Do you have a Bosch dishwasher no lights on the control panel problem and don’t know what to do? I’ll show you exactly what causes the problem and suggest the best possible fixes in this guide.
Bosch dishwasher’s control panel may not have lights because of power supply problems, a fault in the main control board, or a problem with the control panel. Troubleshooting the control panel and resetting the dishwasher should fix the problem. Otherwise, you have to replace the control panel.
No lights on the control panel means the display won’t turn on and the buttons won’t light up. For a moment, it might as if the unit is dead, but that’s not often the case.
There are things you can do if your Bosch dishwasher has a problem with the control panel. And the best part is you don’t need to hire a technician, so you can save up to $200 in repair services.
Bosch Dishwasher No Lights on Control Panel Troubleshooting
Your Bosch dishwasher’s control panel may not be having light for the following reasons:
| No Lights on Control Panel Problem | Quick DIY Fix | |
| 1. | Dishwasher has power supply problem | Reset your home’ circuit breaker or fuse, fix power cord if loose, and make sure the double switch’s power is ON |
| 2. | Problem with the main control board | Check for loose connections and fix them in place. Replace the main control board if faulty |
| 3. | Unit’s control panel may be faulty | Clean the ribbon wire connecting the control panel to the control board to remove corrosion. Otherwise, replace the control panel if its faulty |
| 4. | You had the control lock activated | Deactivate the child lock (control lock) to get light on the control panel |
| 5. | Bosch dishwasher faulty timer | Replace the unit’s electronic control and/or the timer with new ones |
| 6. | Bosch dishwasher thermal fuse has a problem | Replace the thermal fuse if it doesn’t have continuity. |
| 7. | There’s a problem with the door latch | You have an issue with a damaged door switch. You have to replace it to get the unit to work properly. |
1. Bosch Dishwasher Power Supply Problem
If there are no lights on the Bosch dishwasher control panel, it might be because of a power supply problem. So start troubleshooting by checking if there’s an issue with the unit’s power supply.
So:
Reset Your Home’s Circuit Breaker or Fuse
As a first step, consider turning off and then turning back on the circuit breaker or fuse that delivers electricity to your dishwasher.
- Remove the fuse from the circuit breaker box or turn off the circuit breaker
- Wait about 60 seconds and return the breaker to the ON position
- Check to see if the problem by turning on the dishwasher
If resetting the circuit breaker or replacing the fuse doesn’t work, it might help to check of the power cord is loose.
Check if the Power Cord Is Loose
It’s possible that a loose power cord is preventing your Bosch dishwasher from receiving power. If this is the case, the appliance may not be getting the electric signals it should to power up every component in the unit.
- Locate the power cord and make sure the wire properly connects to the outlet
- Check to verify if the outlet to which you’ve plugged the unit work correctly and plug the cord into a different outlet if the current one doesn’t work.
- Press the reset button on the GFI/GFCI outlet, power the unit, and see if the control panel works.
Activate the Wall Switch
If you have a wall-switch-operated Bosch dishwasher, double-check that the power is ON.
Check around your kitchen counter for any switches you don’t frequently use, as wall switches aren’t always necessary in every room.
2. Your Bosch Dishwasher’s Main Control Board May Be Faulty
A malfunctioning electronic control board may also be the reason why your Bosch dishwasher lacks light on the control panel. And that’s so especially if the appliance is still unable to perform additional functions despite the presence of electricity.
Some people opt to replace the main control board as soon as they notice that the component has an issue. But that’s not the immediate step to take. Problems such as frayed wires, loose connections, or burned parts don’t necessarily necessitate a full replacement of the board.
The problem with the main control board may be as minor as connections falling free owning to insufficient fastening, or it could be that the connections to the board are loose from unending vibration caused by regular use of the machine.
The loose connections can ultimately cut off the power going to the control panel, which is a possible explanation for not seeing lights on the panel.
You can take this even further by:
- Looking for burned components on the main control board and replacing them.
- Buying a new control board to replace the current one.
Don’t buy the main control board blindly. Ensure you choose a replacement that’s compatible with your Bosch dishwasher’s model.
