If your Bosch dishwasher is not showing any light on the control panel, it can be very frustrating. When the control panel has no lights, the dishwasher does not seem to work. You cannot use it to wash dishes.
There are a few reasons why your Bosch dishwasher display lights are not illuminating. There could be a problem with the power supply. There could also be something wrong with the control board or display panel itself.
When the dishwasher does not work and you don’t know why, it is very annoying. You need your dishwasher to work to wash dishes. When it doesn’t work, it causes problems in the kitchen routine. This can lead to unnecessary stress.
But don’t worry! In this article, I will give you some solutions to make the lights come on again without paying dollars to the technician. We will show easy do-it-yourself steps to fix your appliance.
Let’s figure out the problem and get the control panel working again.
Why is my Bosch dishwasher control panel not showing any lights?
Here are the most common reasons why there are no lights on the control panel of your Bosch dishwasher:
Power supply issues:
- Being an electrical device the dishwasher needs a stable power supply for proper operation. If the power is low or no power you will face the dishwasher display not working issue.
- So, check the power supply and make sure that the circuit breaker is working. You can also try resetting the breaker.
Damaged power cord:
- The power cord supplies the electricity to the appliance. If it is not lodged correctly or damaged it will be unable to transfer the power to the machine and you will find that your dishwasher display is not working.
- Confirm that the outlet to which the dishwasher cord is connected is functioning properly.
Problems with the electronic control board or display panel:
- The issue can also be with the control panel or the circuit board itself. These two are the main parts of the dishwasher that control most of its workings. If it has any defects, you can expect to see the issue with your dishwasher’s display panel.
- Try to reset the control panel if this doesn’t work, and replace the control panel.
Activated Child lock:
- Your dishwasher display panel may not have lights due to the activation of this feature.
- A child lock feature can lock the buttons of the control panel.
- Check if your keypad has a control lock button. Press it to turn this off.
An issue with the electronic timer:
Another reason for the control panel problem is a defective timer. Read the below article to get a detailed solution for all of these issues.
Troubleshooting the Bosch dishwasher control panel that doesn’t light up?
Fixing the Power Supply problem
Power supply issues can cause the control panel to show no lights. Let’s go through some troubleshooting steps.
Step 1.
First, try resetting the circuit breaker or fuse for the dishwasher. To do so, turn the breaker off for 2 minutes, then turn it back on.
Step 2.
Check if the power cord is loose. If it is, reconnect it correctly into the outlet. You can also try pressing the reset button on any GFI/GFCI outlets.
Step 3.
Lastly, if your dishwasher has a wall switch, make sure the switch is turned ON. To find this button, check around your kitchen counter for any unused buttons.
Fixing the power cord:
The power cord is typically underneath the dishwasher in the top right corner when looking from the back.
Step1.
Inspect the power cables for any cuts and breaks. If you have any damaged wires, replace that part of the cable with a new one.
Step 2.
If this doesn’t work, check for some other power supply problems. Remove the fuse for the dishwasher and reconnect it in the box to reset it.
Step 3.
In case of a loose power cord, the control panel will remain dark. To troubleshoot the problem, you will need to replace the power cord with a functioning one.
Deactivate the child lock function.
Most of the Bosch dishwasher’s control panels have a child lock feature. This feature prevents kids from accidentally changing settings or starting the dishwasher. When the child lock is on, the dishwasher’s control panel will not light up.
To fix the problem, turn off the child lock feature. When the lock is disabled, power can flow normally again lighting up the display of the dishwasher.
Faulty control panel
If your dishwasher control panel stays dark, the problem could be with the panel itself. The control panel controls the dishwasher’s functions. If it is broken, it might need to be repaired or replaced. Here are the steps to fix a control panel:
Step 1.
Remove the control panel using a screwdriver. Then, check for any rust or corrosion on the wire terminals. If you find any, remove it immediately.
Step 2.
Also, make sure the wire connections are plugged in completely. Even minor fixes to the wires can restore normal working.
Step 3.
Look for any burnt parts on the control panel. If you find any burn marks on the panel, consider replacing it with a new one.
To get the right replacement, go to the store and buy a panel according to your dishwasher model.
Here’s a video explaining the no lights, and no power to the control panel issue.
Check the Timer
The electronic control and timer are important for powering the dishwasher. They control electricity flow to components. They also regulate functions like heating, water flow, and the drain pump of the dishwasher.
If there are issues with the electronic control and timer, it may prevent the control panel lights from illuminating properly.
Here are the steps to check the timer:
Step 1.
To confirm the defect, you will need to check the timer using a multimeter. Connect the probes of the multimeter to the timer.
