How to replace a dishwasher control panel
This dishwasher repair guide gives step-by-step instructions on how to replace the control panel in your dishwasher. Replace the dishwasher control panel when keys are stuck or the electronic control board doesn't respond to button presses. You can do a resistance check on the control panel in your dishwasher using a volt/ohm meter with precision needle probes to determine whether the control panel keys work properly. If a button on the control panel doesn't work, replace the control panel on your dishwasher with a manufacturer-approved dishwasher part.
Use the steps in this guide to replace the control panel on some Kenmore, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag, Amana, GE, Frigidaire, Electrolux, LG and Samsung dishwashers.
Instructions
- 01.
Shut off electrical power
Flip the house circuit breaker switch to the Off position to completely disconnect electrical power to the dishwasher (some older homes instead have a fuse that you remove from the fuse box). To verify that power is disconnected, make sure the display on the control panel can't be activated.
Hazard: Don't attempt to access internal components until power is disconnected.
PHOTO: Shut off the house circuit breaker.
- 02.
Remove the inner door panel
Remove the Torx screws from the inner door panel that secures the control panel to the front of the dishwasher door.
Remove the screws from the inner panel.
- 03.
Disconnect the control panel
Fold the control panel forward and down. Note how the ribbon wire harness plugs into the electronic control panel—the harness usually has a locking tab or similar mechanism that keeps it in place. Release the tab and then disconnect the control panel from the wire harness.
Tip: In some models, the ribbon wire is permanently secured to the control panel. If so, disconnect the ribbon cable from the electronic control board.
PHOTO: Release the control panel from the door.
PHOTO: Release the locking tab on the ribbon wire plug.
PHOTO: Unplug the ribbon wire from the control panel.
- 04.
Disconnect other wiring connections
Some dishwashers have a second wiring connection for the control panel. Remove all wiring connections from the control panel before pulling the control panel off of the dishwasher.
Disconnect the other wire connection, if your dishwasher has more than one.
- 05.
Connect the wire harness
Remove all packing material and protective covers from the new control panel. Position the new control panel at the top of the dishwasher door so you can connect the wires.
If the model has 2 ribbon wire harnesses, plug both harnesses into the new control board. They should snap into the locked position.
- 06.
Reattach the inner door panel
Install the screws in the inner door panel. Firmly tighten the screws but don't overtighten, which could strip the threads.
- 07.
Restore electrical power
Flip the house circuit breaker switch to the On position to restore electrical power to the dishwasher. The dishwasher display should light up after you restore electricity.
Test that the dishwasher control buttons work.
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