KitchenAid Dishwasher Touchpad Not Working? (Do This Now!)

I’ve had an experience of a KitchenAid dishwasher touchpad not working, and I understand how frustrating it can be. But what causes the touchpad to fail in the first place?

Your KitchenAid dishwasher touchpad can fail to work because of power issues, software glitches, or a faulty main control board. It could be that the child lock is active, the delay option is running, the thermal fuse is defective, water supply is off, or the capacitor just blew.

In this guide, I’ll address all these problems and share with you some quick, DIY fixes that you can implement to get the touchpad working again.

Let’s get started.

9 Reasons for KitchenAid Dishwasher Touchpad Not Working

The following table is a summary of the reasons why your KitchenAid dishwasher control panel touchpad isn’t working as well as what you can do to fix the problem:

1. Power Issues

The first thing you should do if the touchpad of your KitchenAid dishwasher isn’t working is check whether you’ve had the appliance properly connected to power.  

Check if the circuit breaker has tripped, and, if it has, push it back to position. 

Next, test the dishwasher for power supply. To do this: 

• Turn off or unplug the dishwasher from power.
• Open the dishwasher door and, with the help of a T15 Torx, remove the screws securing the door panel and door latch.
• Slightly close the door, lift the hugging panel and set it aside.
• Disconnect the touchpad wire harness from the main control board.
• Use a flat head screwdriver to release the locking tabs.
• Slide the case holding the main control panel to the left to detach the control board casing from mounting bracket.
• Detach both the small and long cover to free the wire harnesses.
• Using a multimeter test the white and black wire (the first wire harness to your left) and make sure it returns 125 volts.

2. Your KitchenAid Dishwasher Has a System Hitch 

Your KitchenAid dishwasher might be having a system hitch causing the touchpad to fail.

Fortunately, this issue is easy to fix. All you have to do is perform a system reset by unplugging the dishwasher from power, waiting for at least five minutes, and plugging it back to power.

Doing a reset helps to clear system errors that may be causing the touchpad not to work. 

If the reset option doesn’t work, run a KitchenAid dishwasher diagnostic to determine what error could be causing the touchpad to fail.

3. The Main Control Board May Be Faulty

It could be that the main control board is faulting, making the touchpad unresponsive to commands.

First, check to make sure there’s power flowing from the main control board to the keypad. If the cable connecting the two components is loose, fix the error.

Next, test the main control board to be certain it’s the reason the touchpad isn’t working.

To do this:

• Switch off the dishwasher or unplug it from power to avoid incidences of electrocution.
• Open and unscrew the dishwasher door.
• Open the console and disconnect the keypad harness from the main control panel.
• Inspect every connection to ensure everything is in working condition.
• Re-assemble the console without reconnecting the keypad ribbon and closing the dishwasher.
• Connect the dishwasher back to power and wait for about 5 to 10 seconds before closing the dishwasher door.

See how the control panel behaves.

If the system turns the drain pump on with the user interface connected to the main control board, it means the main control board is working fine and the problem is the keypad.

In such a case, you’ll need to replace only the user interface (control panel).

To replace the user inter face: 

• Make sure no power flowing in the dishwasher.
• Open the dishwasher door and unscrew all the screws.
• Disconnect and remove the faulty touchpad.
• Connect and install the new user interface

Plug the dishwasher back to power and turn it on to see if everything now works.

On the other hand, if the dishwasher does not start the drain pump after failing to detect the user interface, it means the main control board is faulty and therefore requires a replacement.

To replace the main control board:

• Open the dishwasher door and use a T15 Torx screwdriver to remove the screws on the four corner of the door.
• Slightly close the dishwasher door and lift the custom outer panel to detach.
• Remove the remaining screws holding the middle door panel and inner door panel.
• Pop to remove the white retaining pin, pull and remove the door panel, remove the door latch screws, and lift out the control board.
• Disconnect the touchpad wire harness from the control panel to remove.
• Release the locking tabs using a flat head screws and slide the main control board case to the left to detach.
• Remove the small wire cover, release the long wire cover and rotate to detach.
• Note how the wires connectors are oriented and disconnect all the wire from the dead main control board.
• Connect all the wire connectors to the new main control board.
• Fix the long and the small wire cover back.
• Insert the control housing tabs into the slots in the mounting bracket and slide to the right to secure.
• Reconnect the touchpad wire harness to the new board, align the panel and mount the door latch screws to secure, and re-install the outer door panel.
• Insert back the retaining pin to hold the panel in place, and mount the screws to secure the panel.
• Re-install the outer custom panel and slide until it flashes with the top of the top of the control panel.
• Mount screw on the four corners of the dishwasher door to secure the panel.
• Turn the power back on – your Kitchenaid dishwasher is now -ready for use.

