Until the day kitchen tech will earn a reputation for perfection, your KitchenAid dishwasher may have issues with different components, including the control panel
So in this post, I’ll highlight common KitchenAid dishwasher control panel problems as well as how to fix them.
The most common KitchenAid dishwasher control panel problems include a faulty main control board, lack of power supply, a glitch in the system, a failing drain pump, and a faulty heating element. Doing a dishwasher reset can solve some issues, but other require complete troubleshooting.
Whether your KitchenAid dishwasher’s control panel isn’t responding to commands or sometimes it works well and then stops, knowing the cause of the problem and fixing the error is the best way to go.
KitchenAid Dishwasher Control Panel Problems Explained
Your KitchenAid dishwasher control panel is one of the most important components of the unit. So if it doesn’t work, as it should, it’s important to figure out why and fix the problem as fast as possible.
If the control panel of your unit is not working, it could be for the following reasons:
| Problem | Probable Cause | Quick Fix | |
| 1. | Faulty Main Control Board | Loose connections, electrical shortages, or lack of power | Check for loose connections and reconnect them. Otherwise, replace the main control board if it’s faulty |
| 2. | Dishwasher not getting power | The circuit breaker may have tripped, fuse blown, or dishwasher plugged into an extension cord. | Plug the unit directly to the power source, not an extension cord. Replace the fuse. Reposition tripped circuit breaker. |
| 3. | A possible glitch in the dishwasher | Dishwasher just jams up due to programming malfunctions | Do a soft or hard reset to reboot the dishwasher and then run a new wash cycle. |
| 4. | Control panel lights linking | Faulty heating element | Replace the heating element with a new one if the current one doesn’t have continuity. |
| 5. | Faulty drain pump | You should replace the drain pump with a new one |
Diagnosing a KitchenAid dishwasher’s control panel that doesn’t work isn’t as difficult. You just need to identify why yours isn’t working and learn how to fix it.
1. The Main Control Board is Faulty
A problem in the main control board can cause your KitchenAid dishwasher’s control panel to fail to respond to commands or stop working altogether.
So it’s best to run a q quick check to determine if this is the case.
To do this:
- Disconnect or unplug the dishwasher from the power source.
- Open the door to the dishwasher
- Open the console and disconnect it from the main control board by disconnecting the keypad harness.
- Thoroughly inspect the connections to ensure that everything is in place.
- Without closing the dishwasher door, reconnect every connection to its place except for the user interface ribbon.
- Reconnect the dishwasher to the power and wait at least 5 to 10 seconds
- Close the dishwasher door.
- Check how the control panel responds.
The KitchenAid dishwasher runs the drain pump if it doesn’t detect the control panel. It means that if the drain pump works without connecting the keypad, the main control board is working fine and there’s no need to have it replaced.
On the other hand, if the drain pump fails, it’s an indication of a faulty main control board, which you have to replace.
To replace the main control board:
- Turn off the power supply in the dishwasher
- Unwind the screw securing the control panel and pull the panel out.
- Pull the moisture shield out of the way and squeeze the tabs to disconnect the ribbon wire.
- Disconnect the rinse aid sensor wire to free the control panel from the main control board.
- Unscrew the old main control board, install the new control board, and secure it with the mounting screws.
- Transfer the wires from the old control board to the newly mounted board.
- Use a flat head screwdriver to transfer the thermal fuse, and reconnect the rinse aid sensor wire as well as the ribbon wire.
- Move the moisture shield back to place.
- Carefully align the control panel and secure it with the screws.
You can now restore power to the dishwasher to make sure the control panel is now functioning properly.
Remember, it’s more economical to have the main control board replaced instead of buying a new KitchenAid dishwasher.
Also Read: KitchenAid Dishwasher Diagnostic Mode
2. KitchenAid Dishwasher Not Getting Power
Your KitchenAid dishwasher’s control panel should light up first when connected to power. So if you notice that there’s no light on the control panel, it’s likely that the unit isn’t getting power.
Your dishwasher can fail to get power for several reasons, including:
- The power fuse may have blown up
- The circuit breaker may have tripped or
- You may have connected the dishwasher to an extension cord instead of directly to the socket
The first thing you need to do is to check whether you’ve properly connected the dishwasher directly to the power source.
If you’re dealing with a blown fuse, replace it with a new one. Also, check of the circuit breaker tripped. If that’s the case, push it back to its appropriate position.
3. There’s a Glitch in Your KitchenAid Dishwasher
If power is getting to the dishwasher, the door closes and latches well, but there’s still a problem with the dishwasher’s control panel, it’s likely there’s a glitch with the system.
As with other dishwasher models, such as Whirlpool and GE, your KitchenAid dishwasher can have glitches that cause the control panel to fail to work.
You may notice that the touchpads don’t respond to presses, or the entire system may be unresponsive to commands.
The quickest fix to this problem is to reset the dishwasher.