Step 2.
The reading should be between 2,000 and 3,500 ohms. If it is outside this range, it means there’s an issue with the electronic controls and timer.
Step 3.
To resolve the issue, you will need to replace the electronic control and timer. This will restore the dishwasher functioning and you’ll be able to run a wash cycle and clean your dishes.
Fix the defective door latch.
Problems with the dishwasher door can also cause the control panel lights not to turn on.
The control panel won’t activate if the door latch is broken. When the latch doesn’t work correctly, the dishwasher will be unable to start leading to no lights on the panel.
Here are troubleshooting steps:
Step 1.
Check the door latch for any problems. Check the cable coming from the front panel to the latch. If the wires have any cuts or corrosion, cut that part and replace it with a new cable.
Step 2:
If this doesn’t work, try some advanced solutions. Remove the inner cover of your door and locate the latch assembly at the top.
Now, ensure that the switch is on by pushing the latch in.
Step 3.
Now, to test its functioning, take a multimeter and adjust its settings to Rx1. After that, touch the probe to the switch terminals and check the voltage reading.
It should show a reading of zero or close to zero. If the reading is different, it means the door latch is faulty.
Step 4.
If testing shows the door switches or door latch latch are broken, replace it with a new one. Buy a latch assembly according to your dishwasher model and call a trained professional technician to do the replacement.
Inspect the thermal fuse.
When the dishwasher gets excessively hot, the thermal fuse blows itself to protect the other parts of the dishwasher. A blown thermal fuse breaks the electricity supply as a result the control panel won’t light up.
To check if the thermal fuse is blown, you’ll need to do a continuity test. Follow these steps to conduct the test:
- First, cut off the power of your dishwasher before testing for your safety.
- Then, remove the inner door to get access to the control panel.
- After that, locate the thermal fuse take it out from its position., and disconnect its wires.
- Disconnect its wires and attach the probes of the multimeter to fuse wires after setting it to Rx1 mode.
- Now, check for a reading. If the reading is zero or close to zero ohms it means your fuse is not blown and has continuity.
If the continuity test shows the thermal fuse does not have continuity, it means the fuse is faulty. In such a situation, it will be best to replace the thermal fuse with a working one.
Check your appliance’s main control board.
If the issue with your dishwasher still persists, you should check the circuit board once. A damaged electronic control board can create an issue even with the power, as a result, the display panel of your dishwasher won’t turn on or show any light.
The control board is the brain of the appliance. When damaged, it can cause many issues such as error codes and this one.
Before replacing the circuit board, you should inspect for loose connections, burnt parts, or loose connectors, which can cause this issue. During regular operation, vibrations in the appliance can loosen the cable connections. So, it is important to check for these problems before doing the replacement.
Steps to follow:
Step 1: Check for corroded wires, burnt parts, and loose plugs on the control board.
Step 2: If you find any, tighten them to ensure that the stable power is reaching the control panel.
Step 3: If you find any burnt parts, replace them with a new one.
Step 4: If these don’t work for you, replace the whole control board. You can purchase it from an online or offline store according to your Bosch dishwasher model.
Watch the video given below to learn the instructions needed for replacing the control board.
Infographic: How to fix the Bosch dishwasher control panel that doesn’t light up?
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the fuse in a Bosch dishwasher?
The fuse in a Bosch dishwasher may be found near the control board, tank, or at the bottom of the machine, depending on the model.
How long do Bosch dishwashers last?
Bosch dishwashers typically last around 10 years. Brands like Beko, Blomberg, Electrolux, and others may extend beyond 10 years, with Miele reaching up to 20 years of lifespan.
Is it worth repairing a Bosch dishwasher?
Repairing a Bosch dishwasher is often worth it, providing a cost-effective solution compared to buying a new appliance. Repair costs vary based on the issue, dishwasher age, and warranty coverage, making it a practical option for extending the appliance’s lifespan.
Final Thought
Having no lights on control panel is one of the most common problem of Bosch dishwasher. When troubleshooting the control panel, we have looked at several possible causes.
The most common cause is power problems. You can fix these by resetting the breaker switch. Also, turning on the child lock can turn off the control panel lights. Turning the child lock off will make the lights work again.
The above-mentioned fixes in this guide cover easy steps for all of the problems. Like fixing the door latch or replacing the thermal fuse. You can follow those steps to restore your control panel’s condition. Also, if you are not confident to resolve the issue by yourself, you can always call a professional for help.
This was all about troubleshooting the no lights on the control panel issue on the Bosch dishwasher. I hope you like it. If you have any doubts, comment below. I will be happy to assist you further.
