Have you tried using your GE Profile dishwasher to clean dishes only to realize that the control panel isn’t working? Check out this GE Profile dishwasher troubleshooting control panel guide to determine why the control panel isn’t working properly and fix the problem.
By running the GE Profile dishwasher control panel troubleshooting, you can determine why the control panel won’t work as intended. It could be some buttons aren’t working, the touchpad is faulty, the thermal fuse has burned out, or the control lock is on. Then, find a DIY solution for a quick fix.
In this guide, we’ll look at all the possible problems that may be causing your GE Profile dishwasher’s control panel to fail to work as expected. Then, we’ll recommend some DIY solutions that can help you fix each problem.
Let’s get to it.
GE Profile Dishwasher Control Panel Troubleshooting (6 Common Problem & Recommended Fixes)
The table below shows the common reasons why your GE Profile dishwasher control panel may not be working, and what you can do to fix the problem.
| Control Panel Problem | Possible Fix | |
| 1. | Control panel not starting | Reset the circuit breaker, and unplug and plug the unit to a power source to attempt to fix the problem |
| 2. | Control panel locked | Deactivate the Control Lock feature to enable the control panel to work. Or you can reset the unit. |
| 3. | Some buttons not working | Open the panel and clean the ribbon for rust, corrosion, or grime. Or, replace the control panel if damaged |
| 4. | Faulty control board | Replace the main control board |
| 5. | Faulty touch-pad | Have the touch-pad replaced |
| 6. | The thermal fuse could be damaged | Have the thermal fuse replaced for cheap to fix the problem |
Let’s discuss each of these issues in more detail below:
1. GE Profile Dishwasher Control Panel Not Starting
It can be frustrating if your GE Profile dishwasher’s control panel won’t start. If anything, a faulty control panel means you can’t get the machine to work as it should. But you can easily fix the issue without the need for a technician.
Try the following fix:
- Turn off the circuit breaker that power the appliance, and then turn it back on again
- Check if the power cord connecting the appliance is loose
- Test if the power outlet is active and, if it isn’t, plug the unit to a different power outlet
One obvious reason why Whirlpool dishwashers don’t work is the failure to close the door. It’s equally the reason why GE Profile dishwashers’ control panel fail to start.
So we strongly suggest that you latch the door properly. Then, try powering up the unit again and see if the control panel works.
2. GE Profile Dishwasher Buttons on the Control Panel Not Working
A GE Profile dishwasher is only as good if it has all the buttons working. So if you notice that some buttons on the control panel aren’t working, you should do a thorough inspection and fix the problem.
You have two options here.
The first option is to clean the ribbon cable to remove dirt, rust, and grime.
These foreign materials may be causing loose or bad connection between board and the connections on the ribbon cable. As you clean, also check to make sure that the cable has a proper attachment.
The other option is to replace the control panel. You might want to look at the GE WD34X21699 Dishwasher Control Panel if you’re looking for a recommendation.
3. GE Profile Dishwasher Has Faulty Touchpad
On most models, this needs 5-seconds of holding down a key. Some displays stay lighted as long as power is on. Others turn off after some time even if the unit is active.
The touchpad is an important part of the unit because it displays important information about the device, including:
- The status of the Control Lock
- Error codes whenever there’s a problem with the machine
- The current wash cycle
What you need to check is the currently status of the buttons to determine whether they work as intended. Press each button to see if they’re working properly.
If the buttons on the control panel are not responding, it could be that there’s a problem with the touchpad.
The best thing to do in this case is to have the touchpad replaced. You can get this General Electric Dishwasher Touchpad or any other similar option for replacement.
In addition to being inexpensive, replacing the touchpad tends to be easier than overhauling the entire control panel.
4. GE Profile Dishwasher Has a Faulty Main Control Board
Because the control board is in charge of practically all tasks in the dishwasher, it is doubtful that the dishwasher will start and the control panel operate if the board is faulty.
Please keep in mind that replacing the main control board is an option to consider only if all other fixes have failed. You first want to make sure you diagnose the unit properly and fix all potential issues before you think about replacing the control board.
If anything, be careful about the troubleshooting, as misdiagnosis can be costly.
Before purchasing a replacement board, try unplugging and re-plugging the main feed to the board. The control panel of the dishwasher may simply have failed because of a loose connection. So a correct re-attachment should be enough to get the panel to start working again.
The Ge WD21X24799 Dishwasher Electronic Control Board is a good example of a control board to consider if you need a more reliable replacement. GE recommends unplugging the dishwasher before installing this control board.
5. GE Profile Dishwasher Control Panel Locked
The buttons on the GE Profile dishwasher control panel won’t work if the Control Lock is on.
We understand how useful the Control Lock feature is. It helps to keep kids from interrupting an ongoing cleaning cycle – or starting a new one by accident.
However, having the Control Lock on in a GE Profile dishwasher means that even the control panel won’t work.
The solution here is to deactivate the control lock. To do this on a GE Profile dishwasher:
- Press and hold the “Heated Dry” pad for 3 seconds.
The lock’s light should go off, indicating that the control lock is inactive. The buttons in the control panels should respond to presses.
If pressing the Heated Dry pad doesn’t deactivate the Control Lock, reset the unit by unplugging it from the power source and waiting for at least 60 seconds before powering the machine back on.
6. GE Profile Dishwasher Thermal Fuse May Have Damaged
Your dishwasher has a thermal fuse that prevents it from overheating. So there will be no lights on the control panel if this fuse blows.
Your dishwasher will function normally, but some parts may require repair or replacement.
If your dishwasher is having problems not related to the controls, look for a blown thermal fuse near the control panel. It’s generally a little white or silver cylinder linked to two wires. Check for continuity using this fuse with a multimeter with a continuity setting.
Determine the location of the thermal fuse. If the circuit board is vertical, you’ll find the thermal fuse adjacent to the control board and on the right side of the board is in the horizontal position.
Gently peel the fuse cover off using a flathead screwdriver. In the two holes on the fuse, place the probes of your multimeter.
Replace the thermal fuse if the continuity fails.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Do I Reset the Control Panel of My GE Dishwasher?
How you reset the control panel of your GE Profile dishwasher depends on the series.
- For the PDW8000 series, press the reset button once and wait two minutes for the dishwasher to reset.
- For the PDW9000 series, open the door, wait for the dishwasher to stop, and then press the reset button to cancel the wash cycle and reboot the unit’s control panel
You can also reset any series but disconnecting the unit from the power button and then wait at least 120 seconds for the reset before plugging the machine back to the power source.
Resetting the control panel of the GE Profile dishwasher should be the first thing you do before you attempt another repair option. Resetting the unit will cancel the current wash cycle, reboot the panel, and possibly fix the problem.
2. How Much Does the GE Profile Dishwasher Control Panel Cost?
The cost of a GE Profile dishwasher control panel varies depending on the model and the dealer from whom you buy.
More often than not, a new OEM GE Profile dishwasher will cost you between $45 and $150.
Closing Thought
Troubleshooting the control panel of your GE dishwasher doesn’t have to be difficult at all. Many of the problems you’ll run into with the unit are so minor that you can fix them on your own.
It helps to run the GE dishwasher diagnostic mode to identify common problems with ease. It can take up to 20 minutes for the diagnosis to complete, and the information you get should be valuable enough to help you fix the errors and get the control panel working well again.