Electrical appliances – the engine that helps us run our life smoothly. More or less, we are all dependent on different appliances as we do not have time to hand wash or clean everything present in our household.
A dishwasher is an integral part of a kitchen, your kitchen would turn into a pile of dirty dishes, if your dishwasher didn’t save you on time. And owning a GE dishwasher is nothing less than having a pair of extra hands that is getting all your work done.
However, what if your GE dishwasher buttons are not working? And a faulty dishwasher means your kitchen is leading towards being a filthy one! Therefore, you need to find solutions.
That is why we are here with a complete guide on GE dishwasher buttons that are not working and the reasons behind them. Therefore, bear with us till the end.
GE dishwasher buttons not working
There could be multiple reasons behind your GE dishwasher buttons not working. Start by checking the touchpad of the dishwasher. Mostly, there are issues with the touchpad or the control panel that are not letting the buttons work. Other than that, check if the child protection function is on.
There could be multiple reasons behind your dishwasher buttons not functioning. Some of the most basic reasons are dirt-buildup, an electrical issue or the trap and the filter could be malfunctioning.
Start button
Not having a power supply:
To run any electrical appliances, you have to make sure that your dishwasher is connected with the power outlet. If you are unsure about it, unplug and then plug the dishwasher. In most cases, power supply related issues are created if there is an issue with the circuit breaker.
Solution:
Under such circumstances, make sure your dishwasher is plugged in properly. If the dishwasher isn’t still receiving any power then ensure that the switches of the breaker haven’t been tripped.
Child lock is activated:
One of the most common reasons why your ‘start’ button not be working may be caused due the child lock feature is activated. This feature locks the buttons, so that there is no interruption while the dishwasher is running a cycle. It also prevents accidentally starting a new cycle.
Solution:
To deactivate the child lock feature you would want to check the manual of your GE dishwasher. The manual must contain information on turning off the feature. Once you have turned it off correctly, your ‘start’ button should function.
Cancel button
Issues with electronic control and timer:
If you notice that the cancel button on your dishwasher is not working, then there’s a chance that there is something up with the electronic control or the timer.
As these appliances are completely, electricity dependent their buttons may malfunction if there are issues with the electronic control.
The timer also has an impact on the cancel button. It usually has the power to control other parts of the dishwasher. Therefore, if there is anything wrong with the timer, the buttons may not work the way they are supposed to.
Solution:
When you start noticing that the cancel button is not working, you would want to check these parts. You can simply use a multimeter. However, before checking the timer and the electronic control, make sure to disconnect the dishwasher from the power outlet.
On-off button
Electrical wiring issue:
Whereas, buildup dirt and oil or grease can make your buttons get stuck. Other than that, your on-off buttons may also not work if there are any sorts of electrical issues in the wiring. Most parts of the dishwasher run using electricity.
Therefore, if you are noticing malfunctions in the on-off button, then chances are high that there could be an issue with the wiring.
Solution:
Not everything can be solved by troubleshooting. When it comes to issues related to the wiring system, try not to resolve it on your own. Under such conditions, seek help from a professional.
In case the wires get messed up there’s a higher chance that both the warranty and health of your dishwasher may get compromised.
Reset button
Dirt buildup:
One of the most common reasons behind your cancel button not working can be caused by dirt buildup. The buttons basically get stuck, in case there is an excessive amount of dirt, grease or oil.
Moreover, if you are owning a dishwasher with a top control panel, then it is no surprise. Food particles, oil, dirt and debris can cause the buttons to malfunction.
Solution:
The best way to treat stuck these non functioning buttons is to use an ammonia-based cleaner. Coming in direct contact with such a cleaner can be considered harmful, therefore, take necessary safety measures.
Cycle button
An issue with the selector switch:
A selector switch helps you find all the options in your dishwasher. It provides you with the options like washing, and drying options for a cycle. In case your cycle button is not working, the selector switch might be guilty.
Solution:
Locate the button and check the settings to make sure it is not stuck. This should fix the problem.
Delay start button
Issues with the thermal fuse:
If your thermal fuse has run out or the coil has burnt off then there’s a chance that your delay start button may not be working as the control panel will not receive any power.
Solution:
Check the thermal fuse with a multimeter and if required get it replaced.
How much does it cost to replace a GE dishwasher control panel?
To replace a GE dishwasher control panel it can cost somewhere between $50-140.
If your buttons are not working at all, there’s a higher chance that you might have to change or replace the control panel of your GE dishwasher. Depending on the model type and the platform from which you are purchasing the dishwasher, the replacement cost will vary.
For a new, OEM GE profile dishwasher control panel, you may have to spend an amount of $50-140. However, at times it can also go up to the value of $200-500. This depends on how severe the issue is.
Additionally, if there is an issue with the touch panel within the warranty period then, there’s a higher chance that you may get a full refund or replacement by your manufacturer.
How do I test my GE dishwasher touchpad?
To test your GE dishwasher touchpad, start with ensuring that the dishwasher has a power supply. And then you can try and run an empty cycle to ensure that the touchpad is working.
Before you move on to testing if your dishwasher’s touchpad is working or not, make sure the buttons have light. In case you are not seeing any lights in the buttons, then there’s a chance that your dishwasher is not receiving any power.
Under such circumstances, make sure to recheck your power supply before you go on and test out the touchpad. However, even after connecting the power supply you are not noticing any lights in the buttons then that’s a different issue.
Additionally, if your appliance is getting a power supply and you are not seeing the buttons function, then consider your buttons frozen. This happens if the control panel is activated. This feature is included so that the control panel does not interrupt or start a new cycle.
Therefore, before testing your touchpad make sure the buttons are not frozen. In case they are, you can press and hold the HEATED DRY pad for 3 seconds, and you will notice the touchpad getting unlocked.
How do I reset the control panel on my GE dishwasher?
There will be days when your GE dishwasher may randomly create a fuss, and you may notice that it may be blinking lights, creating a beep sound or something unusual. Under such circumstances, it may be necessary to call a technician.
However, sometimes these issues can be solved just by resetting the control panel on your GE dishwasher. Now, depending on the model of your GE dishwasher, you would want to perform the resetting procedure.
Here are a few steps you can follow to reset the control panel on your GE dishwasher:
Pressing the start or reset button:
If you notice that your dishwasher is blinking or beeping then, resetting the dishwasher can be as simple as pressing the start button or reset button. Doing this will help your dishwasher become normal.
This issue is mostly caused if the door of the dishwasher is somehow left open. Whereas, closing the door should resolve the issue.
Disconnecting the power supply:
In most cases where the lights of the dishwasher are blinking or the dishwasher is making a beeping sound, it is caused due to problems related to the power surge.
Therefore, the easiest way to reset the dishwasher is to disconnect it from the power supply for at least 30 seconds to a minute. If the issue is related to the power surge, disconnecting it for a while will help you reset the dishwasher.
This helps the electrical charge to get released from the dishwasher and the buttons should stop blinking. However, if this does not help and the blinking continues, seek professional help. In case the issue continues, there could be severe damage to your dishwasher.
Final Thoughts
If your GE dishwasher buttons are not working, then chances are high that the touch panel may have frozen. This happens when the child security function gets activated automatically.Other than that, if there is dirt present in the dishwasher the buttons may not work.