The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Dishwasher buttons/controls not working are ordered from most likely to least likely to occur. Check or test each item, starting with the items at the top of the page.
Top 4 Reasons Dishwasher Dispenser is Not Working?
Top 5 Reasons Dishwasher is Leaking?
Top 4 Reasons Dishwasher is Making Noise?
Top 5 Reasons Dishwasher is Not Cleaning?
Top 5 Reasons Dishwasher is Not Draining?
Top 4 Reasons Dishwasher is Not Drying Dishes?
Top 3 Reasons Dishwasher Won’t Fill with Water?
Top 5 Reasons Dishwasher Won’t Start?
How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter - Tech Tips from Repair Clinic
How to Avoid Dishwasher Back-fill - Tech Tips from Repair Clinic
Use A Tray Under Dishwasher - Tech Tips from Repair Clinic
Resistance Testing: Dishwasher Heating Element - Tech Tips from Repair Clinic
Wash Grease Filters in Dishwasher - Tech Tips from Repair Clinic
Open Your Dishwasher Door - Tech Tips from Repair Clinic
Load Your Dishwasher Properly - Tech Tips from Repair Clinic
Run Affresh Inside Your Dishwasher - Tech Tips from Repair Clinic
Dishwasher Lights Flashing? Dishwasher Troubleshooting
Dishwasher Buttons Not Working? Dishwasher Troubleshooting
Dishwasher Leaking From Motor Area? Dishwasher Troubleshooting
Dishwasher Overflowing? Dishwasher Troubleshooting
Dishwasher Door Won't Latch? Dishwasher Troubleshooting
Dishwasher Runs For Hours? Dishwasher TroubleshootingFirst, ensure that the display works. If the dishwasher display is working but the some of the button don’t respond correctly, the touchpad and control panel might need to be replaced. (Some manufacturers sell the touchpad separately from the control panel. Other manufacturers require that you purchase the touchpad and control panel together. If you cannot replace the touchpad individually, replace the touchpad and control panel.)
First, confirm that the dishwasher display is working. If the display is still working, try pressing some of the touchpad buttons. If some of the buttons respond correctly but others don’t, it is likely that the touchpad is at fault. (Some manufacturers sell the touchpad separately from the control panel. Other manufacturers require that you purchase the touchpad and control panel together. If you cannot replace the touchpad individually, replace the touchpad and control panel.)
If there are no indicator lights or any noise from the dishwasher when it is turned on, it is likely that power is not reaching the dishwasher. Check the circuit breakers and GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) outlets, if applicable, to confirm they have not tripped, or inspect any fuses to confirm none have blown.
Many dishwashers have a child lock or “Sabbath” feature which will prevent the buttons from being used when the feature is engaged. The dishwasher could also be in “Demo” mode or another mode which prevents full operation. Consult the dishwasher’s user manual for information regarding locking/unlocking the control panel.
If the dishwasher buttons aren't working, it's possible the door latch is malfunctioning and preventing a wash cycle from being started. Inspect the door latch for any damage. you can also use a multimeter to test the micro switch inside the door latch for electrical continuity. If the switch does not have continuity, the switch or latch assembly should be replaced.
The main control board regulates nearly every function in the dishwasher. If there is a problem with the main control board, it might not send voltage to the dishwasher touchpad, causing the touchpad buttons not to work. Control boards are often misdiagnosed; make sure you test more commonly defective parts before replacing the main control board.
The control board regulates nearly every function in the dishwasher. If there is a problem with the control board, it might not send voltage to the dishwasher touchpad, causing the touchpad buttons not to work. Control boards are often misdiagnosed; make sure you test more commonly defective parts before replacing the control board.
If the dishwasher lights are flashing or blinking or there is a fault code in the display window, consult the user manual or do an on-line search to find out more information about the error.
The user control and display board is the component that allows the user to choose a dishwasher's wash and dry setting. If some or all of the buttons aren't working, you should first determine if the control works at all or if the display indicator lights are illuminated. If lights are illuminated or some of the control works, it's likely the user control and display board is faulty and will need to be replaced. If no lights and no functionality is present, it's more likely a door switch or main control board is at fault.
The control panel is the component that allows the user to choose a dishwasher's wash and dry setting. If some or all of the buttons aren't working, you should first determine if the control works at all or if the display indicator lights are illuminated. If lights are illuminated or some of the control works, it's likely the control panel is faulty and will need to be replaced. If no lights and no functionality is present, it's more likely a line fuse or main control board is at fault.
Wire Harness
If the dishwasher buttons aren't working, it's possible a door switch is malfunctioning and preventing a wash cycle from being started. To determine if the door switch is at fault, use a multimeter to test the switch for continuity. If the switch does not have continuity, replace it.
If the dishwasher buttons aren't working, it's possible a micro switch in the door latch is malfunctioning and preventing a wash cycle from being started. To determine if the micro switch is at fault, use a multimeter to test the switch for continuity. If the switch does not have continuity, replace it.
