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  1. Repair
  2. KitchenAid
  3. KitchenAid Dishwasher
  1. KitchenAid Dishwasher

KitchenAid Dishwasher buttons not working

Common reasons your KitchenAid Dishwasher buttons not working

The most common reasons your KitchenAid dishwasher buttons are not working are a cracked control panel, a failed user interface control, or a defective PCB.

  • 48%

    48% of the time it's the
    Control Panel

  • 20%

    20% of the time it's the
    User Interface Control

  • 16%

    16% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 16%

    16% of the time it's the
    Something else

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    What our customers say about us

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    Thorough

    James called to give an estimated arrival time. He was professional and personable. He had 2 professional ideas of the problem and found 1 was correct, but he didn't stop there. He did a thorough check of the appliance. 1 small part was needed. He ordered the part to my house. Fortunately, he was able to schedule for the next week, just before Thanksgiving. As before, he called ahead, arrived and quickly fixed the problem. My appliance is working perfectly.

    Kirsten A, Oxford, PA

    Service Call

    Luke was great. Polite and knowledgeable even though the dishwasher was older than he!

    James G, Hillsboro, MO

    Daniel

    Daniel went above and beyond to fix my dish washer. Very pleasant to deal with.

    Paul F, Hghlnds Ranch, CO

    Most common repairs needed to fix a KitchenAid dishwasher

    Control Panel Replacement

    The control panel houses the buttons, controls and wiring that manage the dishwasher's functions. If the panel is cracked or damaged, it can disrupt the electrical connections, making the start button unresponsive. There may be visible damage or that other buttons are also not functioning properly. Inspect the control panel for any cracks or damage, and schedule an appointment with a Sears Home Services technician to replace the control panel if needed.

    How to replace a dishwasher control panel

    User Interface Control Replacement

    When your dishwasher buttons are not working, a failed user interface control could be causing the problem. The user interface control connects to the electronic control board through a wire harness and sends signals to the control board to help control the dishwashing cycle. A bad power key on the user interface control can prevent the dishwasher from powering up. The buttons can become unresponsive, or a stuck key on the user interface control can cause the electronic control board to stop the cycle and the dishwasher won't work. Have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert visit your home and replace the user interface control if needed.

    How to replace a dishwasher user interface control

    Electronic Control Board Replacement

    If the dishwasher buttons are not working, there could be a problem with the printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB, also called the electronic control board, manages all the dishwasher's functions including water fill and cycles. If the control board is defective, it may not process the signals from the control buttons. You might notice that pressing the start button yields no reaction or that other functions are also affected. Diagnosing a control board issue can be complex and requires professional expertise. If you suspect the electronic control board is the problem, schedule an in-home repair appointment with Sears Home Services technician to diagnose and repair your dishwasher if the buttons are not working.

    How to replace a dishwasher electronic control board

    What to expect when you experience a KitchenAid dishwasher buttons not working issue

    How is the dishwasher buttons not working issue fixed?

    Correcting most dishwasher buttons not working issues involves replacing the control panel, user interface control, or PCB. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

    Sears Home Services recommendations for a dishwasher buttons not working problem

    When a dishwasher buttons are not working, it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts, we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dishwasher failures.

    What to look out for with a dishwasher buttons not working diagnosis

    Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dishwasher problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

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    Glossary Terms

    What is Hard Water?

    Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.

    What is Wattage?

    Wattage is the measure of electrical power expressed in watts (W), indicating the rate at which a device consumes energy.

    What is Refrigerant?

    Refrigerant is a chemical compound used in HVAC systems and refrigerators to absorb heat from the environment by cycling through states of evaporation and condensation, enabling the cooling process through its cycle of evaporation and condensation.

    What is R-12 Refrigerant?

    R-12 refrigerant, also known as Freon-12, is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compound that was once widely used in air conditioning systems, refrigerators, and aerosol propellants before its phase-out due to environmental concerns.

    Additional possible KitchenAid dishwasher symptoms you may experience