Washing machine will not turn on

What is actually happening

Genuinely dead is usually a supply problem rather than the machine. Before anything else it is worth proving the socket, because a tripped RCD or a failed plug fuse accounts for a good share of these. Where the supply is proven good, the fault is normally the mains filter, the on/off switch or the control board.

The usual causes

• A tripped RCD or breaker in the consumer unit, often caused by the machine itself
• A blown plug fuse or a failed socket
• A failed mains interference filter — a common failure and an easy one to test
• A failed on/off switch or door switch
• A failed control board

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.

1. Plug something you know works into the same socket
2. Check the consumer unit for a tripped breaker or RCD
3. Check the plug fuse
4. If the RCD trips again the moment the machine is switched on, stop and leave it off — that is an electrical fault, not a nuisance trip

Common questions

Why is my washing machine will not turn on?

No lights, no display and no response — the machine appears completely dead. Genuinely dead is usually a supply problem rather than the machine. Before anything else it is worth proving the socket, because a tripped RCD or a failed plug fuse accounts for a good share of these. Where the supply is proven good, the fault is normally the mains filter, the on/off switch or the control board.

Can I fix a washing machine will not turn on myself?

Plug something you know works into the same socket. Check the consumer unit for a tripped breaker or RCD. Check the plug fuse. If the RCD trips again the moment the machine is switched on, stop and leave it off — that is an electrical fault, not a nuisance trip. Beyond those checks this one normally needs an engineer.

How much does it cost to repair a washing machine will not turn 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 washing machine faults

• washing machine not draining
• washing machine not spinning
• washing machine leaking water
• washing machine making a loud noise
• washing machine not heating the water
• washing machine door will not open
• washing machine tripping the electrics
• washing machine not filling with water

Repairs we cover near you

• Washing Machine Repairs — what we charge and how it works
• Washing Machine Repairs in Nottingham
• Washing Machine Repairs in Arnold
• Washing Machine Repairs in Beeston
• Washing Machine Repairs in Bulwell
• Washing Machine Repairs in Carlton

Written by our own engineers from their repair notes. If your appliance is showing a code as well as this fault, our error-code guides cover 708 codes across 24 makes.