If your Danby dishwasher buttons not working issue leaves you with a dead or partly responsive panel, start with the most common cause: a bad touchpad and control panel, or the touchpad itself if the display still lights up but some buttons respond and others do not. A Danby dishwasher control panel not working can also be tied to an incoming power problem, so check the breaker, fuse, or GFCI first if the dishwasher has no lights or sound at all. Next, make sure the control lock, child lock, Sabbath mode, or Demo mode is not preventing normal button use. If the panel looks normal but the dishwasher will not start, inspect the door latch and test the door switch or latch microswitch for continuity, since the control will not run a cycle if the latch is not proving closed. The main control board is another possible cause, but it is less likely and should be checked after the simpler failures. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact Danby replacement part, whether you need a touchpad, control panel, door latch, door switch, or main control board.
01 - Danby Dishwasher Touchpad and Control Panel
First, ensure that the display works. If the dishwasher display is working but the some of the button don’t respond correctly, the touchpad and control panel might need to be replaced. (Some manufacturers sell the touchpad separately from the control panel. Other manufacturers require that you purchase the touchpad and control panel together. If you cannot replace the touchpad individually, replace the touchpad and control panel.)
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First, confirm that the dishwasher display is working. If the display is still working, try pressing some of the touchpad buttons. If some of the buttons respond correctly but others don’t, it is likely that the touchpad is at fault. (Some manufacturers sell the touchpad separately from the control panel. Other manufacturers require that you purchase the touchpad and control panel together. If you cannot replace the touchpad individually, replace the touchpad and control panel.)
If there are no indicator lights or any noise from the dishwasher when it is turned on, it is likely that power is not reaching the dishwasher. Check the circuit breakers and GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) outlets, if applicable, to confirm they have not tripped, or inspect any fuses to confirm none have blown. Plugging the unit’s power cord into a ground fault outlet is not recommended, but such an outlet can be reset to restore power by pressing in the button on the faceplate.
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04 - Dishwasher in lock mode
Many dishwashers have a child lock or “Sabbath” feature which will prevent the buttons from being used when the feature is engaged. The dishwasher could also be in “Demo” mode or another mode which prevents full operation. Consult the dishwasher’s user manual for information regarding locking/unlocking the control panel.
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05 - Danby Dishwasher Door Latch
If the dishwasher buttons aren't working, it's possible the door latch is malfunctioning and preventing a wash cycle from being started. Inspect the door latch for any damage. you can also use a multimeter to test the micro switch inside the door latch for electrical continuity. If the switch does not have continuity, the switch or latch assembly should be replaced.
The main control board regulates nearly every function in the dishwasher. If there is a problem with the main control board, it might not send voltage to the dishwasher touchpad, causing the touchpad buttons not to work. Control boards are often misdiagnosed; make sure you test more commonly defective parts before replacing the main control board.