loose. Also, check the circuit breaker switch and verify that it’s turned on. |
| Stuck Buttons | Press the power or start button and make sure that your hands and the panel are not wet. Clean the buttons from any dirt that may be causing them to get stuck. |
| Faulty Control Board | Restart the control board by unplugging your dishwasher for 10 minutes and plugging it back on again. |
| Open or Unlatched Doors | Make sure that the doors are properly closed before starting a cycle. Inspect the door latch and see if it’s properly aligned. |
| Child Lock Engaged | Locate the child lock button in your dishwasher’s panel. Toggle the lock off by pressing the button for three seconds. |
| Delay Start Selected | Check the delay start button on the panel and make sure that it is turned off. |
| Error Code | If an error code is displayed on the control panel, read your manual or check out some guides to learn the meaning of the code and how to resolve the issue. |
We have also prepared a detailed guide for you below on how to troubleshoot each problem. Let’s dive in.
No Power Supply
One of the most common causes of your dishwasher not starting or turning on is because there’s no power supply.
This can be caused by a loose connection between the plug and the socket or a tripped circuit breaker.
The circuit breaker trips when it has detected that your dishwasher is using too much electricity. To prevent it from overheating, the circuit breaker trips the switch and cuts the power off from the machine.
Some installers also use a switch and place it on the wall of the kitchen near the dishwasher. If the switch is off, then so is the appliance.
Solution: First, make sure that the dishwasher plug isn’t loosely connected to the outlet. If the plug keeps falling out of the outlet, plug it in elsewhere.
If the plug is fine, check the circuit breaker. Locate where the dishwasher switch is and make sure that it is turned on.
In case you’re unfamiliar, the “on” position for a circuit breaker switch is when the handles are pointing towards the center of the panel, not outside of it.
Also, make sure to turn on the dishwasher switch if you have one installed.
Stuck Buttons
Another reason why your dishwasher is not starting is that the buttons are stuck and unresponsive.
This usually happens when you press the power or start button with a wet, soapy hand. It’s likely that the button did not recognize that it has been touched.
It is also possible that the buttons are stuck because of grime and dirt buildup.
Solution: Unplug the dishwasher and clean the buttons by gently wiping them with a soft, damp cloth.
Make sure not to wet the panel too much or it might damage the wiring inside.
Try pressing both the start and power buttons firmly and make sure that they aren’t misaligned. Plug the dishwasher back in and see if that resolves the issue.
Faulty Control Board
The control board is the brain of the dishwasher. If it becomes faulty, it may stop your dishwasher from starting or turning on.
However, the control board is designed to carry out simple commands. It may lag from being pressed too many times or be damaged from a power surge after a blackout.
Solution: A faulty control board is commonly fixed by resetting it. Unplug your dishwasher and wait for 10 to 15 minutes.
This should flush out any residual commands in the control board and reset it properly.
Also, check for any damage or wiring issues.
Most Samsung dishwashers have their control boards installed on the front side, atop the door. However, some models may have it on the side or rear panel, so be sure to check your manual first.
Unscrew the access panel from the control board to inspect its connections. Check for loose connections or damage in the wirings that may have caused the malfunction.
Call a professional to repair your dishwasher’s control board when necessary.
Open or Unlatched Doors
Your dishwasher will not start until it detects that the door is properly closed. This is to ensure that no water will spill or leak onto the floor while the cycle is ongoing.
There are a few reasons your dishwasher door won’t completely close.
One of these is that the AutoRelease setting in your dishwasher isn’t turning off.
This setting is usually available in newer Samsung dishwasher models. It automatically opens your dishwasher door using extended rods to help dry your dishes quicker.
However, if the AutoRelease setting is stuck in an open position, your dishwasher door won’t close. Forcing it back will damage the mechanism further.
Another common reason why your dishwasher door won’t close is that the dishes aren’t loaded correctly. A knife, ladle, or other utensils may be sticking out, preventing the door from closing shut.
It is also likely that the racks aren’t pushed all the way or the door and the door latch are out of alignment.
Solution: Make sure that you have loaded the dishes properly and that the rack is fully pushed in.
