[surplus]

Our dishwasher suddenly stopped working. Right before it went out, pushing the buttons to change cycles would not work well (intermittent). We have verified power is getting to the top of the unit, and have replaced the door switch. Still no power (lights), although testing with meter showed power going to the top. Have debated whether to replace the control panel ($100 plus) or the electrical control board ($75 plus), hopefully not both. Only 2 years old- the dishwasher that is- please help!

[Gene]

Most likely the problem is a bad control panel, but there is a small chance for the control board to be bad as well. Unfortunately there is no way check them instrumentally.

Here are the breakdown diagrams and Control panel replacement parts for MAYTAG MDB4651AWS | AppliancePartsPros.com

Gene.

[denman]

I was able to find the following tech sheet
http://www.servicematters.com/maytag...s/16026393.pdf

It has the pin outs for the keypad so you can check the buttons with a meter.
If it checks OK then I would replace the control board first.
Still a bit of a crap shoot but your odds of getting the correct part first time are a little better.

I would try the following first:

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.

[surplus]

Thank you both so much, at least now we know how to start!