3. Bosch Dishwasher’s Control Panel May Be Faulty
If your Bosch dishwasher’s control panel has no lights, it might be that the control panel has a problem and therefore requires repair or replacement.
If resetting the breaker and turning on power does not turn the lights on, inspect the ribbon wire that connects the control panel to the main board for corrosion, as this might lead to faulty connection.
- Disassemble the control panel and clean the cable terminals of any rust you uncover.
- Check the cable connections to make sure they’re secure; even fiddling with the cable a little can help reinstate contact.
If it doesn’t work, you may have to get a new control panel installed.
4. Child Lock Feature May Be Active
Bosch dishwashers have a child lock mechanism to keep your kids from messing with the appliance.
The purpose of the child lock is to keep kids from running the current Bosch dishwasher wash cycle or starting new ones. It also ensures that kids don’t damage the unit. However, if the child lock is active, lights will not go off on the control panel because there won’t be power flowing in the unit.
An active child lock isn’t an indication of a faulty dishwasher but a safety mechanism. To get your dishwasher to run normally, simply disable the child lock feature.
5. Bosch Dishwasher’s Timer May Be Faulty
An electronic control and a timer powers your Bosch dishwasher by determining the amount of electricity used by each component. Additionally, they regulate the heating circuit, the water inflow valve and the drain pump.
If the electronic control and timer has problems, the unit will still power up, but it won’t perform as expected. The unit may run a wash cycle, but it’s unlikely that the control panel will light up.
To troubleshoot this issue:
Use the Klein Tools MM600 Multimeter to test the resistance. If the resistance doesn’t fall between 2,000 and 3,500 ohms, the electronic control and timer aren’t working properly.
In this case, you’ll need to replace the current electronic control and/or the timer with new ones.
6. Your Dishwasher’s Thermal Fuse May Have Blown
If your dishwasher becomes too hot, a thermal fuse will trip. And you won’t be able to see any lights on the control panel if this happens.
The only way to know if the thermal fuse of your Bosch dishwasher is still working is still working is to run a continuity test.
To do this:
- Unplug the dishwasher from the power source
- Remove the inner door to access to the appliance’s control panel
- Remove the thermal fuse and then disconnect the wires for testing.
- Again using your multimeter’s probe, connect it to the fuse’s contact and set the multimeter to Rx1.
To ensure that the fuse is working properly, look for a reading of zero or close to zero. Replace the thermal fuse if it doesn’t have continuity.
7. Bosch Dishwasher Display Not Working When the Door Is Closed
The dishwasher won’t start operating if the door doesn’t close well enough to activate the latch switches. So if your Bosch dishwasher’s display won’t turn on or work even when the door is closed, it’s likely the latch has a problem.
More often than not, you might be dealing with damaged door switches, which you’ll have to replace to get the unit to work properly.
- Remove the inner door panel and search for the door latch assembly near the top of the door.
- Insert the latch into the assembly, as doing so is only way to know if the switches are active.
- Set the multimeter to Rx1. Probe the switch’s terminals and check the voltage. Check for a reading of zero or very near to zero, just as you would with the fuse
If you don’t get a zero reading or a reading close to zero, get a new door lock kit compatible with Bosch dishwasher.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is My Bosch Dishwasher Display Not Working?
Your Bosch dishwasher display isn’t working because of an issue with power supply. You should replace or reset the circuit breaker or fuse to fix this problem.
It’s also possible that the display doesn’t work because of a problem in the main control board, a faulty thermal fuse, or a problem with the control panel.
Troubleshooting the unit for problems can help you identify and fix the problem.
2. How Do I Reset the Control Panel on My Bosch Dishwasher?
You can reset the control panel on your Bosch dishwasher by pressing and holding down the Start button for 3 to 5 seconds.
What does a steady green LED status light indicate on the machine control board?
A steady green LED status light on the machine control board indicates that the machine is functioning normally and there are no critical errors or issues to be addressed.
What can I do if cycling the power at the breaker does not fix the dishwasher?
If cycling the power at the breaker does not resolve the issue with your dishwasher, there are a few steps you can take to further troubleshoot the problem.
