How to Disconnect the Wiring Harness for Maytag Dishwashers

Shutting Off the Dishwasher

• Before starting work on the dishwasher, flip off the circuit breaker that controls the appliance. If you don't plan to repair the dishwasher immediately, twist the valve in the water line under the kitchen sink clockwise to shut off water to the dishwasher. This helps eliminate the risk of leaks.

Opening the Control Panel

• The dishwasher door needs to be slightly ajar when accessing the control panel. Unlock the door latch and pull it forward from the front of the appliance. Notice the screws on the top and sides. Removing these screws on the top edge of the door and the left and right sides where the control panel fits against the front of the door releases the control panel. Press the top of the control panel gently to disengage the panel from the dishwasher door.

Disconnecting the Wiring Harness

• You may need to recruit a helper to hold the control panel. Do not pull the panel or you could break some of the wiring or strip wires from the control terminals on the back of the panel. The wires fit into a plastic electrical plug that connects to a socket inside the dishwasher door. To disconnect the wiring harness, press the tabs on the sides of the socket and detach the control panel.

Removing the Wiring Harness

• The final step in removing the harness involves detaching it from the front of the control panel. Set the control panel face down on a flat surface with good illumination overhead. The circuit board and attached wiring harness are secured by screws inside the rear of the panel. Remove each screw. This detaches the circuit board and wiring harness from the control panel. For the correct matching part, take the circuit board and wiring harness with you to an appliance parts store for a replacement.