4. The Control Lock is Active

Your KitchenAid dishwasher touchpad is not working because the control lock is on or the appliance is on sleep mode. 

The work of the control lock function is to prevent unintended options from running while the dishwasher is running a cycle.

You know the control lock is active if the control lock button lights. Also, note that if the control lock is active, all the buttons on the touchpad become inactive. 

If your KitchenAid dishwasher is on sleep mode, none of the options on the touchpad will work.

All you have to do here to disable the sleep mode followed by deactivating the control lock.

To disable sleep mode, open and close the dishwasher door and then press the Cancel or Start/Resume option. Then, you ca deactivate the Lock Control function by pressing and holding the Lock button for about 5 second or until the lock light go out.

5. You Selected the Delay Option

The delay function on your KitchenAid dishwasher can cause the touchpad not to function.

To be clear, a delay option isn’t a sign that your dishwasher is faulty. In fact, once you set the delay option on your KitchenAid dishwasher, the appliance won’t operate until the delay period elapses.

You can turn off the delay function by pressing Cancel/Drain button. And the Start/Resume button to start a wash cycle.

6. The Child Lock is Active

The touchpad on your KitchenAid dishwasher isn’t working possibly because the child lock is active.

The child lock function is there to protect both your dishwasher and child.

Like the control lock, if the child lock is on, all other buttons deactivate, which explains why the touchpad isn’t working.

Simply disable the child lock to get the touchpad to work.

7. The Thermal Fuse is Defective

Sometimes the KitchenAid dishwasher touchpad fails to operate because the thermal fuse has blown or is faulty.

If the thermal fuse blows up, power goes out. And that means the dishwasher cannot function.

So, it is important that you inspect the fuse before replacing the current touchpad.

8. Water Supply is Off

No matter how many times or how long you press and hold the power button, your KitchenAid dishwasher won’t turn on if the water supply is off.

Make sure the water supply system of the unit is on before you start operating the system.

9. The Capacitor May Be Defective

The work of a capacitor is to release electrical energy, but it might go bad in the process of releasing electrical energy to the dishwasher. 

If you notice that the touchpad isn’t working because the capacitor is faulty, get a new one for replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Causes a Dishwasher Control Panel to Stop Working?

The most common reason why a dishwasher control panel can stop working include power issues, wrong settings, dirt build-up, and problems related to filter and trap.

Check to ensure power connection is in order. Clean the bottom of the dishwasher. Disable functions such as child lock, sleep mode and cycle delay.  

2. Can You Reset a KitchenAid Dishwasher Control Board?

You can set a KitchenAid dishwasher control board by unplugging it from power, waiting for 1 or 2 minutes for the system to reset, and then plugging it back to power.

It’s that simple.  

3. How much does it Cost to Replace a KitchenAid Dishwasher Control Panel?

The cost of replacing a KitchenAid dishwasher control panel ranges from $200 to $500. If you considered having the panel repaired by a professional, you might spend $150 to $350 in repair service. 

What is the part number for the door switch assembly fuse replacement?

The part number for the door switch assembly fuse replacement is 4318273. You can order it now for same day shipping and enjoy a 365-day return policy at RepairClinic.com. If, for any reason, the replacement doesn’t solve the issue, you can receive a full refund (excluding shipping costs).

Can the door switch be returned for a refund if it doesn’t fix the issue?

Certainly! If the door switch does not resolve the issue you are experiencing, don’t worry. You can absolutely return it for a refund, with the exception of shipping charges. We have a 365-day return policy in place, ensuring that you have ample time to test the product and determine if it resolves the problem. Simply order the Door Switch 4318273 kit from RepairClinic.com, and if it doesn’t fix the issue, contact us within 365 days and we will initiate the return process.

