Why a Dishwasher Starts and Stops During Wash Cycle and How to Fix It
Technically Reviewed by Oleg Chudnovski, CEO on Sep 14, 2024 | 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 assistant, for a more in-depth diagnosis and fix.
3 Main Reasons Why a Dishwasher Stopping Mid-Cycle
A dishwasher may unexpectedly halt in the middle of its cycle at any given moment. Most dishwashers are bought with warranties. However, the warranty always seems to be up when the dishwasher stops during the wash cycle.
We at Spark Service 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 door latch is likely 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
If your dishwasher fills with water but then suddenly stops mid-cycle, the thermal fuse may be to blame. This interruption occurs because the thermal fuse is experiencing a short circuit, possibly due to contamination, dirt buildup, damage, or loose connections.
The thermal fuse is a safety precaution in older dishwashers. It shuts down the motor and circuit board if the dishwasher overheats. However, if the thermal fuse is shorting out, it may inaccurately assess the water temperature, causing the dishwasher to stop even when heat levels pose no risk.
Reason 3. Electronic Control Board Shorting Out
Despite being engineered to endure the entirety of your dishwasher’s lifespan, the electronic circuit board can sustain damage and begin experiencing short circuits. As a result, the dishwasher may exhibit erratic behaviour, running for brief intervals before coming to a halt.
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 Fisher & Paykel, 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 4 Actions to Take for a Dishwasher That Stops During Cycle
After you realize that your dishwasher is not behaving and have 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 of your dishwasher operates on a straightforward principle. It features a hooked latch that secures onto a pin on the dishwasher’s inside face. It must be replaced if the pin is damaged or missing or the latch mechanism is faulty.
You can identify a damaged door latch by its absence or loose movement. To install a new door latch, use a screwdriver to loosen the existing latch and pin from the dishwasher’s body. Then, insert the replacement part in place of the old latch and pin, securing it tightly 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 dishwasher’s internal workings. When the temperature is too high, the thermal fuse cuts power to the circuit board to avoid dangerous situations that could cause a fire.
If the dishwasher’s thermal fuse is burnt out or loose, it may stop mid-cycle. To fix this problem, you need to access the dishwasher’s thermal fuse.
The thermal fuse in a dishwasher is grounded and connected to the circuit board. It 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
The dishwasher’s electronic control board has many connections. 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 Professional Appliance Tech
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 Spark Service 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.
At Spark Service PRO, part of Fix Appliances CA Inc., our experts are ready to repair or replace any part of your dishwasher quickly. With extensive experience and efficient procedures, we save you time and stress. Trust our factory-certified technicians to get your dishwasher working like new. We’re an authorized service center for LG, Samsung, and more, offering low-cost repairs with up to a one-year warranty.
Some of the best reasons for choosing our appliance repair company when your dishwasher pauses during the cycle:
- Competitive low prices
- TSSA-certified gas contractor
- Same-day repair service is available
- Authorized service center for LG, Samsung, and more
- Ability to service more than 90 brands of household appliances.
- Experience in professional repair and maintenance of household appliances for more than 18 years.
Get your appliance worked on by our fantastic team. Don’t hesitate to call our number at 888-242-0777 or book an online service call.
Date of page creation: May 11, 2021
Page update date: September 14, 2024
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