To do the reset:
- Cut off the power supply by tripping the circuit breaker. Consider doing this especially if you’ve had your KitchenAid dishwasher hardwired to the power supply.
- Wait for about 1 to 2 minutes, and then turn the power back on to see whether the control panel works.
When you cut off power from the unit, the dishwasher automatically reboots and, in the process, clears the unit’s memory.
This helps clear glitches that may be causing the dishwasher control panel not to work.
4. KitchenAid Dishwasher Control Panel Lights Blinking
The possible reasons why the control panel of your KitchenAid dishwasher is blinking are as follows:
Faulty Heating Element
The lights on the control panel will start flickering when the heating element does not heat the water to the right temperature after the set period.
Use a multimeter to test the heating element for continuity. If the test doesn’t return a continuity, consider replacing the entire heating element.
Faulty Drain Pump
The drain pump features an impeller that forces water to go through the drainage horse. If the drain pump isn’t working, a light will blink on the control panel to indicate a problem with the unit.
Test the pump motor for continuity with a multimeter. Replace the drain pump if there is no continuity on the pump motor.
Note that you cannot repair a drain pump. If it is defective, you need to replace it with a new one.
Also Check: Why Is My KitchenAid Dishwasher Not Spraying Water?
KitchenAid Dishwasher Control Panel Reset
There are two ways to reset a KitchenAid dishwasher control panel. Your options are a soft and hard reset.
1. Soft Reset
To do a soft reset for your KitchenAid dishwasher:
- Close the dishwasher door and make sure it latches
- Press “Hi-Temp Scrub” and the “Energy Saver Dry” buttons 5 time. The lights on the control panel should flash repeatedly for about 4 to 5 seconds.
- Leave the dishwasher for about 10 minutes to give it enough time to reset.
- Initiate a new cycle once the reset process is complete.
2. Hard Rest
To do a hard reset for your KitchenAid dishwasher:
- Unplug the power cord from the dishwasher.
- Keep the unit unplugged for at least 5 minutes, which is enough time for the dishwasher to reset itself.
- Plug the dishwasher’s power cord back to the power outlet
- Run an empty wash cycle to see if the control panel works well
I recommend starting with the soft reset first, as it’s sometimes sufficient to reset the control panel of the dishwasher.
However, if you notice that your KitchenAid dishwasher control panel failed to reset, doing the hard reset can help fix the problem.
KitchenAid Dishwasher Control Panel Replacement
If resetting the control panel of your KitchenAid dishwasher doesn’t fix the underlying problem, it could be the component is faulty and needs a replacement.
The first overall step to replacing the control panel is to buy one. When looking for a “new control panel”, make sure the option you choose is compatible with the KitchenAid dishwasher.
Again, you don’t need a professional technician to come over to your place and fix the problem for you. With a few simple tools and step-by-step, DIY tips, you can replace the control panel on your own in an hour or so.
To replace the control panel for your KitchenAid dishwasher:
- Start by unplugging the hardware from the power supply to avoid electrocution.
- Unwind all the relevant Torx screw heads located inside the door.
- Disconnect the old control panel from the control board. Do it carefully so you don’t mess with the motherboard.
- Slowly remove the old control panel.
- Unbox the new control panel, and install it by plugging in all its wires to their necessary spots.
- Secure the control panel to the door with the Torx head screws.
- Plug back the dishwasher to power and turn it on to see whether you did the fix right.
Your new control panel should work.
The cost of replacing a KitchenAid dishwasher control panel should be between $200 and $500 for a new model.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why Are the Lights Flashing on My KitchenAid Dishwasher?
The light on the control panel will flash when the door is unlatched and the KitchenAid dishwasher is set for a delayed start.
The cycle indicator lights will keep flashing and the delay start countdown will keep counting until you latch the door.
2. How do I Reset My KitchenAid Dishwasher Control Panel?
You can reset your KitchenAid dishwasher’s control panel by unplugging it from power. Wait for a minute or so and plug it back to the power supply.
3. Why is My KitchenAid Dishwasher Not Starting?
Your KitchenAid dishwasher isn’t starting at all is maybe that there is a power supply issue.
Check the circuit breaker and see if it has tripped. If the circuit breaker is in a proper position, check to make sure you’ve connected the unit to the right power supply and not to an extension cord.
4. Why Does My KitchenAid Dishwasher Keep Beeping?
Your KitchenAid dishwasher keeps beeping to signify incorrect use or a component is faulty and requires repair.
Most appliances, dishwashers included come with onboard sensors that beep or flashes lights to caution you that something is wrong with the appliance.
Conclusion: ”KitchenAid Dishwasher Control Panel Problems Troubleshooting”
If there’s one important lesson to take away from this guide, it’s that KitchenAid dishwasher control panel problems are issues you can fix on your own.
You’re going to spend less on replacement parts. And you don’t have to worry about the cost of repair service because you already have a complete DIY guide to help you with component replacement.