Why won’t my dishwasher complete its cycle?

Answered by Antonio Sutton

There can be several reasons why a dishwasher may not complete its cycle. One common issue is a malfunctioning pump or motor. The pump is responsible for circulating water throughout the dishwasher, while the motor powers the pump. If either of these components fails, it can cause the dishwasher to stop mid-cycle.

When the pump or motor malfunctions, you may notice some signs of trouble. First, there might be an increase in noise coming from the dishwasher. The motor may struggle to function properly, resulting in louder than normal sounds. Additionally, you might also observe some leaking from the dishwasher, indicating that there is a problem with the pump or motor.

Another possible cause for the dishwasher to stop mid-cycle is a faulty water inlet valve. The water inlet valve is responsible for allowing water to enter the dishwasher. If this valve fails to open or close properly, it can disrupt the water flow and cause the dishwasher to shut off. In such cases, you might notice a lack of water inside the dishwasher or a failure to fill up with water at the start of the cycle.

Furthermore, a malfunctioning control board or timer can also be the culprit behind a dishwasher not completing its cycle. The control board regulates various functions of the dishwasher, including the duration and sequence of the cycle. If there is a problem with the control board or timer, it can cause the dishwasher to stop unexpectedly. This issue can be more difficult to diagnose as it may require professional assistance to check and replace the faulty component.

Additionally, a clogged or faulty drain hose may also prevent the dishwasher from completing its cycle. If the drain hose is blocked or damaged, it can hinder the proper drainage of water from the dishwasher. As a safety measure, the dishwasher may halt the cycle to prevent any potential flooding or backups. Checking the drain hose for any obstructions or damages and ensuring it is properly connected can help resolve this issue.

In some cases, the problem may not lie within any specific component but rather be due to an overload of dishes or improper loading. Overloading the dishwasher can disrupt the water flow and prevent it from completing the cycle. Similarly, if dishes are not loaded properly, it can interfere with the spray arms and impede their rotation, leading to incomplete cleaning and a potential mid-cycle stop.

To summarize, the most common reasons for a dishwasher to not complete its cycle include a malfunctioning pump or motor, a faulty water inlet valve, a malfunctioning control board or timer, a clogged or damaged drain hose, or an overload or improper loading of dishes. Identifying the specific issue may require troubleshooting or seeking professional assistance.