I have a Maytag dishwasher Model mdbh979aww3, that won’t start. After returning from a month long trip, we tried to use it yesterday. The Cycle lights light up, as does the Heated Dry light. The Hi Temp and Sanitize buttons will blink when pressed. But, nothing happens when Start is pressed. The door switch seems to be working, and has continuity when the button is pressed down. The lights do work with the door open.
I had this problem on my 2 year old MDB7809AMW2. The start button would not work but everything else on control panel did.
I decided to replace the control panel first, but after removing it, I decided, why not rip this thing apart and see what’s happening underneath.
I tore off layer after layer of the front side of the panel.. there were about 3 or 4 layers of plastic - the cover, then the buttons, then the electronics.. none of this was necessary, but it made me feel better. Tear off the whole thing from the plastic. The RIBBON cable going from front of this panel to the control board had gunk/corrosion on it. After using alcohol to wipe clean, I then pieced it all back together and it works!
So, I will replace the panel in time, but for now, fear not friends.. tear up that front panel and stick it back together.. I didn’t have to apply any additional glue or cement whatsoever.. good luck.