Why won't my Samsung dishwasher start or fill with water?

Learn how to troubleshoot Samsung dishwasher issues like failure to start or fill with water due to Child Lock, Delay Start, door latch problems, or electrical faults.

If your Samsung dishwasher isn't starting or filling with water, it could be due to Child Lock activation, Delay Start settings, door latch issues, or electrical problems. Follow these steps to resolve the issue quickly.

1. Why won't my Samsung dishwasher start or fill with water?

Your Samsung dishwasher may not start or fill with water for several reasons. Here are some common causes:

- Child Lock is activated: The Child Lock feature prevents accidental changes to settings. When active, the dishwasher won't start.

- Delay Start is enabled: If Delay Start is selected, the dishwasher will wait until the set time before starting.

- Door or latch issues: A damaged door or latch may prevent the dishwasher from closing properly, stopping it from starting.

- Electrical problems: A tripped circuit breaker or power supply issue can stop the dishwasher from functioning.

2. How to troubleshoot a Samsung dishwasher that won't start or fill with water

1. Check the door and latch: Inspect the door and latch for damage. A damaged door or latch may prevent the dishwasher from closing, stopping it from starting.
2. Deactivate Child Lock: If the buttons are unresponsive, the Child Lock may be active. Look for a padlock icon on the display. Press and hold the Heated Dry, Sanitize, or Child Lock button for 3 seconds to toggle it off.
3. Disable Delay Start: If Delay Start is selected, the dishwasher will wait until the set time before starting. Press the Delay Start button to cancel it.
4. Check for error codes: Error codes may indicate a problem preventing the dishwasher from starting. Refer to the error code guide for troubleshooting steps.
5. Press the Start button: Quickly press the Start button instead of holding it. Holding the Start button for more than 3 seconds cancels the cycle, causing the dishwasher to drain.
6. Reset the circuit breaker: Visit the circuit breaker in your home and reset the circuit dedicated to your dishwasher. After restoring power, try running another cycle.

3. Additional things to check

If the above steps don't resolve the issue, consider these additional checks:

- Water supply valve: Ensure the water supply valve is fully open and not blocked.

- Filter and spray arms: Clean the filter and spray arms to ensure proper water flow.

- Drain hose: Check the drain hose for clogs or kinks that may prevent water from entering.

4. Supported Samsung dishwasher models

This troubleshooting guide applies to most Samsung dishwasher models, including the DW50R, DW80K, DW60A, and DW80B series. For specific model details, refer to your user manual.

5. Related Samsung support topics

- How to clean the filter in a Samsung dishwasher

- How to reset a Samsung dishwasher

- How to interpret error codes on a Samsung dishwasher