[roncar9]

I have had my MAYTAG Model #MDBH955AWW dishwasher less than 2 years. Response from the touchpad has progressively deteriorated over the last month: from lights failing to operate while the dishwasher went though its cycles, to a total failure of all touchpad buttons. Now some lights will come on, but no action. Do I assume it is a failure of the touchpad? I don't want to spend $180 for a touchpad. Is there any other option? Are there better dishwashers out there that don't employ the touchpad design? I would prefer the old-fashioned mechanical dials of the GE dishwasher I had that lasted over 20 years, and that its final failure was a deterioration of the inner plastic lining while the mechanical and electrical elements were still operable.

[magician59]

Unless you come across an older unit that even LOOKS like you would want to install it in your home, the days of the mechanical switches and timers are gone. Hefty cost, yes. It may be covered by warranty. But myrecommendation is to replace the touch pad.

[denman]

You may want to try the following.
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.

Here is a service manual and tech sheet
http://www.servicematters.com/maytag...s/16021814.pdf
http://www.servicematters.com/maytag...s/16026393.pdf

Your problem could be a keypad or a control board.
Check for water getting into this area.
Usually it is best to check the keyboard with a meter if it checks out OK then the odds are it is the control board.
Still a bit of a crap shoot.

[Thunderwood]

Thank you Denman, we had a similar problem with this dishwasher and took your advice to clean the connectors and happily it worked. I really didn't want to pay for a new touchpad and/or control board.