Why a Dishwasher Starts and Stops During Wash Cycle and How to Fix It
Technically Reviewed by Oleg Chudnovski, CEO on Nov 17, 2023 | Written by Igal Geiler
A dishwasher starting and stopping during the wash cycle can be caused by various factors, including issues with the water supply, a malfunctioning motor, or sensor problems. To address this problem, first, check for any clogs in the water inlet valve or ensure adequate water pressure. Next, inspect the dishwasher’s motor and sensors for any signs of damage or malfunction. Cleaning filters and performing routine maintenance may also help resolve the issue.
If problems persist, it’s advisable to consult the dishwasher’s user manual, read the article below or call 647-503-6655, our professional appliance repair assistance, for a more in-depth diagnosis and fix.
Reasons for a Dishwasher Stopping Mid-Cycle
A dishwasher that stops mid-cycle can come up at any time. Most dishwashers are bought with warranties. However, the warranty always seems to be up when the dishwasher stops during the wash cycle.
We at Fix Appliances CA have a wealth of experience and expertise to share. The information in this article can help you identify why your dishwasher keeps stopping and solutions you can use to fix the dishwasher on your own. Read on to learn more about the reasons for this problem and the fixes we suggest for it.
Your family needs their dishes cleaned and sanitized by the dishwasher, and if it is broken or stops running after 1 minute, it may be time to consider some of the most common reasons for this problem. Below are considered some of the main reasons why a dishwasher stops working mid-cycle:
Reason 1. The Door Latch is Loose
The door latch on a dishwasher locks in place and ensures that water doesn’t escape during the wash cycle. If your dishwasher keeps beeping and stopping, the odds are that the door latch is loose.
The dishwasher stops mid-cycle because the sensor on the door latch is shorted or obscured. It could also mean that the door latch is broken.
Reason 2. The Thermal Fuse is Shorting Out
The thermal fuse on your dishwasher could be the culprit for a dishwasher that fills with water and stops. The dishwasher stops mid-cycle because the thermal fuse is shorting out. After all, it is either fouled, dirty, broken, or loosely connected.
If your dishwasher is older, the thermal fuse is used as a safety switch to stop the motor and circuit board when the dishwasher gets too hot. However, if the thermal fuse is shorting out, it may not register the correct water temperature and stop the dishwasher when there is no danger from the heat.
Reason 3. Electronic Control Board Shorting Out
Even though the electronic circuit board is designed to last the lifespan of your dishwasher, it can become damaged and start to short out. When this happens, the dishwasher will act erratically, run for a few minutes, and then stop.
The circuit boards of major dishwasher brands are different, so how they affect your dishwasher’s function if damaged may depend on the brand. However, whether it is a Whirlpool, Maytag, Miele, Kitchenaid, Bosch, Blomberg, Samsung, LG or GE doesn’t matter. The circuit board may be the issue if your dishwasher cycle gets cut short.
Reason 4. Water Inlet Valve Problem
The water inlet valve allows water into the dishwasher during the wash cycle. If the valve is defective or clogged, it may not supply a consistent water flow, causing the dishwasher to start and stop intermittently.
The Easiest Actions to Take for a Dishwasher That Stops During Cycle
After you realize that you have a dishwasher that is not behaving and has done some troubleshooting, it is time to learn how to fix the problem. Below are some of the most accessible actions to repair your dishwasher at home.
Action 1. Tighten or Replace the Door Latch
The door latch to your dishwasher is a simple mechanism. It has a hooked latch that tightens on a pin on the face of the inside of the dishwasher. It must be replaced if this pin is damaged or missing or the latch mechanism is damaged.
You will know that either position of the door latch is damaged because it will either be missing or moving around freely. To replace the door latch, use a screwdriver to loosen the latch and pin from the body of the dishwasher. Put the replacement part in the place of the old latch and pin it and tighten it down with the original screws.
If the latch or pin is not damaged, try tightening the screws that hold the door latch mechanism.
Action 2. Replace the Thermal Fuse
The thermal fuse is an internal mechanism that measures the heat coming from the internal workings of the dishwasher. When the temperature is measured as too hot, the thermal fuse cuts power to the circuit board to avoid dangerous situations that could cause a fire.
If the thermal fuse is burnt out or loose, it may stop the dishwasher mid-cycle. You need to access the dishwasher’s thermal fuse to fix this problem.
The thermal fuse in a dishwasher sits in connection to the circuit board and is grounded. The fuse needs to be checked with a multimeter. If the connections to the circuit board or the dishwasher’s heating element read as infinity on the multimeter, order and replace the thermal fuse to get your dishwasher working correctly again.
Action 3. Check the Electronic Control Board Connection
There are many connections on the electronic control board of the dishwasher. Each has dual prongs leading into and away from the control board. You need to check these connections with a multimeter to see if any are burnt out. Unfortunately, if they are, you will need to repair that part, which is difficult, or replace the circuit board, which is costly.
Action 4. Inspect the Water Inlet Valve
To troubleshoot the dishwasher’s water inlet valve, start by turning off the dishwasher and disconnecting the power supply. Then, locate the water inlet valve behind the bottom kickplate of the dishwasher and carefully check for any signs of damage or clogs. If you suspect a clog, thoroughly clean the valve and the surrounding areas to ensure proper water flow and resolve potential issues.
Great Reasons to Choose Fix Appliances CA
A dishwasher that starts and stops during the wash cycle can indicate various underlying issues. By understanding the common causes and performing basic troubleshooting, you may be able to resolve the problem yourself. If not, the skilled technicians at One Call Appliances are here to help. Whether a simple repair or a more complex fix, we are dedicated to ensuring your dishwasher operates efficiently, leaving you with spotless dishes every time you run a cycle.
Dishwashers are essential appliances in the kitchen of the modern home. Don’t go another day without one, and try not to drive yourself crazy trying to fix it. Most of the repairs that a dishwasher that starts and stops needs are technical and require access to internal parts of the dishwasher.
The professionals at Fix Appliances CA can repair or replace any part of your dishwasher in a concise amount of time. We have seen everything and can give you time and sanity with our clear procedures and safe actions. Give our certified appliance technicians a chance to repair your dishwasher, and you won’t be sorry.
Some of the best reasons for choosing our appliance repair company when your dishwasher pauses during the cycle:
- Always happy to help with a servant’s heart
- Competitive prices
- Able to service all major brands
- Factory certified technicians
- Same-day repair service is available
- Fifteen years of professional appliance repair and service experience
Get your appliance worked on by our fantastic team. Don’t hesitate to call our number at 888-242-0777 or email us on our contact form “request service“!
Date of page creation: May 11, 2021
Page update date: November 17, 2023
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“Our dishwasher was leaking. The appliance dishwasher expert came after making a simple phone call a couple of days prior. They were professional and sincere. Although they were not able to diagnose the problem, they remained honest and told us what we should do instead (contact the manufacturer) and did not charge us anything at all for inspection. If we end up having other appliance issues in the future, we will be using this company again.”
Work was completed by Dina on our dishwasher that would not drain. Dima was very professional and friendly. Dima explained everything to us in a clear manner and also discussed our options with us. 100 percent satisfied with the service call.
