Dishwasher not starting

Dishwasher Repair
1

Brand:Maytag
Model Number:MDB6601AWB
Main Symptom:It just started this last week it wouldnt start so i held the start button for about 30 seconds and it started and that worked several times but not its not starting it. There is no lock button lite up. i have always just pressed heavy duty then start and it worked but now all lights go off after about 40 seconds
What happens & when:

Error Code (if any):
Parts or tests already tried:
Photos / video link:

2

Based on your description, this sounds more like a control or power issue than a door latch problem.

For your Maytag MDB6601AWB:

  • The dishwasher used to start only after holding the Start button for 30 seconds, which suggests the control panel was having trouble registering the button press.

  • Now it won’t start at all.

  • After about 40 seconds, all the lights turn off, indicating the control is timing out and going to sleep without beginning a cycle.

  • Since the Control Lock light is not on, it’s unlikely the controls are locked.

Most likely causes (in order)

  1. Failing touchpad/control panel (most common)

    • The Start button often wears out before the others.

    • Needing to hold the button longer and longer is a classic symptom.

    • Eventually the control no longer detects the Start command.

  2. Electronic control board

    • If the control isn’t properly reading the keypad, the board itself could be failing.

    • Less common than the keypad, but still possible.

  3. Door latch/switch

    • If the door switch isn’t closing, the dishwasher won’t start.

    • However, this usually doesn’t explain why holding the Start button temporarily worked.

A few quick checks

  • Does the Heavy Duty light stay on after you select it?

  • When you press Start, do you hear any beep or click?

  • Close the door firmly and push inward on it while pressing Start.

  • Flip the breaker off for 5 minutes, then restore power and try again.

I have one important question:

When the lights go off after 40 seconds:

  • Can you press Heavy Duty again and the lights come back on immediately?

  • Or is the dishwasher completely dead until you cycle power at the breaker?

That answer will help determine whether you’re dealing with a failing keypad or a loss of power to the control.

3

I dont hear a click when i press start. When i press heavy duty the lights come on and then go off after about 40 seconds then i can push heavy duty again and it lights up again and i can repeat and it do the same

4

MDB6601AWB – It does sound more like a control board issue. Since every button responds when you press it, the keypad/touchpad is probably communicating with the control. Before replacing the board, it’s worth trying to enter the dishwasher’s Service Diagnostics cycle.

Here’s the procedure:

  1. Make sure the dishwasher is in Standby (door latched, no cycle running).

  2. Within about 8 seconds, press the following sequence:

Heated Dry → Normal → Heated Dry → Normal

(Some versions use Hi Temp Wash instead of Normal, but on the MDB6601AWB the Heated Dry/Normal sequence is the most common.)

  1. If entered successfully:

    • All of the LEDs should illuminate briefly.

    • The dishwasher will begin the automatic diagnostic cycle, which takes approximately 20–25 minutes.

    • Let it complete unless it stops and indicates a fault.

Please let me know:

  • Does it enter diagnostics?

  • If not, what exactly happens when you enter the button sequence? (Do any lights flash, does it beep, or does nothing happen?)

If it won’t enter diagnostics even though all of the keys respond, that would further point toward a failing electronic control board rather than the touchpad.

I would also check all connections make sure nothing is loose

Please send your email so I can send you the technical manual for reference

Dish2.pdf (6.4 MB)

Dish1.pdf (4.8 MB)

parts because it was too big to send as 1