If your dishwasher control board dies, is it better to repair or replace it? That's a common question and UpFix has a good answer. We know how it feels. You finally bought a dishwasher that can actually wash the dishes and then -- all of a sudden -- it just stops working. You may see an error code, or the buttons may be unresponsive. New appliances have innovative features, but added complexity can also result in more frequent breakdowns. More often than not, the diagnosis is a faulty electronic dishwasher control board. If this is the case, don't assume that you need to replace the whole dishwasher. Instead, the fix may be cheaper and easier than you think. Modern dishwashers feature serviceable control boards. Instead of ordering and waiting for an expensive replacement part, UpFix it. Send your existing dishwasher control board to UpFix for repair. Replacement parts are oftentimes on backorder
Your control board is easy to find. In almost all modern dishwasher designs, the dishwasher control board is located directly behind the operating buttons on the face of the unit. Most manufacturers have integrated buttons on the face or top of the door. Though possible, it is rarely necessary to remove the dishwasher from the counter or wall space. Simply open the door of the unit and inspect the panel for screws.
Once you have located the board, removal begins by disconnecting power to the unit. Your unit may be plugged into an outlet with a traditional power cord or it may be hard-wired into your home's electrical system. In either case, it's safer and also much easier to switch off the circuit breaker rather than trying to locate and disconnect the power cable buried behind the dishwasher.
With the power switched off, the next steps are disassembling the door, then disconnecting the control board plugs. In most cases, hardware (such as Phillips-head screws) is located on the inside door panel. Manufacturers go to great lengths to ensure that the outside panel has a smooth appearance for aesthetic reasons. Once hardware is unscrewed, you can then remove the appropriate panel. It may be the inside panel, outside panel or an access panel. With the panel removed, the dishwasher control panel should be readily apparent. You can now disconnect the board.
For most dishwashers, wiring experience is not required for this task. Think of it this way, if you can unplug a toaster, you can unplug a control board. The only catch is that there will be many plugs. TIP: We strongly recommend taking a few photos before unplugging any of the connectors. This will help you put everything back together correctly.
Unplug all connections and remove the board. Visually inspect the dishwasher control board and all wiring for any signs of overheating/being burnt, cracks, or corrosion. If the board is burned, cracked or corroded, it needs to be replaced. If the board appears to pass a visual inspection, it is a good candidate for repair service. Many control boards cost $250 to as much as $1100 while UpFix repair service only costs $119.00. Shipping charges are typically a wash. From a cost standpoint repairing is oftentimes a no-brainer. The real challenges are availability and authenticity. Since so many electronic components are in short supply, you could be without a dishwasher for weeks or even months. Your existing dishwasher control board will be repaired within 24 hours of receipt. The other challenge is authenticity. Regardless of price, avoid any dishwasher control board that is not guaranteed to be a factory genuine part. If your existing control board is original to the unit, you know it's the real deal.
If you have any hesitation, contact your local appliance repair professional.