KitchenAid Electric Dishwasher #KDPE334GPS0 Touchpad dead

[Mark Troxel]

I have a KitchenAid dishwasher (KDPE334GPS0) that is approx. 3-4 years old. Over the holidays we started having issues with the machine not finishing cycles, but I was able to start the cycle over and it would be OK. I was unloading the machine one day and found 1-2 inches of water standing inside the DW. I tried to push the cancel button to get the pump to activate but the UI touchpad was dead, no backlighting on any of the buttons. Completely dead. I went online and also referenced the "Technician Only" information that came with the machine to troubleshoot the issue. Everything I read was pointing to 2 main culprits: the main control board and the user interface touchpad. I've purchased both brand new units [UI Console & Control Board] and have installed them and still NOTHING. A test the was widely published in most all the sites I visited was to disconnect the touchpad (while it was powered down) from the main board. reassemble the door and before closing the door, power up the unit, wait a few seconds and close the door. In the event that the pump energizes it tells me that the mainboard is OK but the touchpad is bad. well, when I did this test, the pump did not turn on, so this indicates the board is no good... correct? But as I mentioned, I replaced both and still nothing is eliminating on the touchpad. 

What else have I done so far?; I traced every single wire on the unit and tested for continuity and damage, all in great condition. I tested the door switch, water level switch and water inlet solenoid and all check out. The heating element tested at around 20-22 ohms and the small high limit thermistor that attaches to the bottom floor of the (underside) dishwasher had good continuity. The odd thing, I can trace power between the main board and touchpad, but nothing is working??? The only 2 remaining items I'm aware of are the pump and motor. Is there a hidden fuse somewhere? I would appreciate any help from a knowledgeable tech out there that has run into this issue. Thanks!  

[ServiceTech_Daniel]

I know this might sound simple, but i didn't notice in your post . Did you check the voltage coming into the unit ? you should have 120vac at the junction box. If you aren't hard wired in. Put a receptacle tester in the wall outlet that your dishwasher is plugged into and make sure it's good . If you are hardwire, just test the voltage at the junction box under the machine. 

Let me know

Daniel

 

[Mark Troxel]

Hi Daniel. Thank you for your response! I did just test the outlet that feeds the DW and I'm getting 124v testing from Hot to Ground, but only 40v when I test Hot to Neutral... holy crap, I have an open neutral somewhere. Probably right there in the junction. Wow good freaking call. I'll do some investigating and get back to you. Thanks! 

[Mark Troxel]

Hi Daniel. Well... that was the problem! Put it all back together and she's running good as new. I found a loose neutral wire in the previous outlet on the circuit. What a rookie move! I really should have known better. I tested for proper voltage when I first started working on the unit but failed to test across to the neutral conductor. Oh well, next time...

This site is a great recourse that I will definitely use in the future. Thank you oh Great Sensei!