Bosch Dishwasher Won't Start? Try These 9 Fixes

Quick Answer

A Bosch dishwasher that will not start despite having power is usually caused by one of three simple things: the door is not fully latched, child lock is active, or a delayed start was accidentally set. These three causes account for the majority of won't-start calls to Bosch support. Check them first before looking at control board or door switch failures. If the display shows an error code, start with that code's dedicated guide.

BoschDishwasherSeverity: low

Time to Fix

5–60 min

Difficulty

beginner

Parts Cost

$25 – $55

Tools Needed

None for basic checks, Multimeter if testing door switch

Wrong code?

Not seeing SYMPTOM on your display?

Select what your appliance is actually doing and we'll take you to the right guide.

no power, completely dead display

SYMPTOM

clearing error codes and restarting

RESET

indicator lights flashing without starting

SYMPTOM

no cycle initiation

GeNOSTART

What Does the SYMPTOM Code Mean?

A won't-start Bosch is different from a completely dead dishwasher (which is covered in the Won't Turn On guide). This guide assumes the display and control panel are lit and responding, but pressing Start does not initiate a wash cycle. Bosch's Start button sends a cycle initiation signal, but the control board requires confirmation from the door latch switch before it will open the water valve. Any interruption in that chain prevents the cycle from starting.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Door latch not fully engaging (most common)40%

Child lock (CL) activated24%

Delayed start accidentally programmed14%

Error code active preventing cycle initiation12%

Water supply valve closed10%

Symptoms You May Notice

Pressing Start button has no response
Display shows CL or child lock indicator
Display shows a time countdown instead of starting
Start button light blinks but cycle does not begin
Door appears closed but panel shows door open warning

Can you reset a Bosch dishwasher to clear the SYMPTOM code?

Hold Start/Reset for 3-5 seconds to clear any active cycle or error state. Then confirm door latch and water supply before pressing Start.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

None for basic checksMultimeter if testing door switch

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

Check child lock and delay start first

Look at the display for CL (child lock) indicator. If CL is showing, hold the child lock button for 3-5 seconds until it turns off. Also check if the display shows a countdown time (like 3H or 4H) indicating a delayed start - press Cancel to clear the delay.

Open and firmly re-close the door

Check the water supply valve

Test for active error codes

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name	OEM Number	Estimated Price
Door Latch Assembly00751978 · $25–$55	00751978	$25 – $55

Verify part fitment for your Bosch model

Repair vs. Replace Calculator

Appliance Age (Years)7 Yrs

Labor Approach

Our Verdict

REPAIR

Estimated Cost: $40 (Parts) vs $650 (New Machine)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I turn off child lock on a Bosch dishwasher?

Press and hold the child lock button (usually labeled with a key or lock icon) for 3-5 seconds until the CL indicator on the display turns off. The exact button varies by model - on some Bosch units it is a dedicated button, on others it is a secondary function accessed by holding a cycle button. Check your model's control panel label for the icon or consult your manual.

My Bosch dishwasher door closes but it still won't start

If the door appears latched but the dishwasher will not start, the door switch inside the latch assembly may have failed. The latch can click into position mechanically while the electrical switch inside has failed to close. To test, open the door and press the latch plunger manually while pressing Start - if the cycle begins, the door switch needs replacement. The part costs $25-$55.

The power light is on but nothing happens when I press Start

Power to the display and Start not working typically point to child lock (check for CL on display), an active error code blocking new cycles (hold Start/Reset 5 seconds to clear and drain), or a faulty Start button. On Bosch control panels, individual button failures are rare but do occur. If all other causes are ruled out, a technician can test the control panel membrane.

Bosch dishwasher won't start after a power outage

Power outages sometimes leave the control board in a confused state. Turn the circuit breaker off for 60 seconds, then back on. This performs a hard reset of the board. If a delayed start was programmed before the outage, the board may have stored it - check the display for a countdown and press Cancel if present.

The Start button light blinks but the cycle never begins

A blinking Start button that never transitions into a cycle is the machine's signal that it received the start command but cannot complete the initiation requirements. The two most common blockers are: door not confirmed as closed by the door switch, or an existing error code that must be resolved first. Hold Start/Reset for 5 seconds, let the unit drain, then carefully close the door and restart.

Related Bosch Dishwasher Error Codes

Code: SYMPTOMBosch Dishwasher Won't Turn On: Dead Display Fix Code: RESETHow to Reset a Bosch Dishwasher Code: SYMPTOMBosch Dishwasher Lights Flashing? What Each Pattern Means

Same Fix on Other Brands

Ge dishwasherNOSTART: GE Dishwasher Won't Start Fix

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Bosch shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

Bosch dishwasherBosch Dishwasher E15: Fix the Anti-Flood Alert Fast Bosch dishwasherBosch Dishwasher Error Codes: Complete List + Fixes Bosch dishwasherHow to Reset a Bosch Dishwasher (Every Method)Bosch dishwasherBosch E24 Error: Drain Problem Solved Step by Step Bosch dishwasherBosch E25 Code: Drain Pump Fix Without a Technician Bosch dishwasherBosch Dishwasher Not Draining: Every Cause Covered

Models Known to Experience SYMPTOM Errors

This repair applies to most Bosch dishwashers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

SHPM88Z75N, SHPM88Z55N, SHPK7ZL55N, SHE3AR75UC, SHEM63W55N, SHPM65Z55N, SHE3AR72UC, SHDF78Z55N, SHEM78ZH5N, SHPM98Z75N

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026