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Customer Questions and Answers for Ribbon Cable (Inner Tail) by Whirlpool

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Manufacturer Part
4.89 (64)
By: Whirlpool
Part Number: OEM18038604
Manufacturer Part Number: WP8524447

This inner tail ribbon cable transmits signals between the control/display assembly and the main harness, restoring reliable communication for user inputs and display functions. It's a direct replacement designed to match the original connector fit. What it does:

  • Carries low-voltage data/signals from the control panel to the main board
  • Restores unresponsive or intermittent control panel behavior
  • Helps resolve blank or flickering display and erratic touchpad responses
  • Maintains proper connector alignment and secure electrical contact

What's included: One inner tail ribbon cable Install notes:

  • Disconnect power before beginning any repair to avoid shock or damage
  • Handle the cable by the reinforced ends; avoid bending, kinking, or touching exposed contacts
  • Ensure connectors are fully seated and retained with original clips or fasteners

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Questions & Answers

For Whirlpool Ribbon Cable (Inner Tail) (Part Number: OEM18038604)

Gavin for Model Number KUDI01FLSS3

The dishwasher works intermittently. When the power is on, after some keys are pressed, the light does not turn on. Only the "CANCEL" light flashes a few times then disappear. Then after many tries, I pressed the "RINSE ONLY" and then "START" and it started. So I waited there to see what happens and found some interesting things. At first, the RINSE light was on, and the DW started pumping water inside. Then it ran several seconds, but suddenly there was a sound of CLICK, then it stopped and all lights OFF. After another several seconds, another CLICK sound and the RINSE light came on; the DW ran several seconds and then CLICK, and stopped. It repeated like this for 10+ times and finally it drained the water out. The cycle seemed complete. Why was it so strange? It sound like the DW ran sometime and then took some breath and then ran again??? Thanks for any input.

1 Answer

Gavin, it would be recommended that the power supply wires, door latch, user interface control WP8530995, and ribbon connector WP8524447 are inspected for any loose connections or damaged sections. If there are no signs of loose connections or damaged sections, it would be likely that the main control WP8564543 has failed. Unfortunately, the main control has been discontinued and is no longer available.

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1 Answer

Rick, Just having some lights work lets us know the control is doing its job, You can test the ribbon cable for continuity from one end to the other. If all checks good then the user interface is your issue.

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1 Answer

Robert, The ribbon cable WP8524447 will "unplug" from the user interface WP8531262 just as it did from the control board. It's not quite as easy due to the location and close quarters, you may want to remove the user interface board, and check for corrosion around the connector, or possibly someone installed a coating of sealant around the connector to keep the moisture out of the connector.

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