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LG Dishwasher – Why Isn’t My Dishwasher Starting

  • Troubleshooting
LG Dishwasher - Why Isn't My Dishwasher Starting

At a Glance

If your dishwasher will not start, it can be caused by insufficient power, the unit is unleveled, or a faulty door latch.

Try This

  1. Is there an error code in the dishwasher display?

    Yes No
  2. Please see our LG Dishwasher - Error Code List article for further assistance.

  3. Select your problem from the list below:

    No Power Powers On, But Doesn't Run Won’t Run 4, 3, 2, 1 Appears On Display
  4. No Power


    1 Check if electricity is being supplied to other products near the dishwasher.
    If not, check if the circuit breaker has tripped.

    image of a circuit breaker

    2 (If possible) Check if the power cord is connected correctly.
    Disconnect and reconnect the power cord again.

    image of a electrical plug and an outlet

    3 (If possible) Test the outlet with another device.
    Connect another product (ex: hair dryer, phone charger, etc.) and check if electricity is supplied.
    If test product fails, an electrician is recommended to further troubleshoot the outlet.

    image of a hair drying being turned on to test the outlet

    If the problem continues or you are unable to move the dishwasher, service will be required. Request a repair with our 24/7 Chat Support

  5. Powers On, But Does Not Run


    1. Check that the Door is Shut Properly

      • The dishwasher will not operate if the door is ajar, so make sure to close it firmly.
      • Make sure there is nothing stopping the door from closing properly.
    2. Check if Child Lock Feature is ON

      • If the Start button is not responding, it may be the child lock.
      • The child lock (control lock) feature is designed to prevent accidental button presses from turning off the unit.
      • Some units may activate the child lock (control lock) with the Half Load and Energy Saver buttons
      • Refer to the owner's manual for the button combination for you specific dishwasher to activate/deactivate Child Lock if different from the above.
      image showing the *control lock buttons on the dish washer
    3. Check the Cycle Settings

      • The dishwasher will not start nor respond to any commands if the cycle settings are incorrect or Delay Wash has been selected.
      • Delay wash will result in the dishwasher not starting until the selected time.
      • Powering off the unit and back on will allow you to reselect and modify cycle settings.

    4. If the problem continues or you are unable to move the dishwasher, service will be required. Request a repair with our 24/7 Chat Support

  6. Won’t Run 4, 3, 2, 1 Appears On Display


    1. Check the Top Mount Brackets

      • A large gap between the top of the dishwasher and the kitchen counter indicates the unit was not properly installed and/or leveled.
      image showing the dishwasher latch
      • If the unit is not leveled, then the door switch may not engage to confirm that the door is properly shut, causing the unit to not start.
      • Adjust the dishwasher leveling legs to reduce the space, and then restart the cycle to check if the issue was resolved.
      image indicating the feet of the dish washer to ensure its leveled
    2. Check the Dishwasher Door

      • The door must be shut completely for the unit to begin operation.
      • Ensure that nothing in the racks or any installation is blocking it from closing.

    3. If the problem continues or you are unable to move the dishwasher, service will be required. Request a repair with our 24/7 Chat Support

*Required question

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