GE Dishwasher Control Panel Not Working (FIXED!)

From big family holidays to lazy Sunday dinners, there’s never a good time for your dishwasher to break down. Luckily, an unresponsive control panel rarely requires repairs.

Whether you have a power issue or you unknowingly activated a safety feature, it’s an easy fix that you can do on your own in a few minutes. However, if you have a faulty component, you must replace it to keep your dishwasher operational.

Not to worry, we will show you how to do all of that in our step-by-step guide below.

Why is my GE dishwasher control panel not working?

If your GE dishwasher control panel isn’t working, it might be locked or in Demo mode. Check if any of these functions are ON and deactivate them, if necessary.

Your control panel also won’t work if a component is faulty. Identify the defective component and replace it to resolve the issue.

Causes	Repairs	Difficulty
Loose Connection	Plug in the power cord properly.	Easy
Glitches	Reset the control panel.	Easy
Locked Control Panel	Disable Control Lock.	Easy
Active Demo Mode	Disable Demo Mode.	Easy
Faulty User Interface Control Board	Replace the user interface control board.	Difficult
Defective Main Control Board	Replace the main control board.	Difficult

How to Fix a GE Dishwasher Control Panel That Isn’t Working

To fix an unresponsive GE dishwasher control panel, make sure the unit is plugged in and receiving power. Check if Control Lock is ON and disable it, if necessary.

Press the Start/Restart button for 3 seconds to reset the dishwasher. You can also unplug it for an entire minute before restoring power.

Safety Warning: • If repairs involve disassembling the dishwasher, always unplug the power cord or turn it off at the circuit breaker before performing the fix. Then, turn off the water supply valve.

Below, we listed a few possible reasons that can prevent your GE dishwasher control panel from working. 

Repairs	Instructions
Plug in the power cord properly.	• Locate the power source of your GE dishwasher and plug the power cord properly into a functioning outlet. • Or, turn on the wall switch to restore power to your GE dishwasher.
Reset the control panel.	• Unplug the dishwasher or turn it off at the circuit breaker for at least a minute.  • Restore power and turn the appliance on to check if the control panel is responsive.
Disable Control Lock.	• Push the Dry Boost button or the Steam-Sani/ Presoak-Sani/ Sanitize button for 3 seconds.  • Since the button combination varies per dishwasher model, check your user manual for more detailed instructions.
Disable Demo Mode.	• Unplug the dishwasher for at least 30 seconds, then plug it back in to restore power. • Push Start along with the corresponding button for the Demo function on your dishwasher model.
Replace the user interface control board.	• Open the door and unthread the screws mounting the dishwasher to the countertop. • Pull the dishwasher out of the cabinet, unmount the access panel, and unplug the wiring harness.  • Close the door and unhook the cables on both sides. • Remove the door and set it down on a stable surface. Then, take off the vent cover. • Unthread the screws that hold the inner and outer door panels. Pull the hinges down and set them aside. • Push the inner panel down to release it, and place it on a stable work surface. • Disconnect the wiring harness on the UI board. Then, unthread the screws mounting the assembly. • Pry the tabs on the cover and remove the old UI board.  • Adjust the jumper settings on the new board. Use the supplied instruction sheet as your reference. • Align the new UI board and button assembly on the cover. Gently push down on the tabs until they lock. • Mount the UI board on the dishwasher, and reconnect the wiring harness to the board. • Align the tabs on the inner door panel with the outer panel. Then, push down to lock them together.  • Reassemble the rest of the parts of your dishwasher. Then, reconnect the drain hose and water supply line.  • Plug in the dishwasher and turn on the water supply.  • Confirm that the control panel is responding to your inputs.
Replace the main control board.	• Unthread the screws mounting the dishwasher to the countertop. Then, pull the dishwasher out.  • Spread a towel on the floor and gently lay the unit on its back. • Unthread the screws on the access panel. Then, remove it along with the insulation. • Unfasten the screws on the junction box cover. Remove the cover and disconnect the jumper wire. • Unplug the wiring harness that connects to the control panel. • Unthread the inner screws mounting the control board support panel. Then, pull down the support panel. • Disconnect the wires to release the control board. • Remove the grounding screws and press the mounting pins using pliers to free the old board from the support panel. • Align the new control board on the support panel, push it down, and secure it in place. Connect the wires to the new control board. • Mount the support panel. Plug in the wiring harness and jumper wire. • Realign the junction box cover and replace the screws to mount it in place. Reinstall the insulation and the access panel. • Mount the dishwasher. Plug it in, and turn on the water supply.  • Check if the control panel is working.

