The dishwasher is one of the most used appliances in a kitchen. With dirty dishes being a part of every household’s daily routine, you may use your dishwasher at least once every day. So it comes as no surprise that this appliance becomes worn and prone to errors over time.
On some occasions, you might find that you have to reset your dishwasher to get it to work properly. But if a reset becomes a daily requirement, then there might be something more serious that requires your attention. What would cause the need to constantly reset your dishwasher?
Here are some explanations.
- Dishwashers have a reset feature to fix minor errors and malfunctions.
- Constantly having to reset your dishwasher might point to more serious damage.
- Control board issues can cause issues with settings and cycles that call for resets for temporary resolution.
- Faulty hardware, such as door latches and sensors, might also contribute to the problem.
- Make sure to check your manual for solutions. If none are available, call a professional.
A dishwasher that won’t start or finish a cycle without a proper restart might be facing certain damages or errors that require your attention. Try to find out what’s causing the issue and resolve the matter promptly to avoid exacerbating the potential damage.
Why a Dishwasher Might Need Constant Resetting
1. Problems With the Control Board
Underneath that panel of buttons is an intricate network of wires that tell your dishwasher what to do. Every time you press those buttons, then adjust settings, time, preferences, and everything in between. With time, the buttons and wires can wear away and deteriorate.
When this happens, the control board becomes prone to ‘phantom presses’, which adjust settings on its own. A reset might temporarily resolve the issue, but as time wears on and the damage becomes extensive, your dishwasher might refuse to work even after a restart.
2. Faulty Door Hardware
This is one of the most common reasons why people keep having to restart their dishwashers. Sometimes, issues with the door hardware, especially the latch, can prevent a dishwasher from functioning properly. If the dishwasher detects that its door hasn’t properly closed, it will stall the system and refuse to start a cycle to protect the user and the appliance.
Sometimes, users have found that securing the latch or closing the door a certain way can help their dishwasher function more normally. However, most of the time, you may have to call a professional to repair the door and guarantee a secure closure every time.
3. Sensor Issues
Some dishwashers have sensors that detect temperature levels or how soiled the plates in the cycle are. It then uses this information to adjust the cycle so it can clean your dishes in the best possible way. In some cases, these sensors may become damaged.
As a result, the dishwasher may struggle and stall mid-cycle as it adjusts its settings depending on feedback from the sensors.
Users with sensor issues have found that when this happens, the dishwasher might stop the cycle and start from the top. Resetting the unit may help temporarily resolve the issue, but if the sensors encounter the same problem during the cycle, it may and most likely will recur.
There are numerous reasons why a dishwasher might require constant resetting. More often than not, these instances require the help of a professional. If your user manual doesn’t provide sound insight on how to resolve the problem, see to it that you call an expert to give your dishwasher an inspection.
Conclusion
The reset function on a dishwasher exists to provide a quick fix for minor errors and malfunctions. But if you have to reset your dishwasher every time you use it, there might be something bigger at play. Check your manual for possible solutions, but if worse comes to worst, don’t hesitate to call a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Reset a Dishwasher
Some dishwashers have a dedicated reset button, while others incorporate the reset function into the power button. To reset your dishwasher, hold down the reset or power button for 3-5 seconds or until the washer makes a sound and reboots.
What if the Reset Button Doesn’t Work on My Dishwasher?
If you need to reset your dishwasher, but the reset button doesn’t work, then you may have to perform a power cycle. Turn off and unplug the unit, then wait at least 30 seconds to a minute before plugging it in and turning the power on.
