Amana Dishwasher: not responding

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Amana dishwasher not responding? If your appliance shows unresponsive controls, won’t start, or fails to indicate a selected cycle, you're likely facing a common issue. Potential causes include the Control Lock feature being enabled, a need for a reset due to transient errors, or problems with the door latch or switch. Addressing these issues can help restore your dishwasher's functionality.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Amana Models

  • Control Lock feature can make controls completely unresponsive until disabled
  • Amana documentation recommends power cycling to clear unresponsive control issues before professional help

Possible Causes

Control Lock feature enabled

How to Identify: Control Lock light illuminated, buttons do nothing and often flash when pressed if locked

Part: Control panel / lock feature

Dishwasher not reset / transient error

How to Identify: Dishwasher unresponsive after power glitch or freeze, no buttons work until reset

Part: Control board / electronic controls

Door latch or switch faulty

How to Identify: Dishwasher won’t start, door doesn’t latch securely or microswitch fails continuity tests

Part: Door latch assembly / door switch

Electronic control board failure

How to Identify: No response from controls, other causes ruled out, board shows signs of damage or no voltage out

Part: Main control board / user control board

Damaged user interface control / touchpad

How to Identify: Specific buttons non-responsive or control panel partly dead but power present

Part: Touchpad / user interface control

Power supply or wiring issue

How to Identify: Dishwasher completely dead or intermittent responsiveness, tripped breaker, loose wiring at junction

Part: Junction box / wiring harness / power connection

DIY Solutions

Check and disable Control Lock

Easy 2-5 minutes
  1. Locate the Control Lock button/icon on your dishwasher’s control panel.
  2. Press and hold the Control Lock button for ~3 seconds to disable the lock.
  3. Try pressing cycle selections again and start the dishwasher.

Power cycle / reset control board

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Turn off dishwasher’s power by unplugging it or switching off its circuit breaker.
  2. Wait at least 1 minute to allow capacitors to discharge.
  3. Restore power and close the dishwasher door securely.
  4. Select a cycle and press Start to check responsiveness.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before accessing plug or breaker.

Ensure door latches properly

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Open and close the dishwasher door firmly to ensure the latch catches.
  2. Inspect the latch for visible debris or damage that prevents closure.
  3. Try starting the dishwasher again with the door securely latched.

Inspect door latch switch continuity

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: multimeter, screwdriver
  1. Disconnect power at circuit breaker.
  2. Remove inner door panel to access door latch.
  3. Use a multimeter to test latch switch continuity when door is closed.
  4. Replace latch assembly if continuity fails.
  5. Reassemble and restore power to test dishwasher.
⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power before accessing electrical components.

Professional Repairs

Replace electronic control board

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

Replace user interface control / touchpad

Estimated Cost: $80 - $250

Repair/replace wiring harness

Estimated Cost: $50 - $200

When to Call a Professional

Dishwasher still unresponsive after power cycling and control lock checks
Visible damage to control board or burnt wiring
Testing shows faulty door latch microswitch but not comfortable replacing it
No power detected at dishwasher junction but breaker and outlet are fine

Preventive Maintenance

  • Regularly clean door latch and surrounding area: Door latch sticking and false unresponsive behavior
    Frequency: monthly
  • Occasionally power cycle the dishwasher after firmware updates or glitches: Transient control lockups or unresponsive controls
    Frequency: as needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Dishwasher not responding?
Common causes include Control Lock being enabled, a need for a reset, or a faulty door latch.
How do I fix Amana Dishwasher not responding myself?
You can disable Control Lock, power cycle the unit, or ensure the door latches properly.
How much does it cost to fix not responding?
Professional repairs can range from $50 for wiring issues to $400 for an electronic control board replacement.
When should I call a technician for not responding?
If DIY solutions fail or if the problem involves complex components like the control board, consider calling a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

60%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Power supply issue (tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse)
  • Faulty control panel or user interface
  • Malfunctioning door latch or door switch preventing operation

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check the power supply by ensuring the dishwasher is plugged in and the circuit breaker is not tripped. Reset the breaker if necessary.

  2. Inspect the control panel for any visible damage or stuck buttons. If the panel is faulty, consider replacing it.

  3. Check the door latch and door switch for proper function. If the door does not close securely or the switch is faulty, replace them.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Amana Dishwasher help!

Community Discussions

All panel lights are on. None are blinking. Doesn't respond to any buttons.

Try rebooting it by holding the start and stop buttons at the same time for 10 seconds.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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