Appliance Repair Northport: Dishwasher Troubleshooting Tips

Appliance Repair Northport: Appliance service technician provides useful tips for consumers about dishwasher problems and solutions.

How do I use the dishwasher lock?

Use the control lock to avoid unintended use of the dishwasher. You can also use the lock feature to avoid unintended cycle or option changes during a cycle.
When the lock light is lit, all buttons are disabled.

The dishwasher door can be opened while the controls are locked. You can turn on the lock while the dishwasher is running. If you open the door, unlock the control and press Start/Resume to restart. You can lock the controls again, if desired.

To turn on the lock feature:
• Press and hold Heated Dry for four (4) seconds. The lock light glows. If you press any pad while your dishwasher is locked, the lock light flashes three (3) times and the selection is ignored.

To turn off the lock feature:
• Press and hold Heated Dry for four (4) seconds. The lock light turns off.

Dish racks do not move freely

Answer
• Be sure that debris is not caught in the wheels.
• Be sure that all shipping material is removed from inside the dishwasher.
• Be sure that large objects (pans, cutting boards, long spoons, etc.) are not interfering with the movement of the rack.

Detergent dispenser not opening

Answer
Were items against the dispenser that kept it from opening?
Items blocking the detergent dispenser will keep it from opening. Make sure water action can reach the dispenser.

Is the detergent old?
Older detergent, exposed to air, will clump and not dissolve well, which causes the dispenser door to stick to the detergent. Replace detergent if necessary.

Condensation on the kitchen counter

Answer
Condensation on the kitchen counter could be due to the following:
• Is the dishwasher aligned with the countertop?
• Moisture from the vent in the dishwasher console can form on the counter.
• Water vapor is released through a vent at the top of the door. More condensation will be seen if the dishwasher is installed back from the edge of the countertop.
• A moisture barrier accessory (Part Number 4396277) is available from your dealer to protect your countertop. Some models are equipped with an active vent which reduces the sounds from your dishwasher. The cover closes after the cycle starts reducing filling and washing sounds. The active vent opens when wash action ends and vapor is then vented into the room. There is a slight noise when the cover closes or opens.

Dishwasher is Leaking

Check the water temperature.
If the water temperature is higher than 160oF, lower the water heater thermostat setting to 120oF. If extremely high-temperature water is used, water tends to leak at the very beginning of the cycle in a cold dishwasher.

Is the dishwasher level?
Make sure the dishwasher is level. The dishwasher must be supported by the leveling legs and rear wheels and must be flat on the floor.
NOTE: Some models will have four leveling legs. The dishwasher must also be square in the cabinet. If the tub opening is not square, the door will not seal properly. This is the responsibility of the customer or installer.

Is water pooling at the base of the unit?
Check that the water supply line is properly connected.

Is water dripping from the front of the unit?
Check for over-sudsing which may appear as a leak from the corners.

Was the lower rack empty?
If no dishes were in the lower rack, the dishwasher may leak because of the spray directly hitting the door.

Was something in the rack (such as a pan) facing the door seal?
Water could have deflected off the pan and through the seal.

My dishwasher is making funny noises

First off what does the noise sound like? How would you describe the noise?

Hissing: Is the sound occurring during the fill part of the cycle? If so, this is a normal noise for when water is entering the unit through the fill valve.

Water Sloshing: Is the sound occurring during the rinse or wash part of the cycle? If so, this is a normal noise. The spray arms will circulate water against the inner door of the dishwasher, creating a water sloshing sound.

Humming: Is the sound occurring during the drain part of the cycle? If so, this is a normal noise. During the drain part of the cycle, it is normal for the pump to make a humming sound.

Grinding/Grating/Crunching/Buzzing:
• Have there been any hard objects (such as fruit, seeds, nuts and eggshells) in the dishwasher?
o When the object is completely ground up, the sound should stop. This grinding will not harm the dishwasher.
• Has the noise persisted for less than 3 cycles?
o Wait 2 or 3 cycles and see if the sound goes away. If the noise persists after a complete cycle, call for service.

Vibration/Thumping:
• Is the drain hose knocking against the cabinet opening?
o To reduce vibration of the drain hose: Insert a cloth, putty or caulking compound in the cabinet hole around the drain hose.
• Are lightweight items unsecured in the racks?
o To avoid thumping/clattering noises: Make sure pot lids and handles, pizza pans, cookie sheets, etc., do not touch interior walls or interfere with the rotation of the spray arms.
• Do dishes, pans or lids touch one another, the interior walls or interfere with the rotation of the spray arms?
o To avoid thumping/clattering noises: Load dishes so they do not touch one another.
• For built-in models, keep sink drain plugs closed during dishwasher operation to prevent noise transfer through drains.

This information was provided by Bob Dougherty, President of Fleet Appliance Corp, an appliance repair service in the Long Island, NY area. Fleet appliance technicians are licensed, insured and certified to work on most brands of household appliances.

Do you know what's in your dryer vent? Read my Dryer Vent Cleaning blog.

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