Ninja Foodi Buttons Not Working – Causes and Solutions

Imagine you’re ready to prepare your favorite casserole for your guests. Then, you discover that the buttons aren’t working on your Ninja Foodi. What a bitter situation!

Trust me, we’ve all been there. It’s a situation that nobody wants to find themselves in. But why do Ninja Foodi buttons stop working?

Well, an electronic control board bur or malfunction, physically damaged buttons, damaged button assembly, or loose wiring are the main causes. Taking the appliances apart, and mentally inspecting and replacing the faulty part is the solution though.

You must be thinking about how you’re going to do that. No worries, we’ve got the detailed steps for the solution (and everything else about the Ninja Foodi button issue) covered in this guide. Read on!

Ninja Foodi Buttons Not Working: 3 Common Causes

Only by understanding the causes of ninja foodi buttons not working can you troubleshoot this problem effectively.

So, here are the causes of this problem:

1. Electronic Control Board Malfunction

The electronic control board is the “brain” of the Ninja Foodi. It sends voltage to all the appliance’s components, such as the heating element and buttons.

So, if the control board malfunctions, the buttons will not work correctly. This problem typically arises from a power surge or too frequent usage of the appliance.

2. Faulty Buttons

The buttons themselves are often at fault. In most cases, the physical button will not properly trigger the underlying electronic switch.

It happens due to wear and tear or debris build-up. Over time, constant use will also lead to physical degradation.

3. Wiring Issues

Sometimes, the problem will lie with the wires connecting the buttons to the control board. If these wires are loose, melted, or damaged, the signals from the buttons will not reach the control board.

Wire damage usually occurs due to overheating or even just age.

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How to Fix Ninja Foodi Buttons Not Working?

Now that you have got acquainted with the main causes, let’s lay down the steps to solve the issue.

1. Ninja Foodi Reset Button

A simple reset can often solve the Ninja Foodi button issue. But, you don’t have a simple Ninja Foodi reset button to do that.

You’ll have to follow certain steps, such as below:

• Unplug the device from the power outlet.
• Wait for about 15 minutes. This will allow any residual power within the device to dissipate and the electronic control board to reset.
• Plug it back into the power outlet and try operating the buttons again.

2. Cleaning the Buttons

In case the buttons are not working due to physical debris, cleaning them will resolve the issue.

• Disconnect the Ninja Foodi from the power source.
• Use a lightly damp cloth to clean around the buttons and remove any visible debris.
• For stubborn dirt, you may use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Remember to not use too much liquid.
• Allow the appliance to dry completely before plugging it back in and testing the buttons.

3. Inspecting and Repairing Wiring

If the above solutions fail, the problem might be with the wiring. To fix this:

• First, ensure the appliance is unplugged.
• Remove the outer casing or back panel of the appliance. You will need a screwdriver for this step.
• Inspect the wires connecting the control board to the buttons. Look for any signs of wear and tear, loose or melted connections, or burn damage.
• If you find any loose connections, try to secure them.
• If there’s any damage, you will need to replace the wires. This task will require soldering skills and soldering materials.

4. Replacing the Electronic Control Board or Buttons

If all else fails, you will need to replace the control board or the buttons. This task requires some skill in handling electronics.

So, if you feel confident in your abilities:

• Unplug the appliance.
• Remove the outer casing or back panel.
• Locate the control board or buttons. They will likely be connected to various types of colored wires.
• Take a photo of the existing setup to ensure you can replicate it with the new parts.
• Carefully remove the defective button assembly or the electronic board. Disconnect any wires connected to it.
• If soldering was used, you’ll need to desolder the connections.
• Replace it with the new part by reconnecting any wires. Refer to the photo you took earlier for this.
• Reattach the casing or back panel, plug in the appliance, and test the buttons.

Also See: Ninja Foodi Watr Error Code – Reasons & How To Fix

What are the Common Issues with Ninja Foodi Buttons?

Let’s dive deep into the typical problems users face with Ninja Foodi buttons (and understand how these problems arise).

1. Unresponsive Buttons

This is the issue when you press a button, but it doesn’t react as expected – or at all. This issue can arise due to several factors.

Firstly, there might be a problem with the electronic control board. Secondly, there could be burns, physical damage, or blockage in the button assembly board.

This prevents the buttons from effectively triggering the underlying electronic switch.

2. Stuck Buttons

Buttons often get physically stuck and don’t pop back out after being pressed. This problem is usually due to debris build-up around or beneath the buttons.

This can be caused by regular cooking spills or dust accumulation. This blockage prevents the buttons from returning to their original position, thus, making them appear “stuck”.

3. Intermittent Button Function

In some instances, you might find that the buttons on their Ninja Foodi work one moment and don’t the next. This is a symptom of loose or damaged circuits.

Wires that are not securely connected will result in inconsistent signals being sent from the buttons to the control board. This will lead to this inconsistent behavior.

4. Incorrect Function Activation

Another problem that you, as a Ninja Foodi user, will encounter is the activation of incorrect functions. When you press a button intending to activate a particular function, a different one may be activated instead.

This usually points to a malfunction in the electronic control board or button assembly. It’s also possible that the underlying electronic switches for the buttons have been cross-wired.

How to Prevent Ninja Foodi Button Issues? -Expert Insights

Prevention is always better (and often cheaper) than repair. So, can you prevent Ninja Foodi button issues from happening in the first place? YES, you can.

To help you, we’ve crafted this detailed guide full of expert insights on preventing these issues on your Ninja Foodi.

1. Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

Over time, dirt, grease, and food particles will build up around the buttons. This will interfere with their function and possibly cause them to stick or become unresponsive. To prevent this:

• Step 1: Unplug the device before cleaning.
• Step 2: Use a lightly damp cloth to clean the external surface, including around the buttons. Avoid using harsh cleaning chemicals that can wear out the markings or degrade the buttons over time.
• Step 3: Make sure to dry the device thoroughly after cleaning. Thanks to this, moisture will not be able to cause any problems on the inside of your appliance.

More Read: Ninja Foodi Not Pressurizing [8 Causes and Quick Fixes]

2. Avoid Overuse

Overuse leads to wear and tear on the buttons. It will eventually make them entirely unresponsive.

To prevent this, try to plan your cooking in such a way that you utilize the device cleverly and efficiently. It reduces the number of times you have to press the buttons.

3. Proper Handling and Storage

Improper handling and storage of the device also cause physical damage to the buttons or internal wiring.

So, always handle the device with care and avoid dropping it or knocking it against hard surfaces. Moreover, when storing, make sure it’s kept in a clean and dry place.

4. Protection from Power Surges

Power surges sometimes damage the electronic control board and lead to unresponsive buttons. To prevent this, consider using a surge protector.

This device will regulate the voltage supplied to the Ninja Foodi. Therefore, it will protect it from any sudden spikes in power.

Prevention is always better (and often cheaper) than repair, so taking a bit of time to care for your device can pay off in the long run, ensuring that your Ninja Foodi stays in top operating condition.

Last Words

Grappling with a malfunctioning Ninja Foodi is frustrating; we get it. But now that you understand the issue well and know the solutions, it’s not going to be a big deal anymore.

Remember, the problem can be in the control board, wirings, or buttons. And replacing the problematic part is the only solution that will permanently solve the issue.

However, if you need further help with your Ninja Foodi, drop a comment below, and we’ll help you out as best we can. Cheers!

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]