Why Your Samsung Dishwasher Won’t Turn Off

Why Your Samsung Dishwasher Won't Turn Off

Are you having a hard time turning off your dishwasher? In this article, you’ll learn what causes this problem and how you can fix it.

Let’s dive right in and answer the question…

Why is your Samsung dishwasher not turning off?

Your dishwasher won’t turn off if it has detected a leak or the Sanitize cycle is selected. Other causes include a faulty control board, timer motor, heating rod, or turbidity sensor.

To fix, unplug your dishwasher for 10 minutes and reset it. Also, check for leaks and replace any damaged components.

If you need more guidance in troubleshooting, keep reading below for our step-by-step instructions. 

Note: Before you start to DIY the repair, unplug your dishwasher first and turn off the water supply valve for your safety.

Causes and Troubleshooting

As mentioned, there are several reasons your dishwasher isn’t turning off. Here’s a quick overview of all potential causes and how to resolve them.

CausesSolution
Leakage IssuesUnplug your dishwasher and wipe any wet areas nearby. Look for any water trails and locate the source of the leak to fix it.
Sanitize Cycle SelectedThe sanitize cycle will turn off when you open the dishwasher door but be careful with the steam and heat that’ll come out. You can also press the Power button to turn off the cycle.
Malfunctioning Control BoardReset your dishwasher by unplugging it and waiting for 10 minutes before rebooting. If the control board is damaged, you’ll need to have it fixed or replaced.
Faulty Timer MotorTest your timer motor using an ohmmeter. If the reading is beyond the appropriate level, it’s damaged and needs to be replaced.
Damaged Heating ComponentCheck the metal rod for continuity using a multitester. If the heating element is damaged, remove it and replace the metal rod with a new one.
Damaged Turbidity SensorLocate the turbidity sensor and inspect it for damage. Replace the sensor when necessary.

Now let’s dive a little deeper into these causes and troubleshooting techniques.

Leakage Issue

When your dishwasher sensor has detected moisture, it will attempt to correct the issue by draining the water away. Until the sensor detects that the error is resolved, your dishwasher will not turn itself off.

The moisture can be caused by a nearby wet surface, an installation error, a usage mistake, or a damaged component.

Here’s a quick list of all possible causes of a leak.

CategoryCause
External Source• Spilled drink
• Residue from a flooding experience
• Hole in the water pipes
Installation Issues• Damaged or loose water supply hose
• Loose drain hose
• Unleveled dishwasher
• Bowed or stretched tub
• Unremoved garbage disposal cap
Usage Issues• Excessive detergent
• Use of dish soaps
• Pushed out rubber seal
• Unclean drain filter
• Clogged water nozzles
Mechanical Issues• Cracked dispenser
• Torn filter
• Dysfunctional water pump
• Worn out gaskets

Solution: Determine the cause of the moisture and apply the right troubleshooting method. Here are a few things you can do.

CauseSolution
External SourceUnplug your dishwasher and wipe all the wet areas beneath and surrounding it. 

Reboot your dishwasher once the wet areas are dried and check if the sensor no longer detects any moisture.
Installation IssuesCheck the water supply hose and drain hose for kinks or damage and make sure that they are connected properly. 

Do not screw your dishwasher to the cabinet too tightly and verify that the dishwasher isn’t tilting on any side.
Usage IssuesClean all the excess detergent suds inside the tub and the dispenser. Take out the filter assembly and gently clean all the main, coarse, and fine filters in running water.

Make sure to clean the sump area as well and check for clogs in the water nozzles, hoses, and sink drain. 
Mechanical IssuesInspect the dispenser and filter for any damage and replace them when necessary. Test the water pump for continuity and have it fixed by an expert if it’s damaged.

Also, replace the rubber seals if they are worn out and align them properly so there are no gaps in between.

Sanitize Cycle Selected

The Sanitize Cycle setting in your dishwasher is designed to increase the heat inside the tub during washing. Because of that, this setting can add up to 1.5 hours to your cycle.

It is normal for a dishwasher to turn off after a cycle. However, when you have the Sanitize Cycle selected, the display will stay on until you manually turn it off.

Solution: Open the door to end the Sanitize Cycle. 

Be careful of the steam that’ll come out of the tub when you open the dishwasher door. Since your dishwasher is hotter than usual, open the door slowly to avoid injury.

It will take 10 minutes for your dishwasher to cool down before finally shutting off.

You can also press the power button to turn off the cycle at any time. Do this if you want a safer option.

Malfunctioning Control Board

Your dishwasher control board is built to only carry out simple instructions.

Just like any electronic device, it’s possible for the control board to lag or become unresponsive at times.

It can also be vulnerable to wiring damage from wear and tear or a power surge after a blackout.

When this happens, the control board may misread errors and display codes in the panel. These false errors could stop your dishwasher from turning off or keep it running longer than it should.

Solution: Resetting your dishwasher is the best way to flush out any lagging and residual commands in your control board. Unplug your dishwasher for 10 minutes, plug it back in, and reboot it.

