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Maytag Dishwasher Control Touch Panel Replacement

Video Guide
This guide was transcribed from a YouTube video.

Introduction

Use this guide to diagnose intermittent or unresponsive dishwasher touchpad controls and replace the control touch panel, also called the touchpad or control panel. A failing touch panel can leave Control Lock stuck on, make some keys respond only part of the time, or stop Start, Cancel, or cycle buttons from working reliably. This procedure was documented on a KitchenAid KDTE254ESS1 dishwasher, but many Whirlpool-built Maytag, KitchenAid, and Whirlpool dishwashers use a similar repair process. Button layouts and part numbers vary by model, so confirm the replacement part before ordering.

What you need

  1. Edit

    • Turn off power to the dishwasher at the breaker or unplug it before opening the door panel.

    • Only restore power during the brief diagnostic tests in this guide.

    • Disconnect power again before connecting, disconnecting, removing, or installing any control panel parts.

    • Keep the work area dry while testing or handling dishwasher wiring.

    • Wear work gloves if the inner door panel has sharp metal edges.

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  2. Edit

    • Check whether the keys respond only sometimes or need repeated presses.

    • Check whether Control Lock stays on even after you hold the key for three seconds.

    • Check whether some buttons work while others respond slowly or not at all.

    • Power-cycling the dishwasher may restore operation for a few hours, but recurring failures usually point to a bad touch panel.

    • Touch-panel faults can come and go, so a panel can seem normal for a short time and still be bad.

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  3. Edit

    • Find the full dishwasher model number before ordering a replacement control touch panel.

    • For the documented KitchenAid KDTE254ESS1, compatible part numbers include W10716255, W10852988, W10860320, and W10902370.

    • Verify the part number again if you are working on a different Maytag, KitchenAid, or Whirlpool model.

    • A similar dishwasher can use a different touch panel or button layout.

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  4. Edit

    • Open the dishwasher door and place a stool under it so the door rests securely on the stool.

    • The support keeps the front door panels from dropping apart when the inner screws are removed.

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  5. Edit

    • Use a driver with the correct bit to remove the 10 screws from the inner door panel.

    • The two center screws are longer than the others.

    • The eight side screws are shorter, with four on each side.

    • Keep the long and short screws separated so they go back into the same locations.

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  6. Edit

    • Lift the front control panel slightly to release the plastic retainers on both sides.

    • Pull the panel forward once the side retainers release.

    • Press the latch on the single wire connector and unplug it from the touch panel.

    • Set the separated front control panel on a stable work surface.

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  7. Edit

    • Leave the touch panel disconnected and keep the dishwasher door open.

    • Restore power and wait about 10 seconds.

    • Close the door fully and listen for the drain pump to start.

    • If the drain pump runs, the main control board is probably good and the touch panel is the more likely problem.

    • The drain pump may run for about two minutes, but you don't need to wait for the full cycle.

    • Turn the power off again after the test.

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  8. Edit

    • Flip the front panel over to access the back side of the touch panel.

    • Use a driver to remove the three screws holding the touch-panel assembly.

    • These are the shortest screws in the repair, so don't mix them with the door screws.

    • Pull the old touch panel out of the front panel.

    • Use a small screwdriver to free any stuck tabs if needed.

    • Work slowly so you don't crack the plastic tabs or the front panel.

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  9. Edit

    • Mark the old touch panel if the old and replacement panels look similar.

    • Reconnect the old panel only if you want to compare its button response.

    • Restore power briefly and test the buttons without fully reinstalling the panel.

    • Turn the power off before unplugging the old panel or connecting the replacement panel.

    • Connect the replacement panel, restore power briefly, and confirm the buttons respond more reliably.

    • Turn the power off again before installing the replacement panel.

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  10. Edit

    • Lay the front panel face down and position the replacement touch panel in the opening.

    • Slide one side of the touch panel into place first.

    • Use a small screwdriver to guide the opposite side into the retaining channel if it is tight.

    • Fit the lower edge under the retaining lip before seating the rest of the panel.

    • The panel may not sit fully at the bottom at first, so work the edges in gradually.

    • Be patient and don't force the panel hard enough to break the tabs.

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  11. Edit

    • Slide the touch-panel assembly fully into place.

    • Use a driver to reinstall the three shortest screws in the touch-panel assembly.

    • Tighten the screws until they are snug.

    • Don't overtighten the screws, because the plastic can crack.

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  12. Edit

    • Reconnect the dishwasher wire connector to the touch panel.

    • Hold the front panel against the door and slide it down from the top.

    • Make sure the metal pieces fit into their matching channel as the panel slides into place.

    • Use a helper if the panel is hard to hold and align at the same time.

    • Keep the stool under the door while the front panel is loose.

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  13. Edit

    • Use a power drill or screwdriver to reinstall the ten inner door screws.

    • Install the two longer screws in the middle positions.

    • Install the eight shorter screws along the sides, with four on each side.

    • Tighten all ten screws until they are snug.

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  14. Edit

    • Restore power to the dishwasher.

    • Wait 5 to 10 seconds for the controls to power on fully.

    • Press the cycle, option, Start, and Cancel buttons to confirm they respond normally.

    • Start a cycle only long enough to confirm the controls work, then cancel it if you don't want to run the dishwasher.

    • Confirm the door panel feels secure and all screws are snug.

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Conclusion

The dishwasher touch panel is replaced when the controls respond reliably and the door panel is secure. Repair didn't go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.

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