GE Profile dishwasher control panel not working is a common issue. If you are facing this issue and looking for a solution, you have come to the right place.
This article is on the topic “GE profile dishwasher troubleshooting control panel.” So, you will get to learn the methods you can use to fix your control panel problems.
Symptoms of faulty control panels can be no lights on the control panel even if the power connection is steady, buttons not working, and strange behaviors like random lights flashing.
Let’s start with learning why this problem occurs.
Why is my GE profile dishwasher’s control panel not working?
There are many reasons which can cause the dishwasher control panel not to work correctly. However, the most common cause for a malfunctioning control panel is software glitches in the main control board of the dishwasher.
To fix the software error, you will need to reset the appliance control board. If you want to know the steps required to reset your electronic control board, go down in the solution section below.
Apart from software glitches, many other reasons can also cause control panel issues like:
Control lock or Child lock is active.
This is an intelligent feature that comes with advanced dishwashers like GE profile. It is mainly used to protect from accidental touch on the dishwasher control panel by a child or an adult. If this feature is active, none of the functions of the control panel will work.
You can deactivate the control lock feature of your GE dishwasher by pressing and holding the cycle pad or dry and steam pads simultaneously for 3 seconds.
Power Supply Issues
Just like every electrical appliance, a dishwasher also needs a steady power connection to function correctly. Check the power and ensure that it is not fluctuating, as it can damage your dishwasher.
Even small mistakes like the power cord not being connected appropriately can cause an issue with your control panel.
Corroded Wires of the dishwasher
Corrosion in wires can be a prime reason for your malfunctioning GE dishwasher control panel or touchpad.
Damaged wires will interrupt the data transfer from the control panel to the main board,r and no data will be transferred. As a result, the dishwasher control panel might stop working.
Malfunctioning Touchpad
Many of the settings of the control panel are operated by its screen. If the touchpad is defective, it will not respond to your instructions. You will need to test and check if your dishwasher’s touchpad is defective.
To do so, try operating the touchpad. If none of its functions are responding, your touchpad is faulty. But if some buttons are working and some are not working, it means your control panel is not working.
Most of the GE dishwasher touchpads cannot be separated from their control panel, so replacing the entire control panel assembly is best. To replace the touchpad and control panel, you can visit the solution guide below.
Damaged Thermal fuse
Another potential reason for issues with the control panel is a broken thermal fuse. It is a component that prevents your dishwasher from getting overheated. If the thermal fuse is broken or blown, the lights on your dishwasher will stop illuminating.
Some parts of your dishwasher might be working, but some parts, especially the control panel won’t work correctly. To fix this, you will need to replace the thermal fuse.
Unlatched Doors
Most dishwashers don’t allow you to start the cycle if their doors are not latched properly. So, if your dishwasher’s start button is not working properly, you should check and close the doors properly.
If the doors of your dishwasher are not closing, it means that its door latch is malfunctioning. If you want to fix your door latch issue, go to the solution section for a detailed fixing guide.
Faulty Control board
Most of you know that the control board is the central part of the dishwasher. It is also called the brain of the dishwasher. It orders different instructions to the components of the dishwasher for their proper working.
If your control panel is somehow damaged, most of your dishwasher parts will behave strangely and not work correctly. A faulty circuit board can also be one of the reasons why your control panel won’t start.
In most cases, the control board needs replacement.
How can I fix the Control panel of my GE Dishwasher? (Solution Section)
Now, after knowing all the causes, you guys must be finding their solutions. Don’t worry; I am here to provide the best solutions. I have categorized solutions for all the above causes below. Try these solutions on your GE profile dishwasher and check which one works for your case.
Reset the Control board.
GE Profile dishwashers are really reliable, but sometimes, they can also encounter software glitches in their control board. But removing a software glitch is very simple. You will only need to reset the control board of your dishwasher once, and the bug will vanish. GE appliance doesn’t have a reset button so follow the given below steps to do it manually.
- The first step is to disconnect the dishwasher from the power source or turn off the dishwasher’s circuit breaker.
- Now, you must wait for at least 3 to 4 minutes.
- After 3-4 minutes, reconnect your dishwasher to the power source and restore its power.
- Press the ‘Start’ button. Your dishwasher will run normally.
Check the next solution below if resetting the circuit board doesn’t work.
Check for wiring issues.
The wires joining the control panel and control board may be corroded or damaged. You should check the cables of your dishwasher before going for further solutions. Here is a step-by-step guide to check and replace the corroded wires.
- First of all, you should cut off your dishwasher from the power source.
- Now, separate the door panels using a screwdriver.
- After that, remove the screws from your control panel to access the wire assembly.
- Now, inspect the wire and its connector correctly. Check for any damage or corrosion in it.
- Make sure that the connector is lodged correctly.
- If you find any damaged or corroded wire, cut that damaged part and replace it with a fresh wire.
- Lastly, fix the control panel and reinstall the outer panel.
If the control panel issue still persists, you can run the test cycles using the GE dishwasher diagnostic mode.