Also, check that your dishwasher is properly leveled and that the door isn’t stuck against the cabinet from any side. If the latch is damaged, you’ll need to ask a professional to fix it for you.
If your dishwasher model has an AutoRelease setting, consult your manual on how to turn it off. In most models, the option to turn it off and on is triggered by the Delay Start Button.
Try restarting your dishwasher if this setting is stuck or unresponsive.
If this doesn’t work, do not force the door closed to avoid damaging your dishwasher. Call an expert to help you instead.
Child Lock Engaged
The Child Lock setting is often activated to prevent children from accidentally turning on the dishwasher.
And while it’s a convenient safety function, this also prevents your dishwasher from ever starting unless turned off.
Solution: Locate the Child Lock in the control panel of your dishwasher. It is usually represented by a padlock icon.
If you can’t see any Child Lock button, it is commonly seen under the Sanitize or Heated Dry button instead.
Turn the Child Lock setting off by pressing the designated button for about 3 seconds and making sure that the light is no longer lit.
Delay Start Chosen
The Delay Start function allows you to set a timer for your dishwasher to start later. Some models can delay the washing cycle for 8 to 12 hours from the time it was set.
However, when the timer is set, the dishwasher will have to wait until the selected time has passed before it starts operating again.
Solution: Cancel the Delay Start option if you want to wash your dishes immediately.
To do this, press the Delay Start button for 3 seconds and make sure that there are no more hours indicated in the display.
You can also press and hold the Start or Reset button down for 3 seconds to cancel any set cycles your dishwasher may have recorded.
Error Code
Samsung dishwasher codes are either digitally displayed or shown through light combinations, depending on your model.
These error codes tell you that something is preventing your dishwasher from working correctly.
While the error persists, your dishwasher won’t be able to start normally.
There are more than 30 digital error codes and light combinations. Here’s a quick overview of the codes and their meanings.
| Digital Display | Blinking Lights | Meaning |
| 1E, IE (Waterwall Models) | Clogged Filter Error | |
| 3C | Pump Operation Error | |
| 3E | Normal, Delicate, and Quick Normal, Delicate, and Smart Auto Normal, Quick+, and Smart Auto | High-Temperature Water Supply Error |
| 4C, 4E | Auto Express 60 Quick Smart Auto | Water Supply Error |
| 5C, SC, 5E, SE | Delicate Quick+ | Drain Error |
| 7E | Waterwall Reflector Error | |
| 9E | Normal, Heavy, and Quick Normal, Heavy, and Smart Auto | Low-Level Water Error |
| bE, 6E | Auto and Express 60 Auto, Normal, and Express 60 Normal and Delicate Normal and Quick+ | Button error |
| CE | All Four Lights | Communication Error |
| HC, 1E, IE (Rotary Models) | Auto and Normal Normal and Quick Normal and Smart Auto | High-Temperature Heater Error |
| HE | Heavy and Delicate Heavy and Express 60 Heavy and Quick+ | Heater Error |
| LC, LE | Heavy (models without Express 60) Normal | Leakage Error |
| OC, 0C, oE | Auto and Heavy Heavy and Quick Heavy and Smart Auto Heavy (models with Express 60) | Over-Level Water Error |
| tE | Heavy, Delicate, and Quick Heavy, Delicate, and Smart Auto Heavy, Quick+, and Smart Auto | Temperature Sensor Error |
| Delicate and Quick | Door Open Detected | |
| Normal, Heavy, and Express 60 | Short-Circuited Thermistor | |
| Normal and Heavy | Faulty Thermistor Error | |
| AP | Access Point Mode | |
| PC | Zone Wash Error | |
| PE | Half Load Function Error |
Solution: Each error requires a certain troubleshooting method. This could be as simple as resetting your dishwasher or as technical as replacing an entire assembly.
Most errors can be DIYed with the right guide. However, if you are not very handy with tools, calling a professional is always a good and safe option.
By following the steps above, you’ll be able to start your dishwasher in no time. But if you have any more questions, you can always check your manual or ask your local appliance repair expert for assistance.
