Hi
Dishwashers use Bi-Metal strip to allow the dispenser to open/close. This strip when heat up causes the soap door spring to open up the dispenser. If this strip is not heated doesn't allow the door to open. The strip may not be getting 120V or maybe disconnected. Kenmore dishwashers use a wax motor to open the soap dispenser. The plunger inside the wax motor slowly moves and pushes the plunger and door open.
And, if this wax motor doesn't receive 120 volts, then it'll not work. Please check the voltage to the wax motor/Bi-metal strip; also inspect the connections to these. Hope this helps... Please post back if you need more information.
Daniel
Hi Please check if something is blocked near the top spray arm, also make sure that all holes are oopen. Use a sharp metal pin to clean the holes on the top spray arm. Make sure the water pressure is not low. under the screen and youl'll need a Torx driver to get to it after you remove the spray arm and screen. Check to see that the path it travels is clear. I have seen these get blocked up by stuff. Hi Please check if something is blocked near the top spray arm, also make sure that all holes are oopen. Use a sharp metal pin to clean the holes on the top spray arm. Make sure the water pressure is not low. under the screen and youl'll need a Torx driver to get to it after you remove the spray arm and screen. Check to see that the path it travels is clear. I have seen these get blocked up by stuff.
Hi Ron,
Good to know Ron that the problem is solved.
×
Now check if the top arm spins freely and check the bearings for the arm, if they are producing extra friction while the spray arm spins. Hope this helps... Please post back if you need more assistance.
Now check if the top arm spins freely and check the bearings for the arm, if they are producing extra friction while the spray arm spins. Hope this helps... Please post back if you need more assistance.
You can check the pump for any visible bloackages and for loose wiring connection on the pump. Also, check the water pressure if it is low. If it seems as a low water pressure then check the fill valve. Please check this image---
Kenmore dishwasher exploded schematic
Now, check if dishwasher is draining the water or not. While the dishwasher is working check whether the dishwasher is draining and there is not much left out water after the cycle is complete. The water temperature plays a major role in cleaning of dishes. The temp should be between 125 and 150 F for dishwasher to clean the dishes. Hope this helps...
Daniel
101 views
Usually answered in minutes!
Hi Daniel,
The door opens fine. I did some additional testing and realized the top washer arm is not rotating. Any idea what might be causing this? The bottom arm appears to be rotating fine.
Thanks,
Ron
Hello Daniel,
The path from the pump discharge to the top spray arm is completely clear. I disassembled and reassembled it to confirm.
I ran the dishwasher when it was disassembled to see what the pressure on the pump discharge looked like. It only projected about 2 to 4 inches above the discharge pipe (the lower arm was removed). I'm thinking maybe I have a problem with the pump. What do you think? should the discharge pressure be much greater, enough to create a much higher waterfall in my dishwasher?
Thanks,
Ron
Hi Daniel,
How do I check the pump for visible blockage? I disassembled the diswasher down to the Sump and found nothing out of the ordinary. I don't think there is a loose wire connection on the pump (since it was working somewhat) but don't know how to access the motor.
How do I check for low water pressure? And which part is the fill valve on the exploded schematic?
The dishwasher is draining fine. Also, it is filling fine.
The problem appears to be that my dishwasher does not develop sufficient pressure to force water to the upper spray arm and 3rd Level Wash Spinner. It appears to be developing sufficient pressure to force water to the lower spray/wash arm. So, what component or components are responsible for developing sufficient pressure to force water to the spray arms and 3rd Level Wash Spinner? I would think the pump. By the way, what is the function of the pressure switch? (Illustration No. 46, Part number 8542575 on the exploded schematic)
Thanks,
Ron
Hello Daniel,
The root cause was low pressure caused by a completely clogged Chopper Assembly screen.
Thanks for your assistance.
Ron R.
×