Fix the faulty Door Latch.
When the specific start button of your control panel is malfunctioning and the doors are not closing, your door latch can be responsible for that. In such cases, it is better to replace that door latch.
So, buy a door latch according to your dishwasher’s model and follow the below-given instructions to replace the door latch.
- Before starting the repair, cut off the power of your dishwasher.
- After that, unscrew the outer access panel to reach the latch assembly.
- Identify the malfunctioning door latch of the door and remove an electrical connector connected to it.
- Take out the faulty door latch by removing the screws holding it.
- Now, take a new door latch and fix it on the door. Make sure to tighten all of its screws.
- At last, connect that electrical connector to the new door latch and close the access panel.
Change the Control panel of the dishwasher.
If none of the touchpad’s buttons are working, it may be caused due to a damaged control panel. We would recommend you replace the GE profile dishwasher control panel with a new one.
First, you will have to buy a control panel. You will also get a touchpad in the new control box. Now, let’s get to the steps you will need to perform to replace your control panel and touchpad.
- Start by unplugging your dishwasher’s plug from the power outlet or flipping its circuit breaker.
- Remove the outer screws. While doing this, hold the control panel safely, as it may fall.
- Now, take out the control panel from its place by depressing its tabs.
- Make sure you have your new control panel unboxed and placed aside.
- Disconnect the control panel connector and attach it to the new one.
- Ensure that the connector is connected to the control panel.
- Place the new control panel and ensure the tabs’ alignment with the slots on the door.
- Lastly, secure the control panel by tightening its screws and turning on the dishwasher’s power to check if it’s working.
Check for Damaged Thermal fuse.
Your GE dishwasher control panel might not be working due to a blown thermal fuse.
A thermal fuse in the dishwasher is used to prevent damage to the other essential components from overheating. When the dishwasher overheats, the thermal fuse blows and cuts off the power. It is typically found near the control panel. It is a white or silver cylinder linked to two wires.
To check whether the thermal fuse is safe or blown, we have to test the continuity in the dishwasher. We will use a multimeter for testing. If the circuit board of your dishwasher is vertical, the thermal fuse should be adjacent to the control panel, and if it is horizontal, the thermal fuse will be found on the right side of the control board.
Now, continue the testing by following the given instructions:
- First, take a screwdriver and peel the fuse cover using it.
- Now, take a multimeter and place its two robes into the two holes of the fuse.
- If the multimeter is not showing any reading, it means your thermal fuse is blown, and you will need to replace it to fix your issue.
Replace the Control board.
If your dishwasher doesn’t have any of the above issues and your control panel is still not showing any code error or light, there might be a chance that your control board is malfunctioning. We all know if the control panel is faulty, none of the appliance functions will work fine. So, it will be best to replace the control circuit/board.
First, you will have to purchase a new control board from a GE local store or online store. After that, you will need to follow my instructions that are given below.
- Begin by disconnecting the plug of the dishwasher from the power source.
- Then, Unscrew the outer door of your dishwasher using a screwdriver.
- Next, disconnect the cable wire coming from the control panel and put the door aside. Handle the door carefully, as the control panel is attached to it.
- Now, remove all the screws of your control board and take it out of its place.
- Note down or remember the orientation of all the control board’s wires. This will help you connect the wires to the new control board.
- Unlock the tabs of the control board and disconnect all the cables from the old faulty control circuit.
- Now, replace your old control circuit with a new one by ensuring proper alignment with the back panel.
- Secure the new control circuit with the screws and reconnect all the wires according to their orientation.
- Reconnect the cable of the control board going to the control panel.
- Close the outer door of the dishwasher and turn it on to check if it’s working fine.
Frequently asked questions
Why are the controls on my GE dishwasher not working?
An inoperative control panel of a dishwasher is mainly caused due to software errors and a faulty touchpad. Apart from these common reasons, there are further reasons for a non-working control panel, like damaged wires, control locks, unlatched doors, power failure, etc.
Does GE profile dishwasher have a fuse?
Yes, a GE profile dishwasher has an inbuilt thermal fuse, which prevents its essential components from getting damaged. When the appliance overheats, it blows and breaks the connection of the dishwasher with electricity.
How much does it cost to replace a GE dishwasher control panel?
If we count the average cost of a GE dishwasher control panel, it would be around $200 to $400. After that, you will require a technician, which will cost approximately $70, so in total, you will have to spend $300 to $500 to replace your GE dishwasher’s control panel.
Conclusion
The control panel is an essential part of a GE profile dishwasher. A faulty control panel makes it difficult to operate the dishwasher. It can be caused by many reasons.
There are many ways to fix the control panel like resetting the dishwasher and replacing the door latch. If the issue is not solved, you should perform other fixes like disabling the child lock/control lock, fixing the wiring issues, replacing the control panel, checking the thermal fuse, etc.
This was a complete guide on GE profile dishwasher control panel troubleshooting. I hope you found it informational. You can ask me in the comment section below if you are still in doubt. I would be happy to assist you further.