First, ensure that you are receiving a constant 120 volts of power to the machine control board. You can use a multimeter set to AC Volts and take a reading at the point where the main power enters the board. This will help determine if there are any fluctuations or inconsistencies in the power supply. Additionally, check that all wire nuts are securely tightened, as loose connections can cause intermittent functionality.
If you have already confirmed a stable power supply and tightened the wire nuts, another step you can take is to carefully inspect the control board and wiring for any visible signs of damage or loose connections. Look for burnt or discolored areas, loose wires, or any other indications of potential issues. If you notice any problems, it may be necessary to replace the control board or repair the wiring accordingly.
Furthermore, it can be helpful to wiggle the wire nuts while monitoring the multimeter reading. If the voltage remains steady at 120 volts AC when you wiggle the wire nuts, it suggests that the connections are secure. However, if the voltage fluctuates during this action, it indicates a loose or faulty connection that needs to be addressed.
If you have gone through these steps and the issue persists, it might be best to consult a professional technician or contact the manufacturer’s customer support for further assistance. They will be able to provide specific guidance based on the make and model of your dishwasher and help troubleshoot the problem more comprehensively.
Why does my dishwasher randomly stop working and start working again?
The issue discussed is why a dishwasher randomly stops working and then starts working again. The person is confused because cycling power at the outlet seems to fix the problem instead of using the breaker.
How can I fix my GE dishwasher that has no power?
If you’re experiencing a lack of power in your GE dishwasher, here are a few troubleshooting steps you can take to potentially fix the issue:
1. Verify consistent power supply: Firstly, ensure that your dishwasher is receiving a constant 120 volts of power. You can use a multimeter set on AC Volts to measure the voltage where the main power connects to the control board. This should be done when the dishwasher appears to be completely nonfunctional. If the voltage reading fluctuates or is significantly lower than 120 volts, there may be an issue with the power supply.
2. Check wire connections: Inspect the wire nuts that connect various components to the machine control board. Ensure they are tightly secured, as loose connections can result in intermittent power loss. In some cases, removing and re-plugging the dishwasher may temporarily resolve the issue, indicating a possible loose connection. Wiggle the wire nuts gently while keeping an eye on the multimeter reading. If the voltage stays steady at 120 volts AC, it suggests that the wire connections are stable.
3. Replace faulty parts: If you’ve tested the power supply and wire connections, and the dishwasher still lacks power, there may be an underlying issue with the machine control board or other components. In such cases, it is recommended to consult a professional technician or contact the manufacturer’s customer support for further assistance. They will be able to guide you on potential parts that may need to be replaced or if a service visit is required.
Remember to exercise caution when working with electrical components. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable handling these tasks, it’s always recommended to seek professional help to avoid any potential risks.
Are there any potential issues with the wire ends that could be causing the problem?
Could the wire ends be causing the problem?
Are there any potential issues with the wire ends?
“If resetting the breaker and turning on power does not turn the lights on, it’s important to thoroughly inspect the ribbon wire that connects the control panel to the main board. Corrosion on this wire can lead to a faulty connection and prevent the device from turning on. Take the time to carefully disassemble the control panel to gain access to the cable terminals. If you notice any signs of rust or corrosion, it is crucial to clean the terminals thoroughly to ensure a reliable connection. Additionally, don’t forget to check the cable connections to ensure they are securely fastened. Sometimes, even a slight adjustment to the cable can help reestablish contact and resolve the issue. By paying attention to these potential issues with the wire ends and taking the necessary steps to address them, you will increase the chances of successfully turning on the device and resolving the problem at hand.”
Conclusion
It’s not often that your Bosch dishwasher control panel will fail to respond, but it can happen. If the control panel fails to respond, it might appear as though the dishwasher doesn’t have power and you might think there’s no response from the buttons when pushed.
Fortunately, no lights on the Bosch dishwasher control panel is a minor issue that doesn’t need the intervention of a professional technician.
Simply follow the suggestions shared in this guide to fix the problem on your own, right from the comfort of your kitchen.