Whirlpool Dishwasher Control Touch Panel Replacement

Introduction

Use this guide to replace a faulty dishwasher control touch panel, also called the touchpad, keypad, or user interface panel. A failing touch panel may respond intermittently, leave the control lock stuck on, or work again only after the dishwasher has been disconnected from power for several hours. This procedure was written for a KitchenAid KDTE254ESS1-style panel, but many Whirlpool-built KitchenAid, Whirlpool, and Maytag dishwashers use a similar layout. Confirm the model number and replacement part number before ordering, because button order and panel compatibility vary by model. Common part numbers for this panel style include W10716255, W10852988, W10860320, and W10902370.

What you need

Step 1 Confirm the fault and part compatibility

Look for buttons that respond intermittently, do not respond at all, or a control lock that will not release after you hold the lock button for three seconds.
Disconnecting power for several hours may temporarily revive a failing touch panel, but the problem usually returns.
Verify the dishwasher model before ordering a replacement touch panel.
For the KDTE254ESS1-style panel, common replacement part numbers include W10716255, W10852988, W10860320, and W10902370.
KitchenAid, Whirlpool, and Maytag models may follow the same repair path, but the button layout and part number can still differ.

Ask FixBot

Step 2 Shut off power and support the door

Shut off power at the breaker or unplug the dishwasher before opening the door panels.
Live dishwasher wiring can shock you and damage the control electronics.
Open the dishwasher door and place a stool under it for support.
Let the door rest on the stool so the inner and outer panels do not separate when you remove the screws.

Ask FixBot

Step 3 Remove the inner door screws

Remove the 10 screws securing the inner door panel.
A drill works here too, but keep it straight and run it at low speed so you do not strip the screws.
Separate the two longer center screws from the eight shorter side screws.
Reinstalling the screws in their original locations will help the door panels seat correctly.

Ask FixBot

Step 4 Disconnect the front panel

Lift the front panel slightly to release the plastic retainers on both sides.
Pull the panel forward once the side retainers release.
Press the connector latch and disconnect the cable from the control panel.
Handle the connector by its plastic housing, not by the wires or contacts.
Set the front panel on a stable work surface.

Ask FixBot

Step 5 Test the main control board

Leave the touch panel disconnected and keep the dishwasher door open.
Restore power, wait about 10 seconds, and close the door.
Listen for the drain pump to start.
If the drain pump starts, the main control board is likely working, though this test is not conclusive.
If the drain pump stays silent, the main control board may be causing the same symptoms as a bad touch panel.
Keep clear of wiring and circuit boards while power is on for this test.
Shut off power again before continuing.

Ask FixBot

Step 6 Remove the old touch panel

Flip the front panel over to access the back of the touch panel.
Remove the three short screws securing the touch panel.
Keep these screws separate from the door screws because they are a different length.
Leave the handle screws in place unless the handle also needs service.
Lift the old touch panel out of the front panel.
Use a small screwdriver to ease tight clips apart if the panel sticks.
Work slowly so you do not crack the plastic or damage the front panel.

Ask FixBot

Step 7 Compare and test the panels

Mark the removed touch panel so you do not mix it up with the replacement.
Connect the replacement touch panel cable with the door open and the power still off.
Restore power and test the buttons for a consistent response.
If you are installing a used part, test it now before full reassembly so you can confirm it works.
If the door closes while the front panel is off, pull only from the outer edge of the door.
Shut off power and disconnect the panel after testing.

Ask FixBot

Step 8 Install the new touch panel

Set the front panel face down and align the replacement touch panel with its opening.
Slide one side of the touch panel under the retaining lip.
Use a small screwdriver to help ease the opposite side under the tight retaining edge if needed.
Work the lower edge into place until the panel sits flat in the opening.
Do not force the panel into place, because the plastic can crack and the replacement part can be expensive.

Ask FixBot

Step 9 Secure the touch panel

Reinstall the three short touch panel screws.
Use the shortest screws here, not the longer inner-door screws.
Tighten the screws until they are snug.
Stop when the screws are snug so you do not strip the plastic mounts.

Ask FixBot

Step 10 Reinstall the front panel

Reconnect the control cable before setting the front panel back on the door.
Align the metal tab on the front panel with the slot in the door.
Slide the panel down from the top until the tab seats in the slot.
Ask a helper to support the panel if you cannot hold it and start the screws at the same time.
Keep the stool under the door while you reinstall the 10 inner-door screws.
Install the two longer screws in the center positions and the eight shorter screws along the sides.
Tighten all 10 screws until they are snug.

Ask FixBot

Step 11 Test the controls

Restore power to the dishwasher and wait 5 to 10 seconds for the controls to power on.
Press several buttons to confirm the touch panel responds consistently.
Start a cycle only long enough to verify that the Start button works.
Cancel the cycle after the dishwasher starts.
If the controls still fail, shut off power and recheck the cable connection before inspecting the main control board.
Refer to the user manual for model-specific diagnostic modes and control-lock behavior.

Ask FixBot

Conclusion

The dishwasher is ready to use when the touch panel responds consistently, the door panel is secure, and no screws are left over. Repair didn't go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.

Cancel: I did not complete this guide.