A machine that won't start usually has a door-lock, power or control-panel issue — all three are worth checking before booking a repair.
Likely causes, ranked
- Door not fully closed or lock faulty Most likely — The programme will not start unless the lock is detected as closed.
- No power to the machine Likely — Check the socket with another appliance; check the fuse in the plug.
- Child lock active Likely — Many models have a child lock that stops all buttons working — check the manual for the button combination.
- Control board fault Less likely — If power and door are fine but the panel is dead, the board or its wiring is at fault.
First checks
- Confirm the socket works with another appliance.
- Check the plug fuse (13A for UK washing machines).
- Open and firmly reclose the door until it clicks.
- Check the manual for the child-lock button combination and turn it off.
- Unplug for 1 minute, restore power, and try again.
Safety
Unplug before checking the plug fuse. If the machine trips the RCD in the consumer unit, stop and call an electrician — do not reset repeatedly.
Call a professional when…
Call a professional if the machine trips the electrics, or if the panel stays dead with confirmed power and an unlocked door.