Finally found the problem..turns out that the control panel had an electrical fault of some description. one of the transistors sstanding on the PCB was actually broken into 2 pieces with a small amount of "brown" area around the pieces.
Was going to cost $220 Aussie dollars for new part..so got new dishwasher instead !!
Thanks for a GREAT website !!! The information was really helpful, and i also managed to repair another appliance while i was here.
Thanks again.
Mark, January 2008