A dishwasher combines water with detergent. It heats the mixture and sprays it against the dishes. It pumps out the dirty water and then rinses the dishes with clean water mixed with a rinsing agent. After pumping out the rinse water, the dishes are dried by either heat or air drying. The selector switch allows you to pick a variety of cycles which vary the length of wash, water temperature and drying temperature. When the door latch is closed, the door switch is engaged which allows the dishwasher to operate. Based upon the chosen cycle, the selector switch signals the various components to operate at the appropriate stage of the cycle. The timer regulates the length of each stage of a cycle. The water inlet valve fills the tub with water; a float in the tub prevents the dishwasher from overfilling. Either the float or the timer signals the inlet valve to close. The detergent is then released into the tub. In many dishwashers the mixture is heated with an electric heating element. Water that is not warm enough results in poor cleansing.
The motor turns a pump which forces the water up through the spray arms and spray tower (if any). The pressure of the water causes the arms to turn. Some dishwashers have a two-way motor. When it turns in one direction, it pumps the water through the spray arms. When it turns the other way, it pumps the water out through the drain. If the motor only turns in one direction, then an actuator moves to channel the water either to the spray arms or to the drain. After the detergent cycle is complete the dishes are rinsed. If the dishwasher has a rinse agent feature, the rinse agent is added to the rinse water. Once the rinse cycle is completed and the water has been pumped out, the dishes are dried. An electric heating element heats the interior of the dishwasher. Some dishwashers also have a fan to circulate the air. A thermostat prevents the dishwasher from overheating. Some dishwashers employ soil sensors to monitor the clarity of the wash water. When the water becomes clear, the sensor signals the control timer to advance to the next cycle.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
DISHWASHER DOES NOT WORK – NO SOUND, NO WATER, NO LIGHTS
Check for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker
Check that the dishwasher is plugged in
Inspect the wiring connection to the dishwasher for burns or breaks
Check the door latch
Test the door switch
Test the selector switch
Test the motor start relay
Test the motor
DISHWASHER DOES NOT START, AND THE MOTOR HUMS
Un-jam the motor
Test the motor
Test the motor start relay
Check the drive belt
DISHWASHER DOES NOT FILL
Check that the water supply is turned on; the valve may be located under the sink.
Check the door latch
Test the door switch
Inspect the float assembly
Inspect the fill tube for kinks
Test the float switch
Check the inlet valve filter screen
Test the water inlet valve
Test the drain valve lever arm
Check the drain valve
WATER DOES NOT DRAIN FROM THE DISHWASHER
Check sink, drain and drain hose for restrictions
Un-jam the motor
Un-jam the pump
Check the drain valve
Check the drive belt
If you have a brand new dishwasher or garbage disposal, check the knock out plug on the garbage disposal
DRY CYCLE PROBLEMS
Test the heating element
Test the drying fan
Test the thermostat
DISHWASHER DOES NOT COMPLETE CYCLE
Test the thermostat
Test the heating element
DETERGENT CUP DOES NOT OPEN
Check the detergent cup for obstructions
Test the actuator arm
Test the bimetal assembly
CYCLE TIMES ARE TOO LONG
Test the heating element
Test the thermostat
DISHES ARE NOT CLEANED ADEQUATELY
Check for adequate water level
Check the spray arms and spray tower
Check the water temperature
Check the detergent cup
Check the inlet filter screens
Check the water pressure
Test the water inlet valve
Check the drain valve
Test the selector switch
Test the heating element
Test the bimetal terminal assembly
WARNING: disconnect power before removing any parts from the oven. If you are not comfortable doing any of these tests yourself, than you should get a technician to check the appliance for you.
The information in this website contains POSSIBLE REPAIR SOLUTIONS. This information is intended to assist customers in troubleshooting the possible problems that your appliance might be having. The information comes from a variety of sources and therefore in no way implies or suggests that this will be a guaranteed solution for your problem. They are merely a guide to help to assist you in troubleshooting your appliance. Any parts that are purchased in the effort to fix your appliance, that do not solve your problem are the sole responsibility of the consumer. Timers that are repaired or purchased from Turner’s Timer Repair are NOT RETURNABLE and our normal warranty policy will take effect.