[wordbuilder]

CORRECTION TO SUBJECT LINE: Bosch hums for a moment THEN shuts off

When I start my Bosch SHE4AM12UC/01, the lights display as they should. It hums for a few moments (30 seconds to 1 minute), then illuminates the CLEAN light. This happens intermittently and with all cycles. According to the repairman, he cleaned the temperature sensor and replaced both control boards. Nevertheless, the problem persists. Any help on this would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Gene]

Remove the toe panel and try to pinpoint that humming noise. Post the results.

Gene.

[wordbuilder]

I think the dishwasher may begin by pumping out any residual water. After that, it sounds like the pump that sprays the wash water engages. If I open the door at this point and pour in a couple of gallons of hot water, it sounds like it begins washing once I shut the door. About 50% of the time I do this, the dishwasher will then successfully complete all cycles.

[Gene]

Originally Posted by wordbuilder

...I think the dishwasher may begin by pumping out any residual water...

Yes, that's right. But what about?

...It hums for a few moments (30 seconds to 1 minute), then illuminates the CLEAN light...

We have to figure out where it's coming from.

Gene.

[wordbuilder]

I think the hum may be the sound of the pump for the wash water. It won't be until this weekend that I'm able to take it apart and investigate further.

[wordbuilder]

Well, I pulled the bottom panel. With things clustered together the way they are, I am unable to tell what is making each sound. It takes about 2-1/2 minutes from pressing Start to the Clean light illuminating. (I think it is sometimes less than this.) Nevertheless, here's a video. Though there's not much to see, it will give you an idea of what I'm hearing.

Bosch Dishwasher Problem - YouTube

[Gene]

Perform the troubleshooting as described in the attached Service manual. Post the results.

Gene.

[wordbuilder]

Thanks, Gene. I hope I followed the correct steps. For "Customer Service Failure display," the LEDs for Active and Clean illuminate but both flash simultaneously, rather than being steady. The Customer Service Program completed successfully.

[Gene]

Try to run the dishwasher again.

Gene.

[wordbuilder]

I get the same results. It makes a bit of noise and then shuts off with the Clean light illuminated. Same 2 lights flash when I check the error codes.

I've come up with a bit of a workaround. It's tedious and I don't know how long it will continue to help. I pour a 1/2 gallon of hot water into the dishwasher and then start the cycle 3 minutes later. It exhibits the same problem behavior. Since the DW drains the water I put in, I dump in another 1/2 gallon of hot water and then start it immediately. It will usually run normally on the 2nd try but can take up to 4 total attempts, which is better than the 10 to 20 attempts it can take without dumping in hot water.