Plug in the power cord properly.

Are the lights on the control panel off? 

If so, inspect the power supply of your GE dishwasher. Your appliance won’t receive a steady flow of electricity if the plug is loose, which is why your dishwasher won’t turn on or start(GE dishwasher no power).

However, if the lights on the panel are on, you can rule out a power supply issue. Move to the next possible fix on the list.

Solution: Locate the power source of your GE dishwasher and plug the power cord properly into a functioning outlet.

• Tip: Some dishwashers are powered by a wall switch. Locate the switch and flip it to the ON position to operate your appliance.

Reset the control panel.

If a power outage interrupts your dishwasher mid-cycle, it could cause the system to glitch once it turns back on. An error code might appear on the display, or the control panel might not respond to your commands.

There’s probably nothing wrong with your dishwasher. If it is simply a glitch, resetting the appliance should clear it.

Solution: First, try pressing the Start/Restart button on the GE dishwasher to reset it. If the button doesn’t work, power cycle the unit. 

• Step 1: Unplug the dishwasher or turn it off at the circuit breaker for at least a minute. 
• Step 2: Restore power to the dishwasher.
• Step 3: Check if the control panel is responsive.

Disable Control Lock.

The Control Lock function is a safety feature on your GE dishwasher. It locks the control panel to prevent accidental changes to the settings, which is necessary if your household has pets or children.

No matter what buttons you press, your dishwasher will not respond to your commands when the Control Lock is on. The good news is that your appliance isn’t broken and doesn’t require repairs.

All you have to do is disable the control lock.

Older GE Dishwasher Models

If you have an older GE dishwasher model, your unit might have a Lock Pad, which is the dedicated button for the Control Lock function. On other models, the Heated Dry button may double as the lock for your control panel.

Solution: Push the Lock pad twice in 3 seconds to deactivate the Control Lock function in older GE dishwasher models. Wait for the beep and the light to turn off.

Modern GE Dishwasher Models

Solution: To deactivate the Control Lock on a newer dishwasher model, press the right button combination for 3 seconds. 

• Method 1: Simultaneously push the Dry Boost or the Steam-Sani/Presoak-Sani/Sanitize button for 3 seconds. The Control Lock light will turn off when the function is disabled.

• Method 2: Simultaneously press the Cycle or Dry/Dry Boost and Steam buttons for 3 seconds. The Control Lock indicator lock will turn off when the function is disabled.

Tip: • Check the user manual to find more detailed instructions for deactivating the Control Lock on your GE dishwasher model.

Disable Demo Mode.

When Demo Mode is activated, you can choose wash cycles and other options on your control panel, but your dishwasher won’t fill or start. 

You might think that the control panel is defective because your appliance isn’t responding to your commands. However, it really isn’t.

Once you deactivate Demo Mode, your dishwasher should function as it should—that is if it has no other underlying issues.

Model Numbers GDT225, GDT226, GPT145, GPT225, PDT145

Solution: Unplug the dishwasher for at least 30 seconds, then plug it back in to restore power. Push the Start and Delay Start buttons for 5 seconds.

Model Numbers Starting With ADT/CDT/DDT/GDF/GDT/PDT (excluding the units above)

Solution: Unplug the dishwasher for at least 30 seconds, then plug it back in to restore power. Push the Start and Heated Dry/Power Dry buttons for 5 seconds.

Replace the user interface control board.

If the control panel is lighting up but some of its buttons aren’t responding to your touch, it could be defective. Depending on your dishwasher model, you might have to replace the touchpad or the entire assembly to resolve the problem.

In other cases, you’ll have to replace the user interface control board. This component is responsible for receiving signals from the touchpad and sending it to the main control board.

A faulty UI control board can’t communicate well with the main control board, making your dishwasher nearly impossible to operate. But once it is replaced, your appliance can get back to work.

