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.

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.

I have had this Maytag MDB8965AWB dishwasher since Oct. 2006. Certain buttons will light up on the display and certain ones do nothing. The delay feature lights up and flashes but you can't hit start. Basically, it doesn't run. I have since found out that there is a recall on the heating element which they will fix for free. I turned the breaker off to avoid any chance of a fire. Will cleaning the ribbon cable work on this model also? They will fix they heating element for free or give a rebate if you purchase a new Maytag. I would like to avoid having to buy a new dishwashe since the previous one lasted 12 years.

I have the model MDB6601AWW (2006) Maytag. It is the 2nd time that the control panel has failed. This time the cost for the panel is $185. I found that pin 6 & pin10 on the circuit board jack where the ribbon cable connects, are the trigger connections for starting, stop & drain, and shut off -- the same functions you would have pushing the start/cancel button. A simple push button switch attached to these pins, did the trick and the dishwasher is functional again. Be careful because the circuit board has the supply voltage for running the motor and the heating element == SO CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN WHEN HANDLING THE BOARD WHEN THE UNIT IS LIVE.

The port connections that the ribbon cable for the touch pad connects to are signal voltage levels and therefore should cause no harm in seeking out the 2 taps which active the micro processor. Finding those 2 connections and shunting them to activate the dishwasher is key to having to buy a new touch pad. I used a small "moment" push switch mounted near the door latch. Once again, look at the ribbon cable jack. The pins are numbered, even on one side and odd on the other. The first number appears on the circuit board next to the jack.

I am posting this because I am sick of the way on junkie Chinese touch pad can ruin an otherwise good running dishwasher. Maytag/Whirlpool needs to wise up, it is problems like this that will be the downfall of their product line and good name. If you get that Maytag running from my advice, donate the $100 ++ you saved by not buying the part, to a charity of your choice.