How to Troubleshoot & Replace Whirlpool AP5985196 / W10811149 Dishwasher Control Panel

Reviewed discussion threads and was able to determine solution. Replaced control panel. 

First I googled the model number and the phrase "Start Button doesn't work". I learned that this is frequently the Front panel with the soft touch buttons. I went to Appliancepartspro.com and entered the model number, looked at the diagrams to identify the part. I verified my hunch with the Chat with a technician feature, ordered the part, and followed their instructions to install it which took about 10 minutes. Up and running. Happy Tenants. This part was easy to install - 8 screws and one ribbon cable. But I want to let people know for hard installs Appliancepartspros videos are outstanding. How to put a new belt on a dryer drum - this one I played step by step at least 50 times. But I got it done. 

Turned off breaker to appliance. Used torx head screwdriver to remove 6 screws. Unplugged ribbon from computer motherboard to old control panel. Popped out motherboard from old panel using flat head screwdriver. Attached ribbon from new panel to motherboard, popped the motherboard into new panel, put screws back in, turned breaker back on and dishwasher worked beautifully again! One of the easiest home repair fixes I've ever done. 

I looked up the model number. Came to this site. Located what was needed. Ordered it. It came in 2 days as promised. Installed it and all is working perfectly. Just make sure you have all the parts you need. I had to take the handle off the old part to complete the repair. Parts are specific. Good pricing on this site in comparison with other companies. 

The control panel assembly of my 5 year old dishwasher did not age well-- it became brittle and the indented grip finally broke out of it's plastic retainer clips. Disassembly was easy enough- removed star head screws (you'll need a Torx adapter for this) and removed the control panel assembly, disconnecting the ribbon cable from the gray electronics box and unscrewing and removing the latch assembly. These were left to hang and the control panel assembly came away easily enough. Make sure you save the grip recess part and screw-- not included with the control panel part. When the new control panel came in, I simply reversed the process, fitting the grip part, the latch assembly then the control box, connected the ribbon cable and screwed back in the completed assembly. Took about 15 minutes and was extremely easy. 

After eliminating all other possible problems [door latch switch and main fuse ], it came down to the control panel or the main circuit board with the help of one of the on line pros went for replacing the control panel .removed a few screws on the inside of the door removed old part replaced new panel took less than 15 min. 

Part was simple to replace. The only tool needed was a torx bit to remove the front cover. This particular part has a defect that allows moisture from steam to corrode the ribbon cable going to the button controls causing the buttons to stop working one by one. I would highly recommend sealing the "hole" that the ribbon cable goes into the back of the button panel with silicone to avoid the issue in the future. More than likely if you are replacing this part it is because of corrosion at this point. 

Searched Google for help. Tested the door latch switch continuity - good, tested the heat thermostat continuity - good. Ordered a new control panel. After replacing the panel, all was working again. 

Simply installed a new panel. Thanks to Appliance Parts Pros it was a simple process and a great customer service experience. I will never shop anywhere else. Thanks APP 

Replaced Panel-Cntrl - Parts list (there are 3 different part numbers listed) didn't list the color of the panel's, I needed a white one- did a direct chat with customer service and got the color matched with the correct part number. Part was delivered quickly, I replaced it and fixed the problem. No real way to check the panel, all other components seemed to check good, so I replaced the panel. Replacement was easy - Troubleshooting was a little more difficult