[moosey]

My Hotpoint dish washer has stopped working - but occasional prodding of the wires (breaker off, of course) will sometimes bring it back to life. I'm seeking a solution to fix it completely.

Some history:
2 months ago it stopped working all of a sudden. We have a home warranty, so the service person came and got it going again (for $65). He said it was "a loose connection" and that he'd fixed it.

Two weeks later it stopped again. I took the bottom panel off and poked around at the wires. Put the panel back on and it ran fine for another week or two.

One week ago I'd given up, as it was broken again. My 2 year old banged on the front a bit and suddenly it was working again.

So:
Is it a loose connection underneath? In the control panel? Can I just pull and clean all the connections? Let me know what you suggest.

Thanks,
M

[Gene]

Most likely the problem is a broken wire at the door bottom edge.

Remove the screw from the door latch knob (from the bottom of it). Open the door and remove all screws around the inner door panel. They could be different so remember which screw where goes. Remove the inner door panel and check all wires physically because a wire can be broken inside and insulation will still look good.

Here are the break down diagrams for the Hotpoint dishwasher Model HDA2000Z04WH

Gene.

[Drags1998]

If you don't find a broken wire at the bottom of the door, Check where the MAIN power cable hitchs to the Dishwasher's wiring (inside the silver box on the right side behind the Toe kick.

[moosey]

Thanks for the advice and the diagram. The wires in the door are not broken (visibly, anyway), and the silver box connections are also firmly attached.

Would you have any other thoughts?

[Drags1998]

When you turn the timer to the wash cycle, and latch the door can you hear the timer "clicking"? If so, then you know that you have power!!! If you can hear clicking, SLOWLY advance the timer by hand, do you hear a fairly loud "CLUNK" at the end of each section of the wash cycle? If you DO, Check the 2 wires that go to the MOTOR!!! If you don't hear clicking in the timer, Check the DOOR SWITCH, if its OK, RECHECK wiring at the bottom of the DOOR!!!!

[Gene]

Originally Posted by Gene

...check all wires physically because a wire can be broken inside and insulation will still look good...

You have to take every single wire in your hands and pool it. Visual inspection is not good in such case.

Gene.

[moosey]

I was away for the week, but thanks again for the feedback. I'll recheck the wiring - it's making no sounds...

Thanks again.

[Gene]

Keep us posted.

Gene.