When your Jenn Air dishwasher refuses to start, don’t panic! You’re just a few troubleshooting steps away from getting it up and running again. First, verify the control lock isn’t activated, and the door is properly closed and latched. Also, double-check that the water supply is turned on and the power source is connected correctly. If these basics are covered, you’re ready to plunge deeper into more specific issues and potential solutions – and we’re about to investigate them together.

Contents
- Common Reasons for Jenn-Air Dishwasher Not Starting
- Dishwasher Control Lock and Sleep Mode
- Delay Wash Option and Cycle Power Reset
- Door Closure and Latching Issues
- Power Supply and Water Connection Checks
- Resetting the Dishwasher Control Panel
- Additional Resources and Troubleshooting Guidance
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Common Reasons for Jenn-Air Dishwasher Not Starting
Many Jenn-Air dishwasher owners have experienced the frustration of their appliance refusing to start.
Check if the control lock is activated – disable it by pressing START/RESUME or CANCEL, or by opening and closing the door.
Confirm the door is completely closed and latched, as a misinstalled lower dish rack can prevent it from latching properly.
Also, verify the water supply is turned on and the power source is connected properly.
If none of these solutions work, try resetting the dishwasher control panel by disconnecting it from power for one minute.
Additionally, cancel any delay wash options by pressing CANCEL/DRAIN and then START/RESUME to start the cycle.
Dishwasher Control Lock and Sleep Mode
Your Jenn-Air dishwasher’s control lock and sleep mode features are designed to improve convenience and energy efficiency. The control lock prevents accidental changes to the dishwasher settings, while sleep mode reduces energy consumption when the dishwasher is not in use. To activate or deactivate these features, press and hold the “Lock” button on the dishwasher control panel until the light above it turns on or off.
| Feature | Action |
|---|---|
| Control Lock | Press and hold “Lock” button until light turns on/off |
| Sleep Mode | Guarantee door is completely closed, dishwasher will enter sleep mode automatically |
| Reset Control | Turn Off the Delay, then press “Start” to reset the dishwasher control |
Delay Wash Option and Cycle Power Reset
You can use the Delay Wash Option to schedule your dishwasher to run at a later time or during off-peak electrical hours.
However, if you’re experiencing issues with this feature, you may need to reset the control panel, also known as a Cycle Power Reset.
To do this, simply unplug the unit for one minute and then plug it back in, or switch the breaker off and then back on, which can resolve problems with the control panel and the Delay Wash Option.
Delay Wash Option
The Delay Wash Option allows you to schedule your dishwasher to run at a later time or during off-peak electrical hours, saving you energy and money on utility bills.
When using the delay wash option, keep in mind:
- The dishwasher won’t run until the delay time is reached.
- Pressing CANCEL/DRAIN cancels the delay, and pressing START/RESUME starts the cycle.
- Verify the door is completely closed and the power supply is stable for the delay wash option to work.
- Check if the delay wash option is selected, as it can prevent the dishwasher from operating immediately.
Remember to cancel the delay wash option if you need to start the cycle immediately.
Cycle Power Reset Steps
To guarantee your Jenn Air dishwasher operates efficiently, it’s vital to understand the Cycle Power Reset Steps.
This troubleshooting method involves disconnecting the dishwasher from its power source for one minute to reset the control panel.
You can do this by unplugging the unit for one minute and then plugging it back in, or by turning the breaker off at the home electrical panel for one minute and then turning it back on.
This reset can resolve issues like the dishwasher not starting or operating, and should be done before seeking additional assistance.
Resetting the Control Panel
Resetting the control panel on your Jenn Air dishwasher is a straightforward process that can resolve issues with the delay wash option and cycle power.
This process can sometimes solve problems with the control panel, and it’s a recommended troubleshooting step before calling for service.
To reset the control panel, follow these steps:
- Unplug the unit from the power source or turn the breaker off at the home electrical panel.
- Wait for one minute and then turn the breaker back or plug the unit back into the power source.
