Samsung Dishwasher DW80R5060US Not Turning On? Fix It Now!

Have you ever pressed the power button on your Samsung dishwasher DW80R5060US and nothing happened? No lights. No sound. Just silence. I’ve been there, and it can be really frustrating, especially when your sink is full of dirty dishes. The good news is this can usually be fixed without calling for help. In this article, we will walk through how to fix your Samsung dishwasher DW80R5060US when it is not turning on. You’ll learn simple checks and actions that really work, even if you’ve never fixed an appliance before.

Check the Power Source First

When your Samsung dishwasher DW80R5060US does not turn on, the very first thing to look at is the power source. It might sound too simple, but many people overlook this basic step. Dishwashers need a strong and steady electric connection to work properly. If that power is missing, the machine will stay completely silent.

Start by checking the wall outlet where the dishwasher is plugged in. If you can, unplug the dishwasher and plug in something else like a phone charger or lamp. If that other thing works, the outlet is fine. If it doesn’t work, then the outlet is the problem.

In that case, check your home’s circuit breaker. Sometimes, the breaker flips off due to a power surge or overload. Go to your breaker box and see if any switch is in the OFF position. Flip it back to ON if needed.

Also, look at the power cord that goes into the dishwasher. Is it loose or damaged? A frayed or cut cord can stop power from going into the machine. Never touch a damaged wire with your bare hands. If the cord looks bad, it should be replaced right away. You might need an electrician to safely do that.

If your dishwasher is hardwired into the wall instead of being plugged in, you can’t test it the same way. In that case, you should turn off the power at the breaker and have someone check the wiring. Faulty or loose wiring connections behind the wall can also cause the machine not to start.

One more thing to check is the power button on the dishwasher itself. Press it gently and hold for a few seconds. If the machine doesn’t respond, try resetting it by holding the Start or Cancel button (this works on some models).

  • Make sure the dishwasher is plugged into a working outlet
  • Test outlet with another device
  • Check your home circuit breaker
  • Look at the power cord for any damage
  • Inspect hardwired connections (if not using plug)
  • Try pressing and holding the power button

Look at the Door Latch and Switch

Another big reason why the Samsung DW80R5060US may not turn on is the door latch. This dishwasher will not start if it thinks the door is open. Even if it looks closed, the latch might not be fully engaged.

Open and close the dishwasher door a few times. Listen closely for a clicking sound when it shuts. That click means the latch is locking in place. If you don’t hear it, the latch may be broken or out of position.

Sometimes, food debris or soap build-up gets stuck in the latch area. This can stop the door from closing fully. Take a soft cloth and clean around the latch. Use a toothbrush to gently remove anything stuck there. Be careful not to damage the latch.

Behind the latch is a tiny switch. This switch tells the control board when the door is closed. If this switch doesn’t get triggered, the dishwasher won’t start. The switch might be worn out or stuck. You will need to open the inner panel of the door to see this part. If you’re comfortable doing that, you can check if the switch clicks when pressed.

In many cases, if your dishwasher’s control panel won’t light up but everything else seems okay, the latch switch is to blame. You may need to replace the latch assembly. This part is not very expensive and you can find it online.

  • Dishwasher won’t run if it thinks the door is open
  • Listen for a click when the door closes
  • Clean latch area with soft cloth and toothbrush
  • Check if door switch clicks when pressed
  • Replace latch or switch if worn out

Inspect the Control Panel and Display

If your Samsung DW80R5060US has no lights or response when you press buttons, the control panel might be the problem. This panel is the brain of the dishwasher. It sends signals to other parts and helps start the wash cycle.

First, check if the display is totally blank or if some lights flicker. A totally dead display could mean the control board is not getting power. Go back and check the power source again just to be sure. If power is reaching the dishwasher but the panel is still dead, then the panel itself might have failed.

Water and moisture can damage the control panel. If steam has entered the panel over time, it may short out the buttons. Also, if you recently cleaned the panel with too much water or strong chemicals, it might have caused a problem. Try to remember if the issue started right after a deep cleaning.

Sometimes the control lock feature is turned on by accident. This feature stops buttons from working. Look for a small lock icon on the panel. If you see it, hold down the button (usually “Heated Dry” or “Child Lock”) for 3 to 5 seconds to unlock it.

The ribbon cable that connects the control panel to the main board might also be loose or damaged. This will need opening the front panel of the dishwasher. If you’re not sure how to do it safely, a technician can check it for you.

If the control panel is unresponsive and everything else is fine, replacing the panel or control board may be the only option.

  • Check if panel has power or lights at all
  • Moisture or cleaning damage may cause failure
  • Try unlocking the control lock (hold for 3-5 seconds)
  • Ribbon cable could be loose or broken
  • Consider replacing the panel if unresponsive

Test the Thermal Fuse and Main Board

Your Samsung dishwasher DW80R5060US has a small part called a thermal fuse. This is a safety part that cuts power to stop the dishwasher from overheating or catching fire. If this fuse is blown, your dishwasher won’t turn on at all.

To check the thermal fuse, you’ll need to open the door panel. The fuse is usually near the control board. You can use a multimeter to test it. If it shows no connection (open circuit), then the fuse is blown and needs replacing. It’s a small part but very important. You can find replacement fuses online or at appliance stores.

The main control board is another possible issue. This board controls everything in your dishwasher. If the board is damaged or shorted, it won’t let the machine turn on. Control boards can fail over time due to power surges or moisture damage. Sometimes a burnt smell or black mark near the board is a sign it has gone bad.

