Unveiling The Secret To Dishwasher Success: How To Test A Whirlpool Dishwasher Control Board

A dishwasher is an essential appliance in any modern kitchen, and when it malfunctions, it can be a major inconvenience. One of the most common causes of dishwasher problems is a faulty control board. If you’re experiencing issues with your Whirlpool dishwasher, testing the control board is a necessary step in troubleshooting the problem.

Identifying the Control Board

Locate the control board inside the dishwasher. It is usually situated on the front or side of the dishwasher, behind a panel or cover. The control board is a circuit board with various electronic components, including relays, resistors, and capacitors.

Safety Precautions

Before you begin testing the control board, take the following safety precautions:

• Unplug the dishwasher from the power outlet.
• Turn off the water supply to the dishwasher.
• Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from electrical shock.

Visual Inspection

Begin by visually inspecting the control board for any obvious signs of damage, such as:

• Burned or charred components
• Broken or cracked circuit traces
• Loose or disconnected wires

If you notice any damage, it’s likely that the control board is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Continuity Test

Use a multimeter to perform a continuity test on the control board. Set the multimeter to the “continuity” setting and touch the probes to the terminals of each component on the board.

• A reading of “0” indicates continuity, meaning that the component is functioning properly.
• A reading of “OL” (open circuit) indicates that the component is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Voltage Test

If the continuity test passes, perform a voltage test to ensure that the control board is receiving power. Set the multimeter to the “AC voltage” setting and touch the probes to the power terminals on the board.

• A reading of around 120 volts indicates that the board is receiving power.
• A reading of 0 volts indicates that the board is not receiving power, and you should check the power supply and wiring to the dishwasher.

Relay Test

Relays are used to control the flow of electricity to various components in the dishwasher. To test a relay, use a multimeter to measure the resistance across the coil terminals.

• A reading of around 100 ohms indicates that the relay is functioning properly.
• A reading of 0 ohms indicates that the relay is shorted and needs to be replaced.
• A reading of OL (open circuit) indicates that the relay is open and needs to be replaced.

Capacitor Test

Capacitors store electrical energy and release it when needed. To test a capacitor, use a multimeter to measure the capacitance.

• A reading within the specified range indicates that the capacitor is functioning properly.
• A reading of 0 farads indicates that the capacitor is shorted and needs to be replaced.
• A reading of OL (open circuit) indicates that the capacitor is open and needs to be replaced.

Troubleshooting and Replacement

If you find any faulty components during the testing process, you will need to replace them. Replace the components with new ones of the same type and value.

Once you have replaced the faulty components, reassemble the control board and reinstall it in the dishwasher. Plug the dishwasher back in and turn on the water supply. Run a test cycle to ensure that the dishwasher is functioning properly.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you are still experiencing problems with your Whirlpool dishwasher after testing and replacing the control board, here are some additional troubleshooting tips:

• Check the door latch to ensure that it is properly engaging.
• Inspect the drain hose for any blockages or kinks.
• Clean the spray arms to remove any debris that may be blocking the water flow.
• Reset the dishwasher by unplugging it for a few minutes and then plugging it back in.

Answers to Your Questions

Q: Can I test the Whirlpool dishwasher control board myself?

A: Yes, you can test the control board yourself with a multimeter and some basic knowledge of electronics.

Q: What are the most common symptoms of a faulty control board?

A: Common symptoms include the dishwasher not starting, not filling with water, not draining properly, or not heating the water.

Q: How much does it cost to replace a Whirlpool dishwasher control board?

A: The cost of a replacement control board varies depending on the model of the dishwasher, but it typically ranges from $100 to $250.

Q: Can I use a universal control board to replace the original one?

A: It is not recommended to use a universal control board as it may not be compatible with your specific dishwasher model.

Q: How often should I test the Whirlpool dishwasher control board?

A: It is not necessary to test the control board regularly unless you are experiencing problems with the dishwasher.