Samsung Dishwasher Won't Turn On

Quick Answer

A completely dead Samsung dishwasher is almost always a power supply issue: tripped breaker, failed outlet, or a blown thermal fuse inside the machine. Control lock (CL) can mimic a dead machine since all buttons are disabled.

When a Samsung dishwasher won't turn on, check the circuit breaker and outlet first before suspecting internal parts. Samsung-specific: the control lock (CL) feature locks all buttons including Power on some models - check if CL is displayed or if the display is dimly lit rather than completely off. Door latch failure is the second most common cause.

SamsungDishwasherSeverity: moderate82% DIY Success

Time to Fix

5–45 min

Difficulty

beginner

Parts Cost

$8 – $35

Tools Needed

Multimeter, Phillips screwdriver

What Does the WONT-TURN-ON Code Mean?

Most Likely Causes

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

Circuit breaker tripped40%

Control lock (CL) active - all buttons including Power are disabled24%

Door latch not fully engaging - machine thinks door is open14%

Control panel wiring harness loose or failed12%

Thermal fuse blown inside machine10%

Symptoms You May Notice

Pressing Power produces no response whatsoever
Display is completely blank with door closed
All buttons unresponsive including Power and Cancel
Machine was working yesterday, dead today with no error code

Can you reset a Samsung dishwasher to clear the WONT-TURN-ON code?

If the machine was completely dead due to a tripped breaker or GFCI, resetting those external items is the only step needed. If CL was the cause, hold the unlock button combination for 3 seconds.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

MultimeterPhillips screwdriver

Diagnostic Checklist

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

Go to the home electrical panel

Go to the home electrical panel. Find the dishwasher breaker. If it is in the middle (tripped) position, push it fully off and then back on.

Check if display shows CL or if any indicator light is faintly visible

Open and firmly close the dishwasher door

Plug a small appliance into the same outlet the dishwasher uses

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
Thermal FuseDD47-00006A · $8–$15	DD47-00006A	$8 – $15
Door Latch AssemblyDD81-02028A · $20–$35	DD81-02028A	$20 – $35

Verify part fitment for your Samsung model

Repair vs. Replace Calculator

Appliance Age (Years)7 Yrs

Labor Approach

Our Verdict

REPAIR

Estimated Cost: $22 (Parts) vs $725 (New Machine)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why would a Samsung dishwasher suddenly stop turning on?

The most common sudden no-power cause is a tripped breaker or a GFCI outlet that tripped. Control lock is the next most likely, followed by a door latch failure. Internal thermal fuse failure is less common but happens on older machines.

How do I know if my Samsung dishwasher control lock is on?

Look for CL on the display or a lock icon illuminated on the panel. On some models, the display may appear completely off when CL is active. Try holding Sanitize + Hi-Temp for 3 seconds to see if the machine responds.

Can a bad door latch prevent a Samsung dishwasher from turning on?

Yes. The door latch switch signals the control board that the door is safely closed. If the latch switch is broken, the board will not allow the machine to power on or start a cycle, as a safety measure.

Related Samsung Dishwasher Error Codes

Code: RESETHow to Reset a Samsung Dishwasher Code: UNLOCKHow to Unlock a Samsung Dishwasher Code: WONT-STARTSamsung Dishwasher Won't Start

Same Fix Works on These Brands

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

Samsung washerSamsung Washer 3C2 Error Code: Motor Stall Samsung washerSamsung Washer 3E Error Code: Motor Fault Samsung washerSamsung Washer 4C Error Code: No Water Supply Samsung washerSamsung Washer 4E Error Code: Water Supply Fault (Top Load)Samsung washerSamsung Washer 5C Error Code: Drain Error (Older Display)Samsung washerSamsung Washer 8C Error Code: Vibration Sensor Fault

Models Known to Experience WONT-TURN-ON Errors

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

DW80R9950US, DW80R2031US, DW80T5040US, DW80K5050US, DW80N6070US, DW80M9550US

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026