What other potential issues should be checked if the door switch is not the problem?

If the door switch is not the cause of the issue, there are several other potential problems that should be checked. Here are some possible areas to investigate:

1. Control Panel Lights: While door switch failure often allows the control panel lights to still function, it’s worth confirming whether the lights are working properly. If the lights are not turning on at all or are flickering inconsistently, there might be an issue with the control panel.

2. Continuity Test: Perform an ohm test on the door switches to check for continuity. If the switches are not providing a continuous flow of electricity, they may need to be replaced.

3. Broken Wires: Inspect the wiring from the bottom of the dishwasher all the way up to the top control panel. Look for any signs of frayed or broken wires that could be disrupting the electrical connection. If a wire appears damaged, it will need to be repaired or replaced.

4. Switches and Sensors: In addition to the door switches, there may be other switches and sensors in the dishwasher that could malfunction and cause the issue. Carefully examine these components for any signs of damage or incorrect functioning.

5. Control Module or Board: The control module or board, which manages the dishwasher’s operations, could also be the source of the problem. If all other potential issues have been ruled out, it may be necessary to investigate and test this component.

Remember to consult the dishwasher’s user manual or contact a professional if needed, as they can provide additional troubleshooting steps specific to the make and model of your dishwasher.

What usually happens when the door switch fails?

When the door switch of a dishwasher fails, typically the lights on the control panel will still function properly. To verify if the door switches are working correctly, you can test them for continuity by using an ohmmeter. There is a helpful video that demonstrates this process, which I will provide a link for you to watch. If the door switches pass the continuity test and are functioning as they should, then it is advisable to check for any broken wires leading from the bottom of the dishwasher to the top control panel. By examining these potential issues, you can systematically identify possible causes for the malfunctioning dishwasher and troubleshoot accordingly.

Could the door switch be the reason for the issue?

The door switch may or may not be the reason for the issue at hand. Typically, when a door switch fails, the lights on the control panel would still function. To determine if the door switches are faulty, you can perform an ohm test to check for continuity. If you are unsure how to carry out this test, you can refer to a helpful video tutorial, such as the one available at [insert video link].

However, if the door switches test good and there are no continuity issues, we may need to consider other possible causes for the problem. One potential cause could be a broken wire from the bottom of the dishwasher to the top control panel. Thus, it is recommended to inspect the wirings thoroughly to rule out this possibility.

After installing the recommended part, why is the dishwasher still not working?

“I’m sorry to hear that the dishwasher is still not working even after you installed the recommended part following the video instructions. Let’s troubleshoot this issue together.

Firstly, let’s double-check a few things. Ensure that the power supply to the dishwasher is properly connected and turned on. If the power is indeed on, we can move on to further troubleshooting steps.

One possibility is that the newly installed part may not be functioning correctly. Although the installation was done as per the video instructions, there could be a faulty or incompatible component. In this case, I would recommend checking the compatibility of the part with your specific dishwasher model and ensuring it was purchased from a reputable source.

Another potential issue could be a loose or disconnected connection during the installation process. I would suggest carefully inspecting all the connections and wires, making sure they are securely attached. If any loose or damaged connections are found, they should be reattached or replaced accordingly.

In some cases, a reset or reboot of the dishwasher may help resolve the issue. Locate the circuit breaker or fuse that powers the dishwasher and try turning it off for a few minutes before turning it back on. This simple step can sometimes clear any temporary glitches or errors.

If none of the above steps solve the problem, it might be necessary to consult a professional technician or contact the manufacturer’s customer support for further assistance. They will have specialized knowledge and experience to diagnose and fix the issue you are facing with the dishwasher.

I hope these suggestions help you in getting your dishwasher up and running. If you need any further assistance or have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’m here to help!”

Was the customer service from KitchenAid accurate in recommending the part?

After analyzing the conversation, it appears that the customer is unsure if the customer service representative from KitchenAid provided accurate information regarding the part they need to order. The customer is seeking confirmation before making the purchase to ensure that the recommended part will effectively resolve the issue with their dishwasher and restore its functionality. It should be noted that the interaction with KitchenAid’s customer service seems to be more focused on addressing general inquiries and concerns rather than providing technical expertise.

