Washing machine won’t turn on or start: causes and safe checks

Check carefully

Quick answer

If a washing machine is completely dead, test the socket with a lamp, avoid extension leads, and unplug the machine for a while before trying again. If it has power but won’t start a programme, check the door is fully shut, the child lock is off, and whether an error code is showing.

Also covers: washing machine not starting · washing machine no power · washing machine won’t start programme.

Likely causes

What you can safely check yourself

Stop and call a qualified engineer if:
  • Another appliance doesn’t work in the same socket, or the plug or socket is hot, scorched or crackling. Stop and call a registered electrician.
  • You smell burning, see smoke or scorch marks, or the appliance trips your electrics. Stop using it, and switch it off at the wall only if it is safe to reach. Otherwise switch off at the consumer unit.
  • The code or problem comes back after you’ve done the safe checks on this page.
  • The appliance is still under warranty. Contact the manufacturer first, because DIY work can affect your cover.

Work through these in order. Stop as soon as one of the signs above applies.

Check the socket and power supply

  1. Only do this if the plug and socket look and feel normal, are dry, and nothing has tripped. If the socket is hot, scorched or crackling, don’t touch it: switch off at the consumer unit and call a registered electrician.
  2. Unplug the appliance and plug a small appliance you know works, such as a lamp, into the same socket.
  3. If the lamp doesn’t work either, the problem is the socket or the household supply. Call a registered electrician.
  4. Plug large appliances straight into a wall socket, never into an extension lead.

Don’t keep resetting a consumer unit switch that trips again. That is a stop sign, not a fix.

Switch off at the wall and let it rest

  1. If the display shows a code, write it down first.
  2. Switch the appliance off and turn it off at the wall socket.
  3. Leave it off for the time your manual or the manufacturer suggests (see the note below if there is one), then switch on and try again.

For this fault: AEG suggests leaving a washing machine that won’t power up unplugged for 15 minutes before trying again.

Don’t repeat this over and over if the code keeps returning. That means there is a fault to diagnose.

Close the door properly and check for trapped laundry

  1. Open the door and look around the rubber seal for socks or other items caught between the seal and the glass.
  2. Take a few items out if the drum is packed tight. An overloaded drum can stop the door closing.
  3. Push the door firmly shut until you hear a click, then start the programme again.

Don’t force the door or the handle.

Check the child lock isn’t on

  1. Look for a padlock or key symbol, or a message such as CL, on the display.
  2. Turn the lock off by pressing and holding the marked button (or two marked buttons together) for about 3 to 5 seconds. Your manual shows which buttons your model uses.
  3. Some models have a mechanical child lock on the door instead. Your manual explains how to release it.

Showing an error code?

These codes are related to this problem. Codes differ by brand, so pick yours:

Related problems

Questions people ask

I press Start and nothing happens. Why?

On Bosch machines, Start needs a press of about 1 to 2 seconds. A brief tap isn’t enough, and holding it too long gives a double beep and no start.

Brand guides: AEG, Bosch, Hotpoint, Indesit, LG, Samsung, Zanussi. More washing machine problems and codes, or use the fault finder.

Sources

Last checked against these sources: .

We write every page in our own words from manufacturer guidance and check it against the sources above. If your manual says something different, follow your manual. How we check.