Solution: To replace a GE dishwasher user interface board, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Unplug the dishwasher and turn off the water supply.
• Step 2: Use the wrench to unscrew the fill line on the water supply valve.
• Step 3: Loosen the clamp on the drain hose using a 5/16” nut driver.
• Step 4: Open the door and unthread the screws mounting the dishwasher to the countertop.
• Step 5: Carefully pull the dishwasher out to access the door cables.
• Step 6: Use a 5/16” nut driver to unmount the access panel at the bottom of the dishwasher. Then, remove the panel and set it aside.
• Step 7: Disconnect the wiring harness and gently pull off the clips that secure it to the tub.
• Step 8: Close the dishwasher door and unhook the cables on both sides.
• Step 9: Open the door and lift it up to remove it.
• Step 10: Set the door on a solid and stable surface. Place a towel underneath to prevent scratches.
• Step 11: Use a flathead screwdriver to loosen the vent cover. Then, pull it out of the dishwasher.
• Step 12: Use a 1/4” socket or nut driver to unthread the screws that hold the inner and outer door panels. Pull the hinges down and set them aside.
• Step 13: Push the inner panel down to release it and place it on a stable surface.
• Step 14: Disconnect the wiring harness on the user interface board.
• Step 15: Unthread the screws mounting the UI board assembly.
• Step 16: Use a flathead screwdriver to pry the tabs on the cover. Insert a putty knife to prevent them from snapping shut.
• Step 17: Remove the old UI board from the cover.
• Step 18: Take the replacement and adjust its jumper settings based on your dishwasher’s model number. Use the supplied instruction sheet as your reference.
• Step 19: Align the new UI board and button assembly on the cover. Then, gently push it down until the tabs lock into place.
• Step 20: Mount the UI board on the dishwasher and secure it with the screws.
• Step 21: Reconnect the wiring harness to the board.
• Step 22: Align the tabs on the inner door panel with the outer panel. Push down to lock them together. 
• Step 23: Reinstall the vent cover, door hinges, and the screws that secure both panels.
• Step 24: Reattach the door to the dishwasher. Then, reconnect both door cables.
• Step 25: Reconnect the wiring harness at the bottom of the dishwasher.
• Step 26: Mount the access panel and secure it using its screws.
• Step 27: Push the dishwasher back in and reinstall the screws that mount it to the countertop.
• Step 28: Reconnect the drain hose and water supply line.
• Step 29: Plug in the dishwasher and turn on the water supply.
• Step 30: Test if the appliance turns on.

Replace the main control board.

After ruling out the most common causes of a malfunctioning control panel, you should look into the main control board. This component serves as the brain of your GE dishwasher, which controls all of its functions, such as cleaning, drying, and draining.

If the previous repairs haven’t worked, it might be time to replace the main control board. It isn’t an easy fix, but it is possible with a little help from our step-by-step repair guide.

Solution: To replace a GE dishwasher main control board, follow these steps carefully:

• Step 1: Unplug the dishwasher and turn off the water supply.
• Step 2: Open the door and unthread the screws mounting the dishwasher to the countertop.
• Step 3: Carefully pull the dishwasher out of the cabinet.
• Step 4: Put a towel down and gently lay the unit on its back.
• Step 5: Unthread the screws on the access panel at the bottom of the dishwasher.
• Step 6: Remove the panel along with the insulation.
• Step 7: Use a 5/16” nut driver to unfasten the screws on the junction box cover. Then, remove the cover and disconnect the jumper wire.
• Step 8: Unplug the wiring harness that connects to the control panel.
• Step 9: Unthread the inner screws mounting the control board support panel.
• Step 10: Pull down the support panel.
• Step 11: Take a photo of the wires on the control board for reference.
• Step 12: Disconnect the wires to release the control board.
• Step 13: Use a 1/4” socket or nut driver to remove the grounding screws.
• Step 14: Press the mounting pins using pliers to free the old board from the support panel.
• Step 15: Align the new control board on the support panel. Then, push it down until it snaps into place.
• Step 16: Secure the grounding screw.
• Step 17: Connect the wires to the new control board. Pull up your photo reference.
• Step 18: Mount the support panel and secure it with its screws.
• Step 19: Plug in the wiring harness that connects to the control panel and the jumper wire.
• Step 20: Realign the junction box cover and replace the screws to mount it in place.
• Step 21: Reinstall the insulation and the access panel.
• Step 22: Keep the dishwasher upright and mount it on the cabinet. Then, plug it in and turn on the water supply.
• Step 23: Check if the dishwasher turns on and runs a cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

---