Also, check your control board for any damage or wiring issues. If you’re not familiar with how to access it, follow these steps.

  • Step 1: Read your manual and locate where the control board is installed. Most Samsung dishwasher models have it on the front panel, atop the dishwasher door. 

In others, it can be located on the side or rear panel.

  • Step 2: Unthread the screws of the access panel and set it aside.
  • Step 3: Inspect the control board wirings for any damage or loose connections that may cause the malfunction.

If you see any burnt wirings or components, call a professional to repair or replace your dishwasher’s control board.

Faulty Timer Motor

The timer motor is responsible for controlling the length of time that power is routed to each component in your dishwasher. 

If the timer motor is not working properly, it may cause your dishwasher not to start, stick in a single cycle, run a cycle longer than normal, or never shut off.

Solution: Test the timer motor for continuity. Do this by following the steps below.

  • Step 1: Check your manual to locate where the timer motor is in your dishwasher model.
  • Step 2: Unscrew the outer control panel and remove it.
  • Step 3: Open the dishwasher door and unscrew the panel.
  • Step 4: Locate the timer motor and detach the two wires connected to the terminals. Take note of the position of the wires to put them back correctly later on. 
  • Step 5: Set your multitester to X1000 and touch the terminal with one probe.
  • Step 6: Check the reading and see if it’s between 2,000 to 3,000 ohms. If the reading is outside the range, this means that your timer motor needs to be replaced.

Make sure to buy a new timer motor for your Samsung dishwasher model. Disconnect the old one from the plug and install your new timer motor.

Connect the wires properly and close the panels by screwing them in place.

Damaged Heating Component

Another reason your dishwasher isn’t turning off is that it is stuck in the heating process. This happens when the metal rod that is heating your dishwasher is damaged.

It is also likely that the thermistor has become faulty and is reading the temperature inside your dishwasher wrong.

This will cause it to continue heating and stop it from proceeding to the next phase of washing.

Solution: Check the metal rod at the bottom and inspect it for blistering, breaks, or burnouts. If there are no visible damages, test the heating element for continuity.

How to Test the Heating Element for Continuity 

To perform the test, follow these instructions:

  • Step 1: Remove the lower rack to access the metal rod at the bottom of the tub. Uninstall the heating element and set it aside.
  • Step 2: Rotate the dial to the lowest setting for ohms of resistance if you are using an analog tester. Touch the probes together to calibrate the meter and adjust the needle to zero.
  • Step 3: Touch both terminals of the heating element using the probes. The rod has continuity if the reading is between 0 – 50 ohms.

On the other hand, if the needle doesn’t move significantly or at all, then the heating element is already damaged and needs to be replaced.

How to Replace a Damaged Thermistor 

If the metal rod is fine, it may be the thermistor that is causing the issue. Follow the steps below to replace your damaged thermistor.

  • Step 1: Unplug your dishwasher and turn off the water supply valve.
  • Step 2: Remove the lower access panel by unthreading the screws.
  • Step 3: Disconnect the water supply line from the inlet valve. 
  • Step 4: Remove the cover from the junction box and disconnect the wires. Unstrain and remove the strain relief nut from the box.
  • Step 5: Detach the drain hose from the garbage disposal or sink drain. Feed the hose through the cabinet hole.
  • Step 6: Unscrew your dishwasher from the cabinet.
  • Step 7: Pull out the dishwasher slowly. Adjust the legs when necessary.
  • Step 8: Remove the right side access panel by unthreading the screws.
  • Step 9: Unscrew the thermistor and pull it out from the housing unit. Remove it by disconnecting the wires.
  • Step 10: Install the new thermistor.

Damaged Turbidity Sensor

The turbidity sensor, in layman’s terms, measures how clear the water is inside your dishwasher. Because of its function, it helps determine the length of each washing cycle.

When the turbidity sensor fails, it may choose random lengths for each cycle. It can either shorten or extend it for several hours.

If your dishwasher won’t turn off during a Smart Auto Cycle, a damaged turbidity sensor is most likely the culprit.

Solution: Check your manual to locate the sensor. For most models, it is usually located in the pump housing underneath your dishwasher.

Follow these steps to replace it.

  • Step 1: Uninstall your dishwasher and remove it from the cabinetry.
  • Step 2: Lay the dishwasher on its rear panel.
  • Step 3: Remove the bottom access panel by unthreading the screws. Disconnect the harness for the leak detector.
  • Step 4: Disconnect the wire connected to the turbidity sensor and pry off the locking tab on both sides.
  • Step 5: Pull the old sensor out and put in the new sensor. Lock it in place and connect the wire.
  • Step 6: Screw the bottom panel back in place and reinstall the dishwasher back to the cabinet.

It’s stressful to have a dishwasher that won’t turn off. But with the steps given above, you’ll be able to get it back in shape in no time.

However, only perform the troubleshooting methods that you are comfortable doing. If it gets a little overwhelming, don’t hesitate to call a professional.

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