Dishwasher - Will Not Run or Has No Power

It can be very frustrating to have a dishwasher full of dirty dishes and the appliance will not start. If the display or buttons are not lighting and the dishwasher is non-responsive, your dishwasher may not have power to it. There are a few things you can do to try to resolve this issue. Please consider the solutions provided below.

Door Not Latching Properly

• Make sure the dishwasher door is closed tightly and is latched correctly. Open the door and then close it again firmly. Make sure there is nothing inside the dishwasher preventing the door from closing completely. Something as simple as a rack that is not pushed in completely, or a handle on a pan, can prevent complete door closure.

Power Supply

• If this is a new installation and there is no power to the dishwasher, have the installation checked by the company that installed the appliance. The warranty on the dishwasher does not cover installation issues.
• Reset the fuse or circuit breaker in your home that provides power to the dishwasher. For more information, see our Dishwasher - Checking the Fuse or Circuit Breaker or Dishwasher - Reset Circuit Breaker articles.
• The dishwasher may be installed with a power cord that has come loose. Not all dishwashers have a power cord. If your dishwasher has a cord, the outlet will be located in an adjacent cabinet or in the cabinet under the sink. Be sure the power cord is plugged into the wall receptacle and that the outlet is functioning.
  • If the dishwasher is plugged into a GFI/GFCI outlet that has a reset button, press Reset on the outlet to restore power.
  • View a short video about checking for a loose plug:

• If your dishwasher is controlled by a wall switch, make sure the power is turned on. Wall switches are required in some areas, so check around the kitchen counter or in the cabinet under the sink for a switch you do not normally use.

Protection Features

When a protection feature is in use, the display may illuminate, yet the controls remain non-responsive.

• Control Lock Feature: Electronic control models have a child lock-out feature to prevent the dishwasher from accidentally being turned on. Make sure the Lock feature is turned "OFF" according to the instructions in the Owner's Manual for the model you own.
  • View a general video about the Control Lock Feature:

• Leak Protection Feature: For models with an LCD display, you may have a leak protection feature that is preventing your dishwasher from running. For more information, please view our Dishwasher – Floor Protect / Leak Protection Feature article.

Repair Service Needed

If the above suggestions do not resolve the issue, service may be needed. For repair service, please schedule a repair appointment with GE Appliances Factory Service.