Whirlpool Gold model GU1200 will not start wash cycle

if the bottom tub is filling with water but not washing the issues is with the wash motor, some of this model use a start capacitor that can fail, if it has a capacitor on the side of the motor it may have failed but are difficult to diagnose but are cheap to replace so worth trying, if this doesn't help or if it doesn't have a capacitor then the fault is with the wash motor.

First, are you sure that the machine is not filling?
I go on calls all the time for this problem and it turns out than the machine fills but the wash motor does not run.This leaves soap in the bottom of the DW so it looks like it did not fill with water. This is a common problem in dishwashers that have not been run for a few months, and is quite common after a remodel. If it IS getting water, the motor is probably stuck. If it is Not getting water the first step is to locate the "over fill" float inside the dishwasher. This will be a round sort of mushroom looking thing on the floor of the machine near the door on the right or left. Make sure it moves freely up and down. It will only move about 1/4 inch but If it is stuck up, the machine will not fill. If float is O.K. then check the water source. Turn of water to DW. Remove the kickplate under DW door and disconnect the waterline from fill valve (should be on front left side of unit). Run waterline into bucket then turn on the water. If you don't get water call your plumber. If you get water then you need to check the fill valve. Connect a volt meter to the 2 wires on the fill valve. Start DW. First the diswasher should start draining, then it will start filling. At this point (a few minutes into the cycle) you should see 120v AC at the fill valve. If you do see 120v Ac, replace the valve. If you don't , then turn off the machine and check the float switch. This is located under the DW right under the mushroom thingy. The switch should have continuity when the DW is empty. If there is no continuity then replace the switch.

Make sure your water is hot, at least 120deg f. Also, use least amount of soap you can get away with. Usually around 2 tablespoons for soft water. Use powdered soap not gel. Gel leaves a tiny residue each load and will clog up plumbing in dw after 4,5,or 6 years. Rinse agent such as Jet Dry is highly recommended.

Try the "Tang" trick. Orange Tang drink mix is mildly acidic. With an empty dishwasher, start and fill, then normal drain. On second fill, add a full jar of Tang then let the dishwasher run for a few minutes. Crack the door to stop the dishwasher and let it sit for several hours or overnight. Then close the door, push start and let the dw run through the remaining cycle. This will sometimes clean out the crud in the water lines.

Hope this helps! Ken

Sounds like glass fragments against the pump impeller. This may jam the impeller and reduce water pump volume giving poor wash performance and possible inability to evacuate the wash tub. It will not go away and may cause the impeller to fail. Remove screens and get the glass out. Do not poke around with your fingers unless you like cuts.

Does this model have a rotary control? If it does switch the unit off at the mains and move the controller to the end position and then switch back on. If the pump is working it should then start the pump to drain the machine.

If it doesn't have a rotary control just switch off and leave for a few minutes. When you switch back on it should then pump the water out.

If the pump isn't working you should be able to open the door with the power off. Dishwashers don't fill up with water so water won't leak out. Clean the filters and look for something blocking the outlet.

Ok there are several problems this can be caused from...
1. there is usually a float device (I'm not sure about this model) that floats up and turns the water flow off when an appropriate amount of water is injected into the DW...sometimes these get gummed up with soap and gunk...look in the DW and see if such a device is present (usually front right side) if so you should be able to lift it and inspect it for gunk...if no gunk is present push the float up and down and listen for a "clicking" noise and make sure the float returns to its up position (spring loaded) and after you have evacuated the water turn the DW on and start to fill see if the water shuts off automatically after it has filled (this is most likely your problem).....
2. Another problem is that often if dishes are not rinsed and lots of food has accumulated around the bottom of the DW..it can obstruct water from draining and since the drain cycle is on a timer...all the water will not drain out and during the next cycle...(and usually only if the float is not functioning) it will overflow. So the odds are you are going to have a float problem.
3. Also in my 35 years of appliance repair I have seen maybe 2 DW drain lines clogged and usually it is right where they attach to the washer...due to the aforementioned food accumulation. Turn the washing machine timer through its cycle from wash to rinse or whatever is necessary to get it to drain...you should here a door or valve click open and water running into the garbage disposal side of the sink...if this is the case the drain line is good.


Hope this helps...get back to me if not....The Fang

First off.. the pump does not let water in.. it takes water from your sink faucette via the hose and allows it to enter the DW via an inlet electrically operated valve. If that valve is not commanded by the control system to open, then no water will enter the DW and a wash cycle will not start. Please find the informaton shown below that decribes some reasons why your DW may not be filling with water. You should go thru this series of checks to make sure you've set up the DW correctly aqnd it is not in mid cycle.If by chance you are setting it up correctly and are not in mid cycle then you may have a hardware problem with the system. I would be happy to assist you if it comes to that but I am hoping that the information below will get you started,...

Copied directly from the GE website for your refererence..

Dishwasher - No Water Fill

Often the cause of a dishwasher not filling at the start of its cycle is not electrical or mechanical. Often times you may be starting your dishwasher model incorrectly which results in the machine skipping its first water fill period.

There are presently three different types of starting procedures being used:

1. Pushbutton type. This system is found on all POTSCRUBBER models.
2. "Turn-to-start" timer type. After latching the dishwasher door, you turn the timer dial until you hear a click. By advancing the timer dial beyond that point, its possible that the first water fill would be skipped. The first fill is necessary for automatic pre-rinsing of the dishes.
   
   View a short video about turn-to-start timers:
   Play Video
3. The most common type is a "push-to-start" timer dial. All that is required to initiate the cycle is to push in on the timer dial. It is NOT necessary to turn the dial.

If you are unsure as to the starting procedure used by your model please consult the Owner's Manual. Download a free copy of the Owner's Manual and/or Installation Instructions.

Here is a link to the website too.. http://www.geappliances.com/search/fast/infobase/10001005.htm

Hope this gets you going..

Check water level:
Run the DW and wait for the main wash to start (water will fill. pause then complete fill) The water should be about 1/4 to 1/8 inch below the heating element. If not there..replace water inlet valve.

yea some of the cycles and features selected can run for over 180 mins

Bosch dishwashers have a seperate pump for washing and another for draining. Try making it fill more than once. There is usually a timed fill and the float stops it before it overfills It also might prevent it from washing without enouth water Try defeating the door switch and play with the float during fill. There may be a sensor that won't let it go into wash. Be prepared to get a little wet if it should start up suddenly. A slightly safer way is to fill it with the sprayer from the sink. and see if it will go into wash.