- The control panel will now reset, allowing you to use the delay wash option and cycle power without issues.
- Test the dishwasher to verify the problem is resolved.
Door Closure and Latching Issues
Since your Jenn Air dishwasher won’t start or operate, verify you’ve checked the door closure and latching mechanism.
Guarantee the door is completely closed and latched, as a misinstalled lower dish rack can prevent proper closure. Check if the door is obstructed or if the latch is functioning correctly.
Test the latch by opening and closing the door. If faulty, replace it with a new one specific to your model number.
Consult your user manual for mode-specific instructions if your dishwasher is in a locked mode. A properly closed and latched door is vital for the dishwasher to start and operate efficiently.
Power Supply and Water Connection Checks
Your Jenn Air dishwasher relies on a stable power supply and uninterrupted water connection to function properly.
To troubleshoot issues, check the following:
- Guarantee the dishwasher is plugged into an outlet that provides a reliable power source for one minute and then turn it off.
- Verify the water supply valve is completely closed and latched to prevent leaks.
- Check the control board, which powers the dishwasher, for any signs of damage or malfunction.
- Certify the dishwasher is wired to the power source correctly and the cord is securely plugged in.
Resetting the Dishwasher Control Panel
The dishwasher control panel relies on a complex system of electronics and programming to operate effectively.
If it malfunctions, you’ll need to reset it. To do so, press and hold the “CANCEL” button until the display clears. Then, press the “START/RESUME” button to reactivate the dishwasher control.
If your dishwasher is in Sleep Mode, simply open the door to wake it up. Be aware that some models have a delay time before they can be reset.
If you’re still experiencing issues, try unplugging the dishwasher from the power source, waiting a minute, and then plugging it back in to perform a hard reset.
Additional Resources and Troubleshooting Guidance
When troubleshooting your Jenn Air dishwasher, it’s essential to have access to reliable resources that can guide you through the process.
In addition to the troubleshooting guide, you can refer to the following resources for further assistance:
- User manuals: A comprehensive guide to understanding your dishwasher’s features and operations.
- Product literature: Detailed information on specific models, including technical specifications and maintenance tips.
- Online support: Access to FAQs, tutorials, and troubleshooting guides specific to your Jenn Air dishwasher model.
- Sears Home Services: For complex issues, schedule a repair with a certified technician for expert diagnosis and repair.
These resources will help you troubleshoot and resolve common issues, such as control panel problems, Sleep Mode, door latch issues, and delay wash options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Reset Button in Jenn-Air Dishwasher?
You won’t find a dedicated reset button on your Jenn-Air dishwasher, but don’t worry! You can reset the control panel by disconnecting it from power for one minute, which can resolve issues like faulty sensors or electrical problems.
How Do I Reset My Dishwasher Control Board?
You’re about to rescue your dishwasher from the abyss of faulty boards, electrical surges, motherboard issues, faulty sensors, bad capacitors, power outages, software glitches, and circuit failures! Simply unplug it for a minute, then plug it back in to reset the control board and get it humming again!
What Is the Life Expectancy of a Jenn-Air Dishwasher?
You can expect your Jenn-Air dishwasher to last around 10-13 years on average, but with proper maintenance, it can reach up to 15 years; regular cleaning, replacing worn parts, and a solid maintenance routine guarantee peak performance and brand reliability.
How Do I Reset My Jenn-Air Control Panel?
To reset your faulty display, touchscreen issues, or panel freezing, disconnect the power source for one minute to clear error messages, unresponsive buttons, and faulty sensors caused by electrical surges or power outages, then reconnect to reboot.
Conclusion
You’ve worked through the troubleshooting steps, and your Jenn Air dishwasher should be up and running. If not, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Did you know that the average American uses their dishwasher around 250 times a year? That’s a lot of dirty dishes! By following these steps, you’ve taken a significant step towards resolving the issue. If you’re still stuck, refer to your user manual or contact a professional for further assistance.