Have you ever been in the middle of a busy day, only to find dirty dishes staring back at you and your trusty Kenmore dishwasher refusing to come to your rescue? We’ve all been there, and it’s a situation that can throw a wrench into our daily routine.
When your Kenmore dishwasher suddenly goes dark and refuses to start, it can be frustrating and bewildering. But do not worry because we’re here to help!
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through some common causes behind this issue and provide simple solutions to get your dishwasher up and running again.
Check the Power Source
Before you dive deep into troubleshooting, it’s essential to verify the most fundamental aspect – the power source. Sometimes, a loose plug or a power outage can be the root cause of your dishwasher’s lack of power.
Solution:
- Make sure the dishwasher is plugged into a working electrical outlet.
- Check if there’s power in your home by testing another appliance or turning on a light in the same room.
- If you’re using an extension cord, ensure it’s in good condition, and the connection is secure.
Circuit Breaker or Fuse
A dishwasher can trip a circuit or blow a fuse due to power consumption. This problem is familiar and easy to fix.
Solution
- Find the dishwasher circuit breaker or fuse in your home’s electrical panel.
- To reset a circuit breaker, turn it off and on. New fuses are recommended if it is a fuse problem.
- According to the dishwasher’s owner’s manual, the circuit or fuse’s amperage must match.
- Once done, check if your Kenmore dishwasher powers up. If not, proceed to the next step.
Door Latch
The dishwasher’s door latch is a safety feature that prevents it from operating when it is open. If the latch isn’t properly engaged, it can cause the dishwasher to have no power.
Solution
- Scrutinize the door latch. Ensure that it’s not damaged or bent.
- If you find any issues with the latch, replace it as necessary.
- Try opening and closing the dishwasher door a few times to ensure it latches properly. Sometimes, it may need to be closed securely, causing the dishwasher to remain powerless.
Child Lock
Nowadays, dishwashers have child locks to prevent young children from operating them. A child lock can turn off the control panel, making the dishwasher appear to be unplugged.
Look for the child lock icon on the control panel, usually a small padlock. User manuals explain how to turn off the child lock on dishwashers. The controls are generally unlocked by pressing and holding a button for a few seconds.
Control Panel Lock
Some dishwashers have a control panel lock or control lock feature, which, when activated, prevents the dishwasher from starting. This feature is handy to avoid accidental changes during a cycle. If your dishwasher isn’t responding, the control panel lock may be engaged.
To unlock it, check your user manual for instructions on how to turn off the control panel lock. This typically involves holding down a specific button or combination of buttons for a few seconds until the control panel unlocks.
Timer Delay
A timer delay feature allows you to set a specific time for your dishwasher to start a wash cycle. If your dishwasher doesn’t start immediately after setting a timed delay, it may be following your schedule.
The dishwasher isn’t broken—it’s simply waiting for the pre-set time to start. Your user handbook will explain how to disable the timed delay and start the dishwasher immediately.
GFCI Outlet Reset
If your dishwasher is connected to a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet, it’s designed to protect against electrical faults. Sometimes, these outlets can trip, cutting power to your dishwasher. To address this:
- Locate the GFCI outlet that your dishwasher is connected to, which is usually in the kitchen or near the dishwasher.
- Press the “Reset” button on the GFCI outlet. This should restore power to your dishwasher.
Kenmore Dishwasher Main Control Board
Kenmore dishwashers’ electrical systems center on the main control board. It powers most essential appliance components.
The dishwasher may not start if the main control board fails to send voltage; however, before you decide to replace the main control board, inspect the defective parts because control board problems can be misdiagnosed. It is a slight issue that can be fixed without replacement.
Water Supply
While a lack of electrical power can cause the dishwasher to appear non-functional, it’s also essential to ensure it receives the necessary water supply. The water supply valve, typically located under your sink, must be turned on. If it’s closed, your dishwasher won’t have the needed water.
- Check under your sink for the water supply valve that connects to your dishwasher.
- Ensure that the valve is open to allow water to flow into the dishwasher.
Overloaded Circuit
In some cases, an overloaded electrical circuit may cause a dishwasher problem. Multiple devices on the same circuit can overload and turn off your dishwasher.
- Determine which devices share your dishwasher’s electrical circuit.
- Unplug or turn off some devices to reduce circuit load.
- Restart your dishwasher.
Faulty Power Cord or Outlet
Damaged power cords or outlets can cause dishwasher power outages. Investigate and address these possibilities: as such, take your time to check the dishwasher’s power cord for cuts, fraying, or exposed wires.
Once you notice any issues with the cord, replace the power cord.
Also, the dishwasher’s power outlet should be checked. Make sure to avoid burns, damage, and overheating. Hire an electrician to fix or replace a damaged or unsafe outlet.
User Control and Display Board Problem
Kenmore dishwasher control panels, including the user control and display board, can fail, causing a lack of power. If you’re wondering how to deal with an issue like this, here is a simple way to:
Check the control panel for damage or malfunction. Usually, due to wear, buttons may stop working.
Also, replacement may be needed if the control panel appears damaged or unresponsive. To order and install a new control panel, consult your user manual. If you’ve done all this and still need help fixing it, contact Kenmore customer support for help.
Reset your dishwasher
Sometimes, your dishwasher might get stuck between cycles or have a glitch in the system. Therefore, to reset your dishwasher, unplug it for a few minutes and then plug it back in. Or, follow the instructions in your owner’s manual to perform a factory reset.
Conclusion
Overall, a Kenmore dishwasher that loses power might be unpleasant, but it’s not impossible to fix. Following some easy procedures will help you find the reasons and answers. And, if all else fails, it’s always a good idea to consult the user manual or contact Kenmore customer support for further guidance.
They’re there to help you get your dishwasher back in working order. So, when your Kenmore dishwasher loses power, don’t panic. Take a deep breath, follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying clean dishes again. Happy dishwashing!