Bosch Dishwasher Not Responding? Here’s What I Found and How I Fixed It
I was called to diagnose a Bosch dishwasher, a newer model, that wasn’t responding to any touch commands. The control panel wouldn’t register presses, leaving the homeowner unable to start a cycle.
Identifying the Problem
The first step was to check if the dishwasher was getting power. Since the display wasn’t completely dead, I knew power was reaching the unit. That meant the issue was likely with the control panel or the main control board.
To access the panel, I opened the dishwasher door and removed the outer cover. One advantage with these models is that you don’t need to pull the entire unit out—everything can be accessed from the front. Once inside, I inspected the touch panel and the control board. Visually, the board looked fine—no burn marks or obvious damage—but I did notice some slight discoloration.
The Root Cause
Before replacing any parts, I checked if the main control board was sending power to the touch panel. It’s always important to confirm this step to ensure the issue isn’t with the main board itself. In this case, the main board was supplying power correctly, which meant the problem was isolated to the control panel board. These Bosch dishwashers use a delicate electronic system, and sometimes, the board can fail without visible damage.
Fixing the Issue
I replaced the old control board with a new one. The two looked identical, but the new board was fully functional. After reinstalling everything, I powered the dishwasher back on and tested the touch panel. This time, it responded perfectly, allowing the homeowner to start cycles as usual.
Preventing Future Issues
While control board failures aren’t always preventable, keeping the dishwasher’s electronics dry and avoiding power surges can help extend its lifespan. If your Bosch dishwasher stops responding, always check if power is coming from the main board before replacing the control panel board.
Dishwasher exterior view.
The dishwasher door is open. To access the control panel, at least the top screws need to be removed to detach the plastic panel, or for easier access, the metal panel can also be removed.
The outer door panel has been removed.
Comparison of control boards: The new one is on the left, and the old one is on the right. The old board has slight discoloration, but that’s not the cause of the malfunction.