Whirlpool dishwasher start button not working

Dishwasher Repair
1

Brand:Whirlpool
Model Number:WDT730HAMZ1
Main Symptom:start button not working
What happens & when:everything lights up but unit won’t start when button pushed

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

2

On your Whirlpool dishwasher WDT730HAMZ1, if all the control panel lights come on but pressing Start doesn’t begin a cycle, I’d check the door latch, control lock, and Start button before replacing any parts.

Here’s how I’d narrow it down.

1. Check the Control Lock

  • Look for a lock indicator on the display.
  • If it’s on, press and hold the button marked for Control Lock for approximately 3 seconds.
  • Try starting a Normal cycle again.

2. Check the Door Latch

The dishwasher won’t start unless the control recognizes that the door is closed.

  • Open the door and inspect the latch for damage or obstructions.
  • Select Normal, press Start, and close the door firmly within 4 seconds.
  • Listen for the latch to click.

If the dishwasher doesn’t recognize the closed door, it may have a faulty latch switch or wiring connection.

3. Reset the Control

Sometimes the electronic control becomes unresponsive.

  1. Turn off power at the breaker for 5 minutes.
  2. Restore power.
  3. Select Normal, press Start, and close the door within 4 seconds.

If nothing happens, we need to determine whether the Start button is being recognized.

4. Check the Start Button

If the other buttons respond normally but Start doesn’t, the problem could be with the user interface or its connection to the main control board.

Before replacing either board, I’d like to confirm a few things.

Three quick questions

  1. When you press Start, does its light come on, flash, or do absolutely nothing?
  2. Do the other buttons work normally? For example, can you select Normal, Heavy, or Quick Wash?
  3. When you press Cancel/Drain, does the dishwasher respond or run the drain pump?

Those three answers will help us determine whether we’re dealing with a door latch problem, a faulty Start button/user interface, or the main control board.