Delay start holds a cycle you have already chosen for a set number of hours, counts down, and then starts it on its own. It is handy for finishing a load when you wake up or get home, and it is also one of the most common reasons a dishwasher or washer seems to "not start" when nothing is wrong.
How it works, step by step
On a dishwasher:
- Choose the cycle first. Whirlpool's delay start instructions say to select a wash cycle before setting the delay.
- Pick the delay. Press Delay to choose the hours, typically between 1 and 12.
- Close and latch the door. The dishwasher won't start with the door open.
- The countdown runs. An indicator stays lit while the dishwasher waits.
- It starts on its own when the time runs out. Pressing Delay again during the countdown cancels it, and the cycle starts right away.
On a front-load washer:
- Set the delay with the plus and minus buttons. On Whirlpool front-load washers, each press changes the delay by one hour, up to 8 or 12 hours depending on the model.
- Press Start. The display shows a number followed by "h."
- The display counts down once an hour until it reaches "0h," and the washer starts.
- Turn the power off to cancel on those models.
What you'll notice because of it
- A display that shows "3h" or similar. Whirlpool says this is the delay countdown, not an error code.
- A lit delay indicator and no sound after you press Start.
- A latched door that may stay locked on some washers during the countdown.
- A cycle that starts while you're away or asleep.
Where it can go wrong
A "won't start" that is really a countdown
Symptom: the machine accepts the cycle, the indicator lights, but nothing happens. Check for a delay light or an "h" on the display before assuming the control has failed.
A door that isn't latched
Symptom: the countdown ends and the dishwasher still doesn't run. If the door was bumped open during the wait, the cycle can't start.
A power interruption
Symptom: the delay vanishes and the machine sits idle. On many models, a power interruption clears the delay, so check the machine after a flicker or outage.
Laundry left sitting wet
Symptom: musty-smelling clothes. A delayed wash that finishes hours before anyone can move it to the dryer leaves wet laundry in the drum.
Getting the most out of it
- Time the delay so the cycle ends when someone is home to unload it.
- Use delay start with a bulk dispenser, or add detergent the way your manual recommends for delayed cycles.
- In apartments and high-rise condos, many owners prefer to run water-using appliances while someone is home, since a leak can reach the units below.
- After an outage, check whether the delay is still set.
Delay start pairs well with automatic detergent dosing; how a washer's bulk detergent dispenser works explains that feature. If you've ruled out a countdown and your machine still won't start, our technicians serve Downtown Miami and Brickell and the rest of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.
Sources
- Whirlpool: How to Set and Cancel a Delay Start
- Whirlpool: 1h, 2h, 3h....up to 12h - Front Load Washer
Worth knowing: An "h" on the washer display is a countdown, not an error.
No countdown, door latched, and still nothing? Call ProFix Miami at (786) 723-6874 so a technician can check the control and door switch.