My Maytag dishwasher’s lights are flashing and it won’t start—when I press Start nothing happens; what could be wrong? It’s kind of worrying.
Appliance ExpertHi, I’m Mike, your appliance troubleshooting expert. What is the full model number and exactly which lights are flashing (for example, Start/Resume, Normal, Clean, or a row of LEDs)?
Model is MDB8959SKZ; Start flashes, Normal is lit solid, it beeps once when I press Start, and the door seems to close properly.
Appliance ExpertWhen you press Start, are you closing the door within about 4 seconds, and does the latch feel snug with no play?
Yes, I close it right away; the latch feels snug with no play.
Appliance ExpertHas there been any recent power interruption, any water left in the tub, any sign of a leak, or a brief drain-pump hum when you press Start?
No power cuts and the tub’s empty—no hum either; tenants said they opened the door mid‑cycle to add a mug and it never resumed.
Appliance ExpertIs the Control Lock or Delay indicator lit anywhere on the panel, or do any buttons feel stuck when pressed?
No lock or delay lights, buttons feel normal, and the Start light just keeps blinking—definately not starting.
Appliance ExpertThanks, that helps; given the Start light flashing after a mid‑cycle door open, the control is “waiting for door closed” but isn’t seeing that signal, so the most likely causes are:
- A failing or slightly misaligned door latch/door switch assembly (most common on this symptom).
- A problem in the door‑switch harness at the top of the door (wire break where the door flexes).
- A faulty user interface (keypad) not sending a proper Start/Resume signal.
- Less likely, a control board logic fault. Because you don’t hear the drain pump and there’s no leak or “flood” indication, an overfill/float issue is unlikely. Safety note: if you smell burning, see scorch marks on the panel, or the breaker trips, switch off power and have a technician inspect it. If you’d like, I can walk you through some guided checks to narrow it down.
Thanks—roughly how much might it cost and is the latch the most likely part?
Appliance ExpertYes, the door latch/door switch is the top suspect here. Typical UK pricing:
- Door latch/switch assembly: parts £25–£60; labour/call‑out £80–£150 (often a 30–60 minute job).
- User interface (keypad): parts £90–£180; similar labour.
- Main control board: parts £150–£300; similar labour. If it’s your rental, I’d book a tech with Maytag/Whirlpool experience and describe the “Start light flashing after mid‑cycle door open” symptom; they’ll usually arrive prepared with a latch. If you want, I can also help you prep notes or questions for the visit.