Dishwasher firmware guidance - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: thikone
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2024, 01:33:36 pm
content: While repairing a dishwasher with no display / no error indication and possibly faulty controller, I thought that maybe there is an open source project for dishwasher controller. I searched the internet and so far only saw an attempt to make washing machine controller.Does anybody knows of one? Or is it feasible to create one? Maybe somebody has experience with doing such controller and firmware for commercial dishwashers - any information that could help to create one, please?

author: SuperFungus
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2024, 02:55:21 pm
content: I don't know of any but my 2c is find a replacement controller on eBay and move on with some other project.... This is an idea that will save you no time or money and could flood your house or melt your dishwasher if you mess it up. Your homeowners insurance is going to have something to say when they found out the water damage is from a diy dishwasher...

author: TomKatt
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2024, 04:17:37 pm
content: Quote from: SuperFungus on June 25, 2024, 02:55:21 pmUnless you had wires hanging out of the panel, I'd be very impressed by any insurance claim assessor who was able to determine your dishwasher was hacked with a DIY controller...

author: thikone
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2024, 04:36:37 pm
content: Quote from: SuperFungus on June 25, 2024, 02:55:21 pmWell, that replacement controller tends to cost like 200 EUR which makes it impractical since new dishwasher of this class costs like 400 EUR.

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2024, 05:27:09 pm
content: I went through a dishwasher problem about 2 years ago. I doubt there is any single forum for every brand. But, when I searched on my brand and model, there was plenty of help. It was an American brand, but made in China, probably.American brands have something like a datasheet/troubleshooting guide tucked into someplace inconspicuous, like inside a door panel or underneath. Check for that guide. Most people on the blogs pointed to the control board, and the troubleshooting guide seemed to concur. There was a rebuild/update kit (capacitors and relays). I bought the parts separately (cheaper) and the relays were really burned. It was 10-years old. Still didn't work properly, but I could get a correct cycle occasionally. Does that indicate that although the control panel passed troubleshooting, maybe some of the touch switches were finicky? I found a new panel for a reasonable price, installed it, and it has worked flawlessly since. Now that I say that, it will probably fail tomorrow. At least with the next failure, I know simply to replace the appliance. With dishwashers and refrigerators that is usually plug and play. With an above the range microwave, that can be more difficult.

author: thikone
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2024, 11:51:09 am
content: This is fourth dishwasher that I have for repair. Since three years ago I'm on repair spree, 4 dishwashers, two ovens, two washing machines. Also did some controller boards - for an air filter and for a drill press. And repaired two - as you say, capacitors and relays, and on one SMPS burned out. Why so many? Well, after I learned how to repair my appliance I offered my services to my neighbours.In most of the cases it makes economical sense only if it is done by yourself. Quite often replacement parts cost like 200 EUR, more or less, and authorized repair center would double or triple the cost.Replacement controller boards some times can be had for 30-70 EUR but that is rare. So, being able to make and program my own controller boards is the next logical step in my repairs career (my hobby, actually).

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2024, 12:12:05 pm
content: Quote from: TomKatt on June 25, 2024, 04:17:37 pmAgreed, they will never have seen this before, so will not know to look for it.And floods caused by dishwashers/washingmachines usually don't require an onsite inspection anyway. Just a phone call. And even if they did want to visit to see the damage, as long as the appliance looks normal from the outside no insurance company is going to dismantle it to see why it leaked.That being said, I'm only going by insurance in my country.I have heard horror stories about dodgy insurance companies in the USA looking deeper and deeper until they find some reason to reject your claim.

author: thikone
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2024, 12:16:46 pm
content: Quote from: jpanhalt on June 25, 2024, 05:27:09 pmThat works quite well indeed but for more expensive models of good brands, like Bosch/Siemens...The one I have now is from Whirlpool and it has no indicators besides two LEDs... I will solder some wires to relays to test with multimeter if controller actually does anything, or better even two resistors in series with LED.OK, I gave it another try and found that BAUKNECHT GSI 4000 SD IN has the same controller. And there might be a replacement controller available for 60 EUR with shipping. Also found a manual with troubleshooting guide. Will try that first.