You will need to test for the continuity between the control board and the plug. To do this, you'll need to check how the power comes down through the live pin (bottom left) and neutral pin (bottom right) on the plug. The power will then possibly pass through an on/off switch if your dishwasher model has one.
How do I know if my dishwasher's control board is faulty? Look for symptoms like unresponsive buttons, erratic cycle behavior, frequent error codes, or the dishwasher failing to start or complete cycles. These often indicate control board issues.
I normally recommend customers give it some thought when the repair reaches half the cost of replacing the machine. If you are doing the repair yourself it might be worth it. If you are hiring a tech to replace the control board it might not be worth the cost.
You may need to set up and calibrate the multimeter as per the instructions, and then turn the dial to the lowest ohm rating. A working thermostat should have a reading of zero or as close to zero as possible.
Use your multitester (aka multimeter) to test the heating element for continuity. Set the device to the ohms setting x 1. Touch each meter probe to a terminal. You should receive a reading somewhere in between infinity and zero.
Control Panel - The control panel is the interface for operating the dishwasher. If it fails, you won't be able to select a cycle. The average cost to fix a control panel is around $250, with a range of $200 to $400.
If your dishwasher is within the five-year limit, it's definitely worth fixing. But if your dishwasher is closer to ten years, finding replacement parts might be too expensive, so you'd be better off replacing your machine.
Visually inspect the dishwasher control board and all wiring for any signs of overheating/being burnt, cracks, or corrosion. If the board is burned, cracked or corroded, it needs to be replaced. If the board appears to pass a visual inspection, it is a good candidate for repair service.
Some models require you to shut off the power to the dishwasher either by unplugging it or shutting off the circuit breaker. Others are reset by pressing and holding the Start/Reset button on the control panel, then waiting a few moments before attempting to start a wash cycle.
Dishwashers usually don't have a dedicated reset button on the control panel. You can reset your dishwasher by unplugging it from its power source for one minute and then plugging it back in.
You should replace a dishwasher every nine to 16 years, depending on its current state.
More complex problems or major component damage, however, could push the cost to $500 or more, depending on the type of repair and price of replacement parts. If the quoted repair costs approach the price of a new dishwasher of similar quality, it's probably a better use of your money to buy a new one.
Compare the cost of the repair to the cost of purchasing a new dishwasher. Chances are that the repair will be less but may not be worth the cost. A repair that costs less than 50% of the price of a new model is a general rule. If it's more than that, you may want to consider getting a new model.
The control board or electronic control unit is typically the most expensive part in a dishwasher. It manages all the dishwasher's functions, such as the wash cycles, water temperature, and the timing of the washing and drying processes.
Electrical Surges
Often caused by lightning strikes, power outages, or fluctuations in the power grid, these surges can cause irreparable damage to the electronic components, leading to either immediate or gradual failure of the control board.
Dishwasher installation costs $600 to $1,700 on average, including a new unit. The cost to replace a dishwasher is $200 to $500 for labor only. The labor cost to install a dishwasher is $300 to $1,300 where there was none before. A new dishwasher unit alone costs $400 to $1,200.
Set the multimeter to the "amps" range (A), not the "milliamps" range. Turn off the appliance and connect the multimeter to the circuit to be tested. Turn the appliance back on and get the multimeter reading. Consult your appliance manual to see if the amps detected match the operating load of your unit.