Portable Dishwasher Doesn't Enter The Wash Cycle

• Faulty water inlet valve. The water inlet valve is responsible for supplying water to the dishwasher. If the valve is faulty, it may not be able to supply enough water to the dishwasher, or it may not be able to supply water at all.
• Clogged water filter. The water filter in the dishwasher helps to remove impurities from the water before it is used to wash the dishes. If the filter is clogged, it may restrict the flow of water to the dishwasher, or it may even prevent water from flowing altogether.
• Faulty control board. The control board is the brains of the dishwasher. It controls all of the functions of the dishwasher, including the water supply. If the control board is faulty, it may not be able to properly control the water supply to the dishwasher.

Letting your dishwasher sit unused for a couple of years may have caused some damage to the components, such as the water inlet valve, water filter, and control board. It is also possible that the seals in the dishwasher have dried out and need to be replaced.

To fix the original problem, you will need to diagnose the cause of the issue. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, you can call a qualified appliance repair technician for assistance.

Here are some steps you can take to diagnose the problem:

1. Check the water inlet valve. Make sure that it is turned on and that there is no debris blocking the water inlet.
2. Check the water filter. Remove the filter and inspect it for signs of clogging. If the filter is clogged, replace it with a new one.
3. Check the control board. If you are comfortable working with electronics, you can test the control board for continuity. If the control board is not functioning properly, it will need to be replaced.

If you have checked all of the above and the dishwasher is still not working properly, then you will need to call a qualified appliance repair technician for assistance.

Here are some tips to help prevent this problem from happening again:

• Always use the correct amount of detergent. Too much detergent can foam up and block the water inlet valve.
• Clean the water filter regularly. A clogged water filter can restrict the flow of water to the dishwasher.
• Run the dishwasher at least once a month, even if you don't have a full load of dishes. This will help to prevent the seals from drying out.
• If you are going to be away for an extended period of time, empty the dishwasher and leave the door open slightly to allow air to circulate. This will help to prevent mold and mildew from growing inside the dishwasher.

If the dishwasher won't do anything at all, the problem could be the power supply. Check the circuit breaker. If it has tripped, flip the switch to the "off" position and then turn it back on. If the circuit has not tripped, check to ensure that the appliance is properly plugged into its wall outlet. This may require you to pull the appliance out from beneath the counter. Before attempting to move the unit, disconnect the under-counter retainer clips that hold it in place.

When the door latch is not engaged, a switch prevents the dishwasher from starting. Listen for the sound of the latch clicking into place when you close the door. With the door closed, pull on the door to see if it is closed securely. Visually inspect both sides of the latch for anything that may be preventing it from engaging properly, and for broken parts. If the latch is broken, the switch may be also.

Most dishwashers include a child lock feature to prevent kids from opening the appliance or changing the cycle settings. In many cases, the unit will not run while the child lock is engaged. Usually, the lock can be activated and deactivated by pressing and holding a button for three seconds, or something similar. If your dishwasher won't run and the door won't open, check the manufacturer's instructions for the child safety lock.

If you've interrupted the wash cycle and now the dishwasher won't restart, it could be stuck between cycles. Sometimes when this happens the lights flash, other times nothing happens at all. Turn the power off and back on. If that doesn't work, check the manufacturer's instructions for resetting the dishwasher. You may have to press and hold the start button, or unplug the machine for a minute or two. After resetting, you'll be able to start a new wash cycle.

Sometimes internal components malfunction and need to be replaced. If you are an experienced DIYer, you may be able to repair the broken dishwasher yourself, but before opening the machine to work on it, be sure to disconnect it from the power source. Use a multimeter to test internal components. Obtain a wiring diagram for your dishwasher model to ensure that you are testing the correct terminals.

Remove the inner door panel to access the door latch assembly at the top of the door. Make sure the catch engages the door latch switch when it is inserted into the latch assembly. If all appears to work properly, use a multimeter to test the switches for continuity. With the multimeter set on Rx1, touch the probes to the switch terminals. The reading should be at or near zero. If your reading is different, replace the door latch assembly.

The dishwasher timer controls the wash cycle start and stop times. It is often found on the control panel, but can also be located behind the lower kick plate on some models. Refer to your wiring diagram for which contacts to test. With the multimeter set on Rx1000, touch the contacts with the probes. Refer to your owner's manual for expected values, typically 2000 to 3500 ohms. Replace the timer if your readings differ from the manufacturer's recommendations.

Selector switches determine the wash cycle settings for each load. They are normally located on the control panel. Test each button individually. Remove the switch from the panel. With the multimeter set on Rx1, touch the probes to the switch terminals. It should produce a reading of infinity. Then, with the probes still touching the terminals, press the button. This should produce a reading of zero. Replace the selector switch if you get any other readings.

The motor start relay signals the dishwasher motor to start. Locate it near the pump, behind the lower access panel of the dishwasher. Remove the relay and refer to the wiring diagram. With the multimeter set on Rx1, test the coil for continuity. It should produce a reading of zero.

Then, manually activate the relay by turning it upside down, and allowing the plunger to drop. Touch the probes to the relay terminals. Expect a reading of zero. If your readings differ, replace the motor .

The thermal fuse prevents damage to electrical components due to overheating. If it blows, it shuts down the dishwasher. Find the thermal fuse on the control board, behind the inner door. Disconnect the two connecting wires and remove the fuse from the control panel to test it. Set the multimeter to Rx1 and touch the probes to the contacts on the fuse. This should produce a reading of zero. Replace the thermal fuse if you get any other reading.

The drive motor powers the water inside the dishwasher. If it is faulty, the dishes may not get clean, and the dishwasher may not start. You can find it behind the lower access panel. Disconnect the wires and remove it to test it. With the multimeter set to Rx1, touch the probes to the motor's terminals. It should produce a reading of zero. Move one of the probes to the metal housing of the motor. This should not produce a reading. If either of these tests produces a different reading, the motor is faulty.