Why Won’t Bosch Dishwasher Start? The Ultimate Troubleshooting Guide

If your Bosch dishwasher has suddenly stopped starting, leaving you with a sink full of dirty dishes, don’t panic. There are several potential causes for this issue, and most of them can be resolved with a little troubleshooting. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the common reasons why your Bosch dishwasher may not be starting and provide step-by-step instructions to help you diagnose and fix the problem.

Check the Power Supply

• Ensure the dishwasher is plugged into an electrical outlet. Check if the outlet is working by plugging in another appliance.
• Reset the circuit breaker or fuse. Locate the circuit breaker panel or fuse box and reset the breaker or fuse associated with the dishwasher.
• Inspect the power cord. Look for any visible damage or fraying on the power cord. If the cord is damaged, it may need to be replaced.

Check the Water Supply

• Make sure the water supply is turned on. Check the valve under the sink to ensure that it is open.
• Examine the water hoses. Inspect the hoses for any kinks, leaks, or blockages. If a hose is kinked or blocked, it may restrict the water flow to the dishwasher.
• Clean the water inlet screen. The water inlet screen is located at the water inlet valve. Remove the screen and clean it with a soft brush to remove any debris that may be blocking the water flow.

Inspect the Door Latch

• Check if the door is properly closed. The dishwasher will not start if the door is not fully closed and latched.
• Examine the door latch. The door latch may be faulty or misaligned. Inspect the latch for any damage or obstructions.
• Lubricate the door latch. Apply a small amount of lubricant to the door latch to ensure smooth operation.

Reset the Dishwasher

• Unplug the dishwasher from the electrical outlet. Wait for a few minutes and then plug it back in.
• Press and hold the “Start” button for 5 seconds. The dishwasher should reset and start the wash cycle.
• If the reset does not work, try a hard reset. Unplug the dishwasher and leave it unplugged for 30 minutes. Then, plug it back in and press the “Start” button.

Check the Control Panel

• Inspect the control panel buttons. Make sure that the buttons are not stuck or damaged.
• Clean the control panel. Use a soft cloth dampened with water to wipe down the control panel. Avoid using harsh cleaners or abrasives.
• Test the control board. If you suspect that the control board is faulty, you may need to contact a qualified appliance repair technician.

Other Potential Issues

• Faulty door switch. The door switch detects when the door is closed. If the door switch is malfunctioning, the dishwasher may not start.
• Clogged drain pump. The drain pump removes water from the dishwasher. If the drain pump is clogged, the dishwasher may not be able to start a new wash cycle.
• Overloaded dishwasher. If the dishwasher is overloaded, it may not be able to start properly. Remove some dishes and try starting the dishwasher again.

Recommendations: Troubleshooting Success

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to diagnose and fix the problem with your Bosch dishwasher that is preventing it from starting. If you have tried all of the suggested solutions and the dishwasher still does not start, it is recommended to contact a qualified appliance repair technician for further assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does my Bosch dishwasher start but then stop?
A: This could be caused by a faulty water inlet valve, a clogged drain pump, or a problem with the control board.

Q: What does it mean when the dishwasher light is blinking?
A: A blinking light on the dishwasher usually indicates an error code. Refer to the user manual for the specific error code and troubleshooting instructions.

Q: How do I clean the drain pump on my Bosch dishwasher?
A: To clean the drain pump, locate the access panel on the bottom of the dishwasher and remove it. Unscrew the drain pump cover and remove any debris or blockages from the pump.