Kitchenaid Dishwasher Control Board Diagnostics: A Comprehensive Guide For Beginners

If your KitchenAid dishwasher is acting up, the control board may be the culprit. This vital component manages the dishwasher’s functions, from starting and stopping cycles to controlling water levels and temperatures. When the control board malfunctions, it can lead to a variety of problems, such as:

• Dishwasher not starting
• Dishwasher not filling with water
• Dishwasher not draining properly
• Dishwasher leaking
• Dishwasher displaying error codes

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s worth testing the control board to rule out any electrical problems. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it yourself.

Safety Precautions

Before you begin, disconnect the dishwasher from the power supply at the circuit breaker or fuse box. Also, turn off the water supply to the dishwasher.

Tools and Materials

• Multimeter
• Screwdriver
• Flashlight

Steps to Test the KitchenAid Dishwasher Control Board

1. Remove the Control Panel

• Open the dishwasher door and locate the control panel.
• Using a screwdriver, remove the screws that hold the control panel in place.
• Carefully lift the control panel off the dishwasher.

2. Locate the Control Board

• The control board is usually located behind the control panel.
• It is a rectangular circuit board with a number of electrical components on it.

3. Inspect the Control Board

• Visually inspect the control board for any signs of damage, such as:
• Burned or blackened components
• Broken or loose wires
• Leaking capacitors

4. Test the Power Supply

• Set your multimeter to the AC voltage setting.
• Connect the black probe to the neutral wire and the red probe to the hot wire.
• You should get a reading of 120 volts.

5. Test the Door Switch

• Set your multimeter to the continuity setting.
• Connect the black probe to one terminal of the door switch and the red probe to the other terminal.
• Open and close the dishwasher door.
• You should get a reading of 0 ohms when the door is closed and infinity when the door is open.

6. Test the Water Level Switch

• Set your multimeter to the continuity setting.
• Connect the black probe to one terminal of the water level switch and the red probe to the other terminal.
• Tilt the dishwasher back and forth to simulate different water levels.
• You should get a reading of 0 ohms when the water level is high and infinity when the water level is low.

7. Test the Drain Pump

• Set your multimeter to the continuity setting.
• Connect the black probe to one terminal of the drain pump and the red probe to the other terminal.
• Turn on the dishwasher and start a cycle.
• You should get a reading of 0 ohms when the drain pump is running and infinity when the drain pump is not running.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your control board fails any of these tests, it may need to be replaced. However, there are a few things you can try before replacing the control board:

• Reset the dishwasher: Unplug the dishwasher from the power supply for 30 seconds and then plug it back in. This may reset the control board and fix the problem.
• Check the wiring: Make sure that all of the wires are connected securely to the control board. Any loose or damaged wires can cause the control board to malfunction.
• Replace the door latch: If the door latch is not working properly, it can prevent the dishwasher from starting or draining properly.

Wrap-Up

Testing the control board is a relatively simple task that can help you diagnose and fix a variety of dishwasher problems. By following these steps, you can save yourself the time and expense of calling a repairman.

What People Want to Know

Q: Can I test the control board without removing it from the dishwasher?
A: No, you will need to remove the control panel to access the control board.

Q: What is the most common cause of a dishwasher control board failure?
A: Power surges and water damage are the most common causes of dishwasher control board failures.

Q: How much does it cost to replace a dishwasher control board?
A: The cost of replacing a dishwasher control board varies depending on the model of dishwasher and the availability of parts. However, you can expect to pay between $100 and $300 for a new control board.