If your Dacor dishwasher buttons are not working, start with the control area itself. On this symptom, the most common fix is a bad touchpad and control panel, especially if the display works but some buttons do not respond. A failed touchpad is next, since worn or damaged keypad contacts can leave you with a dishwasher touchpad not responding even though the dishwasher control panel is still lit. If nothing lights up and the unit is completely dead, check for an incoming power problem first by inspecting the breaker, fuse, or GFCI. It is also worth making sure the dishwasher is not in lock mode, child lock, Sabbath mode, or demo mode, since that can make it seem like the dishwasher controls are not working when the control panel is simply locked out. After that, inspect the door latch and door switch, because a faulty latch can prevent the dishwasher from starting. The main control board is another possible cause, but it is less common and often misdiagnosed. Enter your Dacor model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement touchpad, control panel, door latch, or main control board for your specific dishwasher.
01 - Dacor 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 - Dacor 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.