What is actually happening
Two different faults look the same here. Genuinely dead, with no lights at all, is usually supply or the on/off switch. Lights that come on but a cycle that never starts is a different thing: the machine has power and is refusing to run, most often because the door is not registering as shut or the anti-flood float has been triggered.
The usual causes
- A tripped breaker, blown plug fuse or dead socket
- A door catch or door switch not registering the door as closed
- The anti-flood float triggered by water in the base tray, which locks the machine out deliberately
- A failed on/off switch or control board
- Child lock or a delay timer left set
What you can safely check yourself
Work through these in order. Anything past this point — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the appliance plugged in.
- Prove the socket with something else, and check the plug fuse and the breaker
- Push the door firmly until the catch clicks — a door not quite latched is very common
- Tilt the machine gently forward: water running out of the base means the flood float has tripped, and that needs an engineer
- Check whether a delay start or child lock is showing on the display
Still will not switch on?
If the checks above have not sorted it, it needs looking at properly. £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Local engineers covering Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — same and next-day appointments, and the person who comes out is one of ours, not a subcontractor.
Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need
Common questions
Why is my dishwasher will not switch on?
Nothing happens when you press the button — no lights, no sound, or lights that come on and then nothing. Two different faults look the same here. Genuinely dead, with no lights at all, is usually supply or the on/off switch. Lights that come on but a cycle that never starts is a different thing: the machine has power and is refusing to run, most often because the door is not registering as shut or the anti-flood float has been triggered.
Can I fix a dishwasher will not switch on myself?
Prove the socket with something else, and check the plug fuse and the breaker. Push the door firmly until the catch clicks — a door not quite latched is very common. Tilt the machine gently forward: water running out of the base means the flood float has tripped, and that needs an engineer. Check whether a delay start or child lock is showing on the display. Those checks fix it more often than not. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly.
How much does it cost to repair a dishwasher will not switch on?
£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Other dishwasher faults
- dishwasher not draining
- dishwasher not cleaning the dishes
- dishwasher not drying the dishes
- dishwasher leaking
- dishwasher not heating the water
- dishwasher lights flashing
- dishwasher beeping mid-cycle
- dishwasher door will not close