LG dishwasher has power but won’t start.
Appliance ExpertHi, I’m Mike, your appliance troubleshooting expert—when you press Start, do you get any beeps, blinking lights, or codes (for example “CL” for child lock) on the display?
Display’s on, cycle time shows, press Start and it just beeps once, nothing runs, no codes; door seems to shut fine.
Appliance ExpertIs the child lock/control lock icon lit, and does holding the lock key for 3 seconds change anything?
No lock icon, tried holding it anyway—no change.
Appliance ExpertDo you see a Delay Start time (like 1–12h) or a small clock icon showing anywhere on the display?
No delay showing; tried a couple cycles too—same result.
Appliance ExpertIf you press the door inward while pressing Start, does anything change (extra beeps, a flicker, or trying to start)?
If I push the door in and hit Start I get two quick beeps and the time blinks once, still nothing starts.
Appliance ExpertThanks—that pattern points most strongly to the door not being “seen” as closed by the control, so the top suspects are a slightly misaligned or worn door latch/switch, the latch strike not engaging fully, or the door being blocked by a rack/item; less commonly it can be a Start key/touch panel fault, a stuck leak/float sensor (machine thinks there’s a leak), or a main control issue. Since you have full power and no error codes, a blown fuse or wiring fault is unlikely, and the extra beeps when you push the door suggest the control is right on the edge of detecting the latch. If you want, I can walk you through safe, simple checks (no disassembly) to narrow it down.
Yes, please—give me steps I can try before I call someone.
Appliance ExpertSure—keep safety in mind: don’t work on live circuits, and stop if you smell burning, see sparks, or the breaker won’t reset.
- Confirm start sequence: select a cycle, close the door firmly, then press Start once; on some LGs you must close the door within a few seconds of pressing Start, so try both orders (close → Start, and Start → close).
- Check for inadvertent locks/settings: make sure Child Lock is off and Delay Start is 0; power-cycle the machine by unplugging or switching off at the socket for 1 minute, then restore power and retry.
- Eliminate door interference: push both racks fully in, reposition tall items so nothing touches the door, and ensure the detergent cup can open; close the door and listen/feel for two distinct “clicks.”
- Inspect the latch area: with the door open, look at the metal latch strike on the tub and the latch in the door; wipe both with a damp cloth to remove grease/pet hair, and check the strike isn’t loose or bent.
- Level/twist check: if the door doesn’t sit square, the tub can be slightly twisted; gently lift the front of the machine a few millimetres with the adjustable feet to see if the door engages more positively.
- Leak/float condition: make sure there’s no standing water in the base of the tub and the filters are seated flat; if the machine suddenly drains when you press Start, let it finish and then try starting again.
If it still won’t start after these checks, the most likely repair is a new door latch/switch assembly; if the Start button is erratic or other keys misbehave, the control panel/touchpad is next; a stuck leak sensor/float or the main control board are less common. Share your exact model number and I can outline typical part costs and the easiest service path in your area.