[mp847]

My parents have had this maytag dishwasher for about 3 years now, and about a year ago, it stopped working completely. None of the buttons would respond to any user input. It has sat disconnected for over a year at this point, my family has not put forward any money until I recently did as a mother's day present. My dad claimed that the problem was the circuit board, and I ordered the part just the other day. Today he attempted to install the part, but the dishwasher will still not start! Now the cycle and dry setting buttons will respond with lights turning on when you press them, but the start or delay buttons will not work. He says that he has cleaned all of the wire connections, tested all of the breakers, and even tested the door latch, and it still does not start. Any help or tips would be appreciated!

[denman]

Here are your parts
Replacement parts for Maytag MDB7609AWB2 UNDERCOUNTER DISHWASHER | AppliancePartsPros.com

Do you have the tech sheet for the unit?
I am having trouble trying to attach it to this post so below is the best I can do.

Sounds like it may be the control panel (keypad).

The usual way to troubleshoot is to check the keypad outputs with a meter.
Then if it checks OK replace the control board. Looking at the wiring diagram both the Start and Delay buttons use track P1-12.

Checking keyswitch contacts:

Unplug dishwasher or disconnect power.

Remove connector P1 from the control board.

Using the table below, measure the resistance across the switch when the key is pressed.
NOTE: The meter must be connected with the proper polarity.
This test will not work on models with a “touch sensor” type user interface.
The resistance reading should go from infinity (open circuit) with the key open down to a readable Ω level with the key pressed.
The level may be different depending on your meter, since there is a diode in the circuit.
If available, you could use the “Diode Test” function of a digital meter, which will give a voltage to turn on the diode in the circuit.
➔If any switches fail this test, replace the console panel/keypad assembly.
➔If all switches test OK, replace the machine control board.

KEY + Pos. - Neg.
Meter Lead Meter Lead

DELAY HOURS P1-12 P1-2

SMART WASH/ACCUSENSE/
ADAPTIVE WASH/AUTO CLEAN P1-13 P1-2

SOAK & SCOUR/STEAM/STEAM SANI P1-11 P1-3

CANCEL/DRAIN P1-12 P1-3

POTS & PANS/HEAVY P1-13 P1-3

HIGH TEMP P1-11 P1-4

START/RESUME P1-12 P1-4

NORMAL WASH/NORMAL P1-13 P1-4

SANI RINSE P1-11 P1-5

TURBO/PRO SCRUB/POWER SCOUR P1-12 P1-5

CHINA/LIGHT P1-13 P1-5

HEATED DRY P1-11 P1-6

RINSE ONLY/QUICK RINSE P1-12 P1-6

GLASS XPRESS/FAST WASH/
QUICK CLEANUP P1-13 P1-6

You may want to try re-cleaning the connectors.

Connector Cleaning / Checking
Unplug the unit
Open it up
Remove the ribbon cable from the keypad to the control board at the control board.
Clean the edge connector.
If it is the type where there is not a connector just the insulation is removed, it can be cleaned with a pencil eraser. Do not use an ink eraser as it is too abrasive.
Check the tracks in the ribbon cable for hairline cracks. A magnifying glass helps here.
Would not hurt to clean the connector on the board. Use electronics contact cleaner or isopropyl alcohol and a tooth brush. Be gentle and do not reconnect till all the solvent evaporates.
Reconnect everything and give it a try.