How to Know If the Control Board Is Bad in a Dishwasher
The control board is the brain of your dishwasher, orchestrating everything from water intake to cycle timing. When it malfunctions, your dishwasher might start acting erratically—or stop working altogether. Knowing how to identify a bad control board can save you time, money, and frustration. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the signs of a faulty control board, diagnostic steps, and additional insights to help you troubleshoot effectively. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether the control board is the culprit and what to do next.
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What Is the Dishwasher Control Board?
Before diving into symptoms, let’s clarify what the control board does. The control board (sometimes called the electronic control module or PCB—printed circuit board) is a small computer that manages the dishwasher’s functions. It receives signals from buttons or dials on the control panel, then sends instructions to components like the pump, heater, and valves. If the board fails, communication breaks down, leading to operational chaos.
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Common Signs of a Bad Control Board
A malfunctioning control board can manifest in several ways. Here’s what to look for:
1. Dishwasher Won’t Start
- If you press the start button and nothing happens—no lights, no hum, no water—suspect the control board. “One of the most common symptoms is that the dishwasher refuses to power on, even though it’s plugged in and the door latch is secure,” notes a repair guide from PartSelect. However, don’t jump to conclusions—rule out power supply issues first (more on that later).
2. Erratic Behavior or Incomplete Cycles
- Does your dishwasher start a cycle, then stop midway? Or maybe it skips steps like draining or heating? “A failing control board might cause the appliance to act unpredictably, such as running for a few minutes then shutting off,” explains a technician on the Repair Clinic blog. This happens when the board can’t properly sequence commands.
3. Control Panel Issues
- Unresponsive buttons, flickering lights, or random error codes (e.g., E1, F2) can point to a control board problem. According to Sears PartsDirect, “If the lights on the panel blink erratically or some buttons don’t work while others do, the control board could be sending faulty signals—or none at all” [(( Sears PartsDirect ))].
4. Burning Smell or Visible Damage
- A burnt odor near the control panel is a red flag. “If you smell something burning or see scorch marks on the board, it’s likely fried,” warns a DIY expert from AppliancePartsPros. Physical damage—like melted components or corrosion—often confirms the diagnosis.
5. Repeated Error Codes
- Modern dishwashers display error codes to signal issues. While codes vary by brand (e.g., Whirlpool’s “F7” or Bosch’s “E:09”), recurring codes that persist after resetting the machine might indicate a control board failure. Check your manual to decode them.
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How to Diagnose a Bad Control Board
Suspecting a bad control board is one thing; confirming it is another. Follow these steps to narrow it down:
##### Step 1: Check the Power Supply
Before blaming the control board, ensure the dishwasher is getting power. Plug another appliance into the same outlet to test it. Also, inspect the circuit breaker— tripped breakers are common culprits. “A dead dishwasher might just mean a blown fuse or tripped breaker, not a bad board,” advises Fix.com.
##### Step 2: Inspect the Door Latch
A faulty door latch can mimic a control board issue by preventing startup. “The dishwasher won’t run if the control board doesn’t detect a closed door,” says a troubleshooting guide from Maytag’s official site. Ensure the latch clicks securely and the sensor isn’t obstructed.
##### Step 3: Reset the Dishwasher
Sometimes, a glitch mimics a hardware failure. Unplug the dishwasher for 5-10 minutes or press the reset button (if available). “Resetting can clear temporary electronic hiccups,” notes a post on Hunker. If it works afterward, the board might be fine—but monitor for recurrence.
##### Step 4: Test the Control Panel
Press each button systematically. If some work and others don’t, the panel itself might be faulty, not the board. However, “a completely unresponsive panel often ties back to the control board,” per Appliance Repair Specialists.
##### Step 5: Visually Inspect the Control Board
Locate the board (usually behind the control panel or under the door—consult your manual). Look for:
- Burn marks or melted spots.
- Corrosion from water leaks.
- Loose or broken connections.
“If you see obvious damage, that’s a smoking gun,” says a tech from JustAnswer.com.
##### Step 6: Use a Multimeter (Advanced)
For a definitive test, use a multimeter to check the board’s continuity and voltage. “Set your multimeter to the ohms setting and test the board’s circuits—zero resistance means a short,” instructs a detailed guide from AppliancePartsPros [(( AppliancePartsPros ))]. If you’re not comfortable with this, call a pro.
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Other Possible Culprits
A bad control board isn’t always the issue. Here’s what else to consider:
- Wiring Problems: Loose or frayed wires can disrupt signals.
- Faulty Components: A broken pump or sensor might send bad feedback to the board, making it seem defective.
- Water Damage: Leaks can short out the board, but the leak itself is the root cause.
“Always troubleshoot systematically—replacing a $100+ control board only to find it was a $5 sensor is a costly mistake,” cautions a repair tech on Reddit’s r/appliancerepair.
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When to Replace the Control Board
If diagnostics point to the board and you’ve ruled out other issues, replacement might be necessary. Costs range from $100-$300, depending on the brand (e.g., Whirlpool, Bosch, Samsung). However, “it’s often one of the pricier fixes, so weigh it against the dishwasher’s age,” advises Consumer Reports. If your unit is over 7-10 years old, a new dishwasher might be more economical.
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Preventative Tips
To avoid future control board woes:
- Surge Protection: Use a surge protector to shield against power spikes.
- Regular Maintenance: Clean filters and check for leaks to prevent water damage.
- Avoid Overloading: Excess strain can overheat components, including the board.
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FAQ: Common Questions About Dishwasher Control Boards
Q: Can a control board be repaired instead of replaced?
A: Sometimes. Minor issues like loose solder joints can be fixed by a skilled tech, but most boards with burnt circuits need replacing. “Repairing is tricky and not always cost-effective,” says Repair Clinic.
Q: How long do control boards last?
A: Typically 5-15 years, depending on usage and brand quality. High-end models (e.g., Miele) often outlast budget ones.
Q: Why does my dishwasher work intermittently?
A: A failing board might still function sporadically until it dies completely. Test it over multiple cycles to confirm.
Q: Can I test the control board without tools?
A: Partially—visual checks and resets don’t require tools. For accuracy, though, a multimeter is best.
Q: What brands are prone to control board issues?
A: No hard data pins specific brands, but forums like Fixya mention Whirlpool and Kenmore as frequent suspects due to their widespread use.
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By following this guide, you’ll be equipped to spot a bad control board and take action—whether that’s a DIY fix or a call to a pro. With a mix of practical steps and expert-backed insights, you can tackle this dishwasher dilemma confidently.