Is the “dishwasher door switch repair” kit the correct part to purchase?

According to the information provided, it seems that there might have been some confusion regarding the customer service of KitchenAid and their role in providing technical assistance. To clarify, KitchenAid customer service representatives are responsible for addressing customer inquiries and concerns, rather than providing technical expertise.

Since you mentioned needing to get your dishwasher up and running, it is important to ensure that you order the correct dishwasher part. To determine if the “dishwasher door switch repair” kit is the right part to purchase, you may need to consult a technical expert or reach out to KitchenAid specifically for their input. They should be able to provide guidance on whether this kit is suitable for your dishwasher model and the specific issue you are facing.

By contacting KitchenAid, specifically the technical support department, you can ensure that you receive accurate information and make an informed decision before ordering the part.

What is the model number of the Kitchen Aid dishwasher?

The model number of the Kitchen Aid dishwasher is KUDC25CHBT1.

What could be the possible cause of the dishwasher not responding to commands?

Is purchasing the “dishwasher door switch repair” kit (part # 4318273) the right solution for this problem?
It is unclear whether the “dishwasher door switch repair” kit is the right solution for this problem. While KitchenAid customer service suggested it, it is not directly related to the issue of no lights and the dishwasher not responding. It may be worth considering other potential causes before purchasing the kit.

Is it likely that the fuses in the dishwasher are causing the issue?
It is possible that the fuses in the dishwasher are causing the issue. However, without an ohmmeter to test them, it is difficult to determine their condition and if they are indeed the culprit.

What could be the possible cause of the dishwasher not responding to commands when there are no lights on the control panel?
The possible cause could be a defective control board or blown fuses in the dishwasher. However, since the dishwasher has not been acting erratically and there are no blinking lights, it is less likely to be a control board issue.

“Hi,

I have a Kitchen Aid dishwasher model # KUDC25CHBT1. My dishwasher all the sudden won’t respond to any commands. There’s no lights on the control panel. Unlike other posts, it hasn’t been acting weird or any lights blinking. Just boom—it won’t work. I’ve done some homework and have determined it’s probably not the control board since it’s not erratically acting up. From what I’ve found, there’s fuses in the dishwasher but I don’t have the ohmmeter to test them.

If it’s the control board, I’ve found out it’s $200 to get the full assembly. Well beyond what I’m willing to spend on a dishwasher of this age.

From discussing this with Kitchen Aid customer service, I was directed to purchase the “dishwasher door switch repair” kit (part # 4318273). Am I on the right track that the fuses are the likely culprit? I don’t want to blow $40 for this kit if isn’t what I need.

Additionally, I came across some other possible reasons why the dishwasher touchpad may not be working. One possibility is that the child lock function is active. The child lock is designed to protect both the dishwasher and children, and when it is enabled, all other buttons on the touchpad deactivate. So, it’s worth checking if the child lock is on and disabling it if needed.

Another potential cause could be a defective thermal fuse. If the thermal fuse has blown or is faulty, it can lead to a complete loss of power and prevent the dishwasher from functioning. Before replacing the touchpad, it is important to inspect the thermal fuse and ensure it is in proper working condition.

Moreover, it is essential to check if the water supply to the dishwasher is on. If the water supply is off, no matter how many times the power button is pressed and held, the dishwasher won’t turn on. So, make sure to verify that the water supply system is turned on before attempting to operate the dishwasher.

Lastly, a defective capacitor could be another reason for the touchpad not working. The capacitor is responsible for releasing electrical energy, but it can go bad over time. If the touchpad issue is related to a faulty capacitor, it may need to be replaced with a new one.

Considering these possibilities, it’s important to thoroughly diagnose the issue before making any purchases or repairs. If you’re unsure about the exact cause and want to confirm if the fuses are indeed the likely culprit, it may be worth consulting with a professional or contacting Kitchen Aid customer service again for further assistance.

Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.”

Conclusion

I hope this guide has helped you to understand why your KitchenAid dishwasher touchpad is not working as well as what you can do to fix it.