You should only check the main board if you are comfortable opening your appliance. Turn off all power before you open anything. If the board looks damaged or burnt, you may need to replace it.

  • Thermal fuse cuts power when overheating
  • If fuse is blown, dishwasher won’t turn on
  • Test thermal fuse with a multimeter
  • Main control board can fail from power surge or age
  • Check for burnt smell or marks on board

Try a Hard Reset or Diagnostic Mode

Sometimes, your dishwasher just needs a fresh start. Doing a hard reset can help the system restart if it is stuck. This is like restarting a computer.

To do a hard reset, turn off the power to the dishwasher at the breaker. Wait for at least 5 minutes. Then turn the power back on. Try pressing the power button again and see if it lights up.

You can also try entering diagnostic mode. This is a built-in test mode that helps you find out if anything is wrong inside. To start it, press and hold certain buttons together (usually “Start” and “Hi Temp”) for a few seconds. The display should light up and show test codes. You can find the correct button combination in your user manual.

In diagnostic mode, the machine will test each part one by one. It may show error codes if something is wrong. Write down the error codes and look them up in the manual or online. This will give you clues about what needs fixing.

  • Hard reset can fix a stuck system
  • Turn off power at breaker for 5 minutes
  • Try pressing and holding buttons for diagnostic mode
  • Diagnostic mode shows test results and error codes
  • Helps find the part that is not working

When to Call for Professional Help

If you have tried everything above and your Samsung DW80R5060US still won’t turn on, it may be time to get help from a professional. Some problems are deeper and need expert tools to fix.

You should call for service if the main control board is damaged and you are not comfortable replacing it. Also, if the wiring inside the machine is bad or melted, it can be dangerous to fix on your own. A trained technician can safely open the machine and test each part.

Calling a repair service might cost some money, but it saves you from the risk of making the problem worse. Always choose a service that is trained for Samsung appliances.

If your dishwasher is still under warranty, contact Samsung support. They may fix it for free. You can check your warranty status by visiting their website or calling their customer care.

  • Main board or wiring problems may need expert
  • Risk of electric shock if working inside machine
  • Call Samsung support if under warranty
  • Trained techs have special tools to test parts
  • Don’t try to fix it if not sure how

Final Thoughts

Having your Samsung dishwasher DW80R5060US not turning on can be very frustrating. But the good thing is, many of the reasons are easy to check and fix. Always begin with the power supply and move step-by-step through the other parts. With patience and care, you can often get your dishwasher working again without spending a lot of money. If nothing works, calling a professional is the safest way to go.

What to CheckWhat to Do
Power SourceCheck outlet, breaker, power cord
Door LatchListen for click, clean latch, check switch
Control PanelCheck lights, try unlocking, inspect cable
Thermal FuseTest with multimeter, replace if blown
Main BoardLook for damage, smell, test board
ResetDo hard reset or enter diagnostic mode

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to open the dishwasher to check inside?

Yes, it is safe if you first turn off the power from the breaker. Always unplug or switch off the dishwasher before opening any panels. Never touch wires unless you are sure the power is off. If you are not sure, it’s best to ask a professional for help. Safety should always come first when working with electric parts.

Can a blown fuse stop the dishwasher from turning on?

Yes, the thermal fuse inside your dishwasher can stop it from turning on if it is blown. The fuse is a safety part that cuts power when the dishwasher overheats. If this fuse goes bad, no power will reach the control board, and the dishwasher will stay dead. Replacing the fuse is usually easy and not too expensive.

Do I need special tools to fix the dishwasher?

You do not need very special tools to check most parts. A screwdriver, flashlight, and a multimeter can help you test and open many parts. For testing the fuse or the control board, a multimeter is helpful. If you don’t have one, you can get it at a hardware store. But if the problem is deep, a technician may have tools you don’t have.

Is it possible the dishwasher has a child lock on?

Yes, many Samsung dishwashers have a child lock or control lock feature. If this is turned on, it will stop the buttons from working. Look at the panel for a lock symbol. To turn off the lock, press and hold the right button (often ‘Heated Dry’ or ‘Child Lock’) for 3 to 5 seconds. The lights should change, and it should work again.

Can water damage cause the panel to stop working?

Yes, water and steam can damage the control panel. If moisture gets inside, it can short the buttons or wires. This may happen after heavy use or cleaning. Always use a dry cloth to clean the panel. If you think water damage happened, the panel may need to be replaced. Try drying it out, but don’t use heat or hair dryers.

Do I need to call a technician to reset the dishwasher?

No, you can try resetting the dishwasher yourself. Turn off the power at the breaker, wait for 5 minutes, and turn it back on. This gives the system a fresh start. You can also try holding two buttons (like ‘Start’ and ‘Hi Temp’) to start a test mode. If the machine still doesn’t turn on, then you can think about calling a technician.

Can a loose wire stop the dishwasher from turning on?

Yes, a loose or disconnected wire can stop the machine from getting power. This can happen at the power cord, inside the control panel, or at the main board. If a wire is not making full contact, the whole system might stay dead. Checking wires should be done carefully and only when power is turned off.

Is it worth repairing or just replacing the dishwasher?

It depends on the age of the dishwasher and the cost of repair. If it is under 5 years old, repairing it is often the better choice. Replacing a small part like a fuse or latch is cheaper than buying a new machine. But if the repair is costly and the machine is older than 10 years, you might consider a new one.