Dishwasher: Why does my dishwasher stop mid-cycle?
If the dishwasher stops before it's done, first try these simple troubleshooting steps:
Open and close the door to make sure it's latched.
Check whether the house circuit for the dishwasher and reset the breaker if it's tripped.
If a light switch on the wall near the dishwasher controls power to the dishwasher, make sure it's in the On position.
If these basic tips don't help, then a broken door latch, faulty control panel or failed electronic control board could be the problem.
In some models, a failed heating element causes the dishwasher to stop. A failed vent fan can be the problem when a Kenmore, Whirlpool or KitchenAid dishwasher shuts off or stops mid-cycle.
Follow the troubleshooting steps in our dishwasher won't start video to restart the dishwasher after it stops mid-cycle. Use the tips in our dishwasher has no power video if the dishwasher is dead after stopping during the cycle.
THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR DISHWASHER PROBLEM
Replace the dishwasher door latch assembly
The dishwasher won't start if the door isn't completely shut and latched. If the door doesn't latch shut, replace the latch mechanism. Even if the door latches fully, a problem with micro-switch in the door latch/switch assembly could keep the dishwasher from starting; in that case, replace the micro-switch.
Dishwasher door latch assembly
How to replace a dishwasher door latch assembly
One reason a dishwasher won’t start could be a broken dishwasher latch assembly—the assembly includes the latch itself and a microswitch. You can replace the latch assembly yourself in about half an hour, following the steps in this repair guide and video.
Replace the dishwasher electronic control board
The electronic control board runs all dishwasher functions. If the electronic control board is getting voltage, but not operating properly, it should be replaced.
Dishwasher electronic control board
How to replace a dishwasher electronic control board
Because the dishwasher electronic control board runs every stage of the dishwashing cycle, it's hard to know if the problem is the board or something it controls. If you or a repair technician determines the dishwasher electronic control board is faulty, this repair guide and video show how to install a new one.
Replace the dishwasher control panel
When the control panel, also called the control console, becomes visibly loose or damaged, replace it. A stuck button can also cause the dishwasher to become unresponsive. A light may flash constantly on the control panel when a button is stuck.
Dishwasher control panel
How to replace a dishwasher control panel
If the dishwasher buttons stick or don't work, the dishwasher control panel could be the problem. This DIY repair guide shows you how to replace the control panel on your dishwasher in just 30 minutes.
Replace the dishwasher heating element
Replace the dishwasher heating element if it's visibly broken or not heating properly. If the heating element isn't visibly broke, check for a wiring failure, control failure or a blown fuse in the heating circuit before replacing the heating element--those issues could also be responsible for the heating element not working properly. You’ll also need to replace the heating element if broken element water seals allow water to leak through the bottom of the tub.
Dishwasher heating element
How to replace a dishwasher heating element
Your dishwasher gives some clear clues if the dishwasher's heating element stops working: the water doesn't get hot (no steamy kitchen) or your dishes don't dry. You can replace the heating element in less than an hour, following the steps in this DIY repair guide and video.
Replace the dishwasher vent and fan assembly
The vent opens during the drying cycle so the fan can direct hot, moist air out of the dishwasher through the vent opening at the bottom of the dishwasher door. Dishes won't dry as well if the vent fails to open or the fan fails to run. Also, the control panel goes blank and the dishwasher stops in the middle of the cycle if the fan fails. Replace the vent and fan assembly if either the fan or vent fails.
Dishwasher vent and fan assembly
How to replace a dishwasher vent and fan assembly
The dishwasher fan blows hot air from the dishwasher. If the fan fails, the control panel lights turn off and the dishwasher stops. This DIY repair guide and video shows how to install a new fan and vent assembly in less than 30 minutes.
Most common symptoms to help you fix your dishwashers
Choose a symptom to see related dishwasher repairs.
Main causes: broken door spring, damaged or broken door hinge…
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