White-Westinghouse Dishwasher buttons/controls not working
If your White-Westinghouse dishwasher buttons are not working, start with the control interface itself. On this symptom, the most common fix is a failed touchpad and control panel, especially if the display works but some buttons do not respond. In some models, the touchpad can be replaced separately, but on others you will need the complete control panel assembly. If the display is on and only certain keys fail, the touchpad is still a leading cause. If the dishwasher control panel is not working at all, check for an incoming power problem next by resetting the breaker, GFCI, or blown fuse, then make sure the unit is not in lock mode, child lock, Sabbath mode, or Demo mode. A bad door latch or door switch can also keep a cycle from starting even when the dishwasher has power but will not start. After those checks, consider the main control board, but only after ruling out the more common failures first since control boards are often misdiagnosed. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact White-Westinghouse touchpad, control panel, door latch, or main control board for your dishwasher.
01 - White-Westinghouse 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 - White-Westinghouse 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.
06 - White-Westinghouse Dishwasher Main Control Board
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.