Siemens dishwasher won't turn on

If you discover that your Siemens dishwasher won't turn on, don't panic. A serious problem isn't always the cause. Before calling a repairman, it's worth trying to figure out the problem yourself. We'll explain what to check first and which parts supply power to the dishwasher.

We check this first.

What should you do first? Open the Siemens dishwasher door slightly and look at the control panel. If no indicator lights are flashing or lit, the machine is completely de-energized. Therefore, check:

• Is there "light" at home? Perhaps the electricity supply was temporarily cut off;
• Is everything okay with the electrical panel? The circuit breaker probably tripped;
• Is the outlet working properly? To do this, connect another electrical appliance to it, preferably one with a similar power rating to the dishwasher. If it doesn't work either, the problem isn't with the dishwasher.
• Is the power cord and plug in good condition (check for damage, traces of carbon deposits, etc.)

You can test the outlet with a special indicator screwdriver. It may be working properly, but due to insufficient power, it simply won't handle a large appliance like a dishwasher. In this case, you can set up a separate power point for the dishwasher by installing a wire of the appropriate gauge.

If the power supply has not been turned off, the panel is fine and the socket is working, you will have to check the dishwasher. Diagnostics begins with the dishwasher's power cable. The cord's integrity may be compromised if pinched by a heavy object. Inspect the cord for defects. If damaged, replace the component.

If your dishwasher is still under warranty, don't try to troubleshoot the problem yourself; call a technician immediately.

Disassembling the case yourself will void the store's warranty. Therefore, be sure to check the warranty card before attempting any DIY repairs.

What parts prevent the dishwasher from turning on?

If all trivial problems have been ruled out, a more in-depth diagnosis of the dishwasher will be necessary. More serious faults may be causing the machine not to turn on, and it's best to entrust these repairs to specialists. What components are we talking about?

• Thermal fuse. This component is responsible for emergency power shutoff if the dishwasher overheats. If it trips or burns out, the dishwasher will not start. To check the thermal fuse for functionality, you will need a multimeter. If a problem is detected, replace the part.
• Recirculation pump capacitor. The pump circulates water in the wash chamber and maintains optimal pressure in the system. Power surges can cause the capacitor that powers the pump motor to burn out. To check this component, you'll have to access the dishwasher.
• Start button. A faulty start button is often the cause of a dishwasher malfunction. It can become stuck or simply wear out over the years. The button can be tested with a multimeter. If the contacts are corroded, they can be cleaned. However, it's recommended to completely replace the part.
• Surge protector. If your Siemens dishwasher is connected via a surge protector, be sure to check its functionality. Again, use a multimeter. If a fault is detected, replace the filter element.

The network filter cannot be repaired; it must be replaced.

• The dishwasher door lock. A faulty mechanism will not ensure a watertight seal, meaning the cycle will not start. When the door lock is faulty, the dishwasher's dashboard lights up, and you can select a cycle, but the wash will not start. Repairs will require replacement.
• The dishwasher's control module. The electronic unit is the "brain" of the dishwasher. If it fails, it can cause any number of malfunctions, including the appliance not turning on. It's best to leave diagnostics and repairs to specialists.

If the recirculation pump capacitor fails, the machine turns on, the indicators on the control panel light up, but the washer won't start. Other early signs of a faulty element include:

• weak water pressure from sprinklers;
• poor quality of washing of cutlery.

If the interference suppression filter is damaged, the dishwasher will not turn on. You may suspect a faulty element if you've recently experienced power surges or the lights in your apartment have been flickering.

It's recommended to entrust control module diagnostics to professionals. This is a complex component consisting of a large number of semiconductors. Without sufficient experience and knowledge, the situation can only worsen. To access the electronic unit, you will need:

• remove the dishwasher door;
• remove the screws located around the perimeter of the door.

Next, the wiring is disconnected from the module, the board is inspected, and the element is tested with a multimeter. If possible, the main control unit is repaired: semiconductors and sensors are replaced, contacts are soldered. If there is no chance of repairing the part, it will have to be replaced.

Typically, a dishwasher won't turn on due to a power outage or a faulty outlet. More common causes include a faulty noise filter, a faulty thermal fuse, or a broken start button. Other issues are extremely rare, but they can't be ruled out—every possible cause must be ruled out.

   

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