KitchenAid Dishwasher Control Panel Not Working? (here’s why & what to do)
If you own a KitchenAid dishwasher and the control panel isn’t working it can be frustrating. You might have a blank display screen, unresponsive buttons or some other strange and uncharacteristic behaviour.
Whatever’s happening with the control panel on your KitchenAid dishwasher, keep reading. Because in this article we take a close look at the control panel on KitchenAid’s dishwashers and offer the best remedies for the associated problems.
Why Is The Control Panel On My KitchenAid Dishwasher Not Working?
There are several reasons why the control panel on your KitchenAid dishwasher might not be working which include;
| Probable Cause | Solution |
|---|---|
| Power Supply Issue | Check the plug, socket, circuit breaker and power supply to your home |
| Wrong Settings Selected | Check for the child lock, delayed start or demo mode |
| Software Glitch | Reset the appliance |
| Defective Door Latch | Inspect and repair/replace the door latch |
| Error Code Displayed | Consult your user manual to find and fix whatever fault the error code is signifying |
| Blown Thermal Fuse | Check and replace the thermal fuse if necessary |
| Defective Touchpad | Inspect the touchpad and replace it if it proves to be defective |
| Defective Control Board | Inspect and replace the control board if necessary |
Let’s take a closer look at each of these issues;
Power Supply Issue
If there is a problem with the power supply it could cause the dishwasher’s control panel to malfunction. This is particularly true if the power supply is intermittent as it will disrupt the flow of electricity to the appliance.
Check that the plug is fully inserted into the wall socket, then check if the power cord is fitted correctly with no damage or loose wires. You will also need to check the fuse box or circuit breaker.
Wrong Settings Selected
This is a common cause of the control panel failing to work correctly or at all. If the child lock has been activated, then none of the buttons will respond at all.
Likewise if the delay start option has been selected, the control panel will be unresponsive until the countdown has completed. Whereas if the demo mode has been selected the control panel will appear to be working but the dishwasher will be unresponsive.
You will need to check and deactivate the child lock, delay start or demo mode before the control panel will work properly.
Software Glitch
In some cases a software glitch can cause the control panel to freeze or become unresponsive. This will make it impossible to start the appliance or perform any of its functions.
If you suspect a software glitch is the problem, you will need to perform a hard reset.
How To Perform A Hard Reset On A KitchenAid Dishwasher
To perform a hard reset all you need to do is disconnect the power supply for 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the electricity to discharge, clearing the memory.
Once the power is reinstated, the appliance should have reset to factory settings and the control panel should be fully functional again.
Defective Door Latch
If the door latch on your KitchenAid dishwasher develops a fault, it will prevent the dishwasher from starting its cycle. This will make it appear like the control panel has become unresponsive.
You will need to inspect the door latch for any signs of damage. If it appears to be damaged, it will need to be replaced. You should also use a multimeter to test the switch inside the door latch for continuity.
If it fails the continuity test, the switch and/or latch assembly will need to be replaced.
Error Code Displayed
If the display screen is showing an error code, the dishwasher will not function. This is not really a control panel issue and should resolve itself once you have fixed whatever the error code was signifying was a problem.
Blown Thermal Fuse
The thermal fuse is a safety device installed in your dishwasher to prevent it from damage due to overheating. If the dishwasher was to get too hot, the thermal fuse would blow which disrupts the flow of electricity to the appliance.
If you suspect the thermal fuse is the source of the problem, you will need to locate and inspect it then test it for continuity using a multimeter and replace it if it proves to be faulty.
Defective Touchpad
The touchpad is the component that allows you to interact with the dishwasher. It’s where you select the various cycles and options.
If it becomes defective, it might not respond to your commands as it can no longer detect the area that you’re pressing. This would make it seem like the control panel wasn’t working.
You will need to inspect the control panel for any damage or wear and replace it if there are any visible signs of wear or damage.
Defective Control Board
The control board is responsible for controlling every function on your dishwasher. If there is a problem with the control board it can appear that the control panel is at fault.
If the control board is defective, it will need to be replaced and as control boards are delicate and expensive, I recommend contacting a technician to investigate and replace the control board if necessary.
SEE ALSO: How Much Salt Do I Put In A Dishwasher? (the true answer)
Frequently Asked Questions
To reset the control board on your KitchenAid dishwasher all you need to do is disconnect the power supply for 10 to 15 minutes to allow any residual electricity to discharge. Then reconnect the power supply and the appliance will be reset.
There are several reasons why the control panel on your KitchenAid dishwasher won’t work which include; Problems with the power supply, you have accidentally selected the delay start, child lock or demo mode, there is a software glitch, the door latch is defective, there is an error code displayed, the thermal fuse has blown, the touchpad is defective or there is a problem with the control board.
There is no designated reset button on a KitchenAid dishwasher. But you can reset the appliance by disconnecting the power supply for 10 to 15 minutes to allow any residual electricity to discharge. When you then reconnect the power supply, the appliance will have been reset to factory settings.
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