I just had the same issue pop up; getting the two very dim vertical bars.

In my case, the machine enters diagnostics mode fine - all button presses/door actions respond with the audible beep, and the dryer spins and heats in diagnostics mode as well. However, as soon as I exit that mode, it won't do anything.

I considered just drying in diagnostics mode, but it appears to have an 8 minute limit. I don't think this is the front control board since all buttons respond. Could this be the the EBC, even though everything works fine in diagnostics mode?

I had the same problem three days ago, so I changed out the control panel. It started right up and ran a cycle. The next day, I went to dry a load, and it was back to the faint lights. I figured that something tripped the control panel a second time. My daughter went to use the dryer this morning, and it worked just fine. I was able to dry three loads back to back. I added the fourth load just now, and it's back to faint lights.

Bad (replacement) control panel?
Something else shorting it out?
Anyone have a suggestion?

My model number is GEW9250PWO

Funny (but not), I have the exact same model as handymanmom - GEW9250PWO. Maybe these are designed to fail at the same time? :p

I've pretty much resigned myself to purchasing a new dryer. I would rather buy something new with July 4th sales than put ~250 into an old machine.

I had similar problem with my Whirlpool Duet Dryer Model GEW9250PW0. Intermittent response to touchpad controls and when touch pad nonfunctional, a few of the LED indicators were dimly lit and the time display had 2 dim vertical half lines. I did internet search and found the usual defect was the Main Control Board (Part number: WP8546219 [AP6013143]). I looked at replacement instructions and was able to access this part quite easily (only moved dryer enough to disconnect from power source and access rear screws). I noticed original part had a good bit of lint and dust. I used electronics compressed gas duster to remove lint and dust, reconnected original Main Control Board and every thing is working fine now. I would recommend inspection/cleaning of this part before spending the $200 plus for a replacement part.