Why Does My LG Dishwasher Keep Turning Off? Let’s Get to the Bottom of It!

There’s something particularly frustrating about starting a dishwasher cycle, walking away to do something else, and returning to find it turned off mid-wash. It’s as if your dishwasher has decided it’s taking a break, but you didn’t sign up for that. If your LG dishwasher keeps turning off unexpectedly, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and this problem isn’t as mysterious as it might seem. 

After dealing with this myself and diving into some troubleshooting, I can tell you that with a little patience and some hands-on detective work, you can get your dishwasher running like a champ again.

Let’s examine the typical causes of unexpected shutdowns in your LG dishwasher and explore cost-effective solutions.

Common Causes for an LG Dishwasher Turning Off

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here, but I’ve learned that the issue usually comes down to a few possible causes. Let’s take a closer look at what might be happening behind the scenes.

1. Power Supply Issues

When your LG dishwasher suddenly turns off, the first thing to check is whether it’s getting a steady power supply. Think of the dishwasher as a runner in a race—if it doesn’t get the energy it needs, it’s going to collapse halfway through. Power interruptions or a tripped breaker can leave your dishwasher in the dust. 

If your dishwasher is plugged into a surge protector, make sure it hasn’t been overwhelmed by other electronics drawing power. If you’re still not sure, try plugging the dishwasher directly into the wall outlet to rule out any problems with power distribution.

2. Overheating

A dishwasher is like a marathon runner—it works hard, but it has its limits. If it overheats, it might shut itself off as a safety measure. LG dishwashers have built-in thermostats to monitor temperature, and if they detect a temperature spike, the system may power down to prevent any damage. 

This is often the case when the heating element is malfunctioning or when there’s something blocking the proper airflow inside the machine.

3. Faulty Door Latch or Switch

Have you ever had a door that didn’t close properly, and it kept swinging open just a little bit? That’s essentially what might be happening with your dishwasher. If the door latch or door switch is faulty, the dishwasher could think the door isn’t securely closed, which will cause it to shut off mid-cycle. The latch keeps the dishwasher safe, but if it’s not working properly, the system will shut itself off to avoid water damage.

4. Control Board Malfunction

Think of your dishwasher’s control board as the brain of the operation—it tells the dishwasher what to do and when to do it. If the control board gets overwhelmed, damaged, or starts malfunctioning, it can send the wrong signals to the dishwasher’s parts, causing it to turn off unexpectedly. 

This issue might sound a bit intimidating, but with a little testing, you can figure out if the control board is the root cause.

5. Faulty Thermal Fuse

The thermal fuse is like the safety net in your dishwasher—it prevents the appliance from overheating by cutting off the power if the temperature gets too high. If this fuse is faulty, it could cut the power to the dishwasher even when the temperature is within safe limits. This malfunction can lead to an unexpected shutdown of the dishwasher, akin to a malfunctioning failsafe mechanism.

How to Troubleshoot and Fix Your LG Dishwasher

Now that we’ve covered the potential culprits, it’s time to dive into troubleshooting. While some of these issues may require a professional, there are plenty of things you can do on your own to get things running smoothly again.

Step 1: Check the Power Supply

Start with the basics. Make sure your dishwasher is getting power. Check if the plug is securely connected, and inspect the power cord for any visible damage. If the dishwasher is plugged into a surge protector, try bypassing it and plugging the dishwasher directly into the wall outlet. If the breaker of dishwasher has tripped, simply reset it. Sometimes, the smallest thing, like a loose connection, can throw everything off.

Step 2: Inspect the Door Latch and Switch

Next, check the door latch. Open and close the door a few times to make sure it clicks securely into place. If it feels loose or doesn’t latch properly, this might be your problem. If you suspect the door switch is faulty, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If it’s not functioning, you’ll need to replace the switch. It’s a relatively easy fix, and doing it yourself can save you a service call.

Step 3: Examine the Heating Element

The heating element is another key player in why your LG dishwasher might be shutting off unexpectedly. To check it, you’ll need to remove the bottom rack and inspect the element for any visible signs of damage or wear. You can also test the element with a multimeter to see if it’s working properly. If it’s faulty, you’ll need to replace it. 

An overheating issue can be caused by a damaged element that doesn’t regulate the temperature correctly, which forces the dishwasher to shut down for safety reasons.

Step 4: Check the Control Board

This is where things get a bit tricky. If you suspect the control board is the issue, you’ll want to take a closer look at the board itself. Check for any visible damage, burn marks, or areas that look worn. If you have the know-how, you can test the control board with a multimeter to check for continuity and proper operation. 

If you find any issues, replacing the control board can be a bit expensive, but it’s often the only fix for a malfunctioning brain.

Step 5: Test the Thermal Fuse

To test the thermal fuse, first disconnect the dishwasher from the power supply and remove the lower access panel. Once you locate the thermal fuse, use a multimeter to check for continuity. If the fuse is blown, it will need to be replaced. A faulty thermal fuse can cause the dishwasher to shut off mid-cycle, and replacing it should get your dishwasher back to normal.

Why Does My Lg Dishwasher Keep Turning Off Mid-Cycle?

If your LG dishwasher keeps turning off mid-cycle, there could be several reasons behind this issue. One common reason is a faulty door latch, which can cause the dishwasher to stop working if the door isn’t securely closed.

Another possible cause is a problem with the electronic control board, which can lead to power interruptions during the wash cycle.

Additionally, a malfunctioning thermostat or heating element can also cause the dishwasher to shut off unexpectedly. It’s important to troubleshoot these potential issues and possibly consult a professional appliance repair technician to diagnose and fix the problem.

How to Prevent Future Issues with Your LG Dishwasher

Now that you’ve identified and hopefully solved the issue, here are a few tips to keep your dishwasher running smoothly for years to come:

1. Regularly Inspect the Door Latch and Switch

Since the door latch is a common culprit in dishwashers turning off, it’s worth checking it regularly. If the latch feels loose or unsteady, get it fixed before it causes an issue. It’s a simple fix that can save you from bigger headaches later on.

2. Maintain the Heating Element

Keeping your dishwasher’s heating element in good shape is key to preventing overheating issues. Clean the element from time to time to remove any mineral deposits that might cause it to malfunction. If you notice any rust or damage, don’t wait—replace the heating element as soon as possible to avoid bigger problems down the road.

3. Avoid Overloading the Dishwasher

This might seem like a minor issue, but overloading your dishwasher can put unnecessary strain on its components. If the system is constantly working harder than it should, it might trigger an automatic shutdown to prevent damage. Make sure you’re loading your dishwasher according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, and avoid cramming it full of dishes.

4. Don’t Ignore Control Board Issues

If you notice any odd behavior from the control board, don’t wait too long to address it. A malfunctioning control board can cause more problems if left unchecked. Keep an eye out for strange error codes or inconsistent cycles, and get the board inspected as soon as possible.

5. Stay on Top of Maintenance

As with any appliance, regular maintenance is key to keeping things running smoothly. Clean your dishwasher regularly, inspect it for any issues, and take care of any small problems before they turn into bigger ones.

Troubleshooting Table for LG Dishwasher Turning Off

Conclusion

If your LG dishwasher keeps turning off, don’t panic—it’s usually a sign of a manageable issue. Whether it’s a power supply problem, a malfunctioning door latch, or a faulty heating element, there are plenty of ways to troubleshoot and fix the problem on your own. By carefully inspecting the components and staying on top of maintenance, you can extend the life of your dishwasher and keep it running smoothly.

With the right knowledge and a bit of elbow grease, you’ll be back to washing dishes without any interruptions in no time.