Rank: Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 5/19/2009(UTC)
Posts: 2
|
Hi, GE dishwasher is only 1.5 years old and last week started not cleaning the dishes properly. I run it 2-3 times with the same dishes but the same results. After last try noticed that there was quite a bit of dirty water at the bottom. I run 3 more cycles and had the same issue, dirsty water at the bottom and dishes not cleaned. I did a continuity test of the water inlet valve (thought maybe is not getting enough water) and the piston valve and they are both ok (get a ohm reading from both). See PDF file attached with notes of the tests that I have done so far and dishwasher. I was reading through other posts with similar issues and thought to check the piston and nut assembly inside the screen at the bottom. I removed the 4 screws but can not remove the box!!! Should I just pull harder or am I missing something? Is there some other possible cause for these issues?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Senior Expert
Joined: 8/13/2008(UTC)
Posts: 3,097
|
I would check the circularing pump for operation and or an obstruction. And check to see if the spray arms are actually moving.
Nat
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Senior Expert
Joined: 2/29/2008(UTC)
Posts: 19,638
Thanks: 1 times
Was thanked: 11 time(s) in 11 post(s)
|
I did a continuity test of the water inlet valve (thought maybe is not getting enough water).
Checking the water inlet valve for continuity only tells you that the solenoid wire is OK. Does not tell you if it is actually opening etc. Often low water levels are caused by a partially clogged screen filter which is built into the input side of the valve. If it is dirty clean it, do not remove it as it is there to keep crud out of the valve which could hold it open and cause a flood.
I was reading through other posts with similar issues and thought to check the piston and nut assembly inside the screen at the bottom. I removed the 4 screws but can not remove the box!!! Should I just pull harder or am I missing something? Is there some other possible cause for these issues?
You should be able to unscrew/remove the piston & nut from inside the tub to check it. It may be a reverse thread, I am not sure.
Often dirty water remaining in the tub is a partially clogged drain.
By the look of it you have already removed the drain hose. If you have not done so remove it at the sink drain, often stuff can catch where the hose goes over the drain fitting, check it.
Also make sure the hose is looped at least 10 inches higher than the house drain input. This helps prevent siphoning back into the unit.
OR
If you have an air gap check that it is OK. |
THIS FORUM IS DEAD!!!!!!! |
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 5/19/2009(UTC)
Posts: 2
|
Checking the water inlet valve for continuity only tells you that the solenoid wire is OK. Does not tell you if it is actually opening etc. Often low water levels are caused by a partially clogged screen filter which is built into the input side of the valve. If it is dirty clean it, do not remove it as it is there to keep crud out of the valve which could hold it open and cause a flood.
I have failed to mention that after dishwasher started not cleaning the dishes the first thing I did was to open the inlet valve and clean it. Installed it back, run it, and dishes were still dirty. So inlet valve is ok for continuity and is clean. It might still not function properly due to a faulty valve but at this point I can not tell. I am not sure if the dishwasher is getting enough water. This may have been the cause in the first place for the added issue of not removing water after cycle is finished...
You should be able to unscrew/remove the piston & nut from inside the tub to check it. It may be a reverse thread, I am not sure.
From inside the tub all I can see is a small hole(for the water to get through) and that is it...maybe am missing something?! I will double check when I get home from the inside.
Often dirty water remaining in the tub is a partially clogged drain.
By the look of it you have already removed the drain hose. If you have not done so remove it at the sink drain, often stuff can catch where the hose goes over the drain fitting, check it.
I removed the drain hose from the existing drain and used a bucket during the last test. Noticed that very little water was coming out. The pipe itself is not clogged so I am thinking is either pump (because motor is working fine) or some valve not opening properly...to discharge water.
Also make sure the hose is looped at least 10 inches higher than the house drain input. This helps prevent siphoning back into the unit.
OR
If you have an air gap check that it is OK.
I do not think this is an issue as it has a bigger clearance and I will check airgap to make sure. The discharge is connected just below the washing machine discharge and washing machine is fine and they both worked like that for more then a year without any issues.
At this point am not sure what I have to do to fix this?! I will attempt to access piston and nut for now and hopefully hear other suggestions/tests that can be done to determine the problem...
Thanks for your help, much appreciated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 5/17/2009(UTC)
Posts: 17
|
I thought you might check the drain hole in the floor of the dishwasher where the grinder/cutter is that allows very dirty dishes to be washed as it clears the food debris and makes it small enough to drain out.
With said, I would think if this was the problem, you would have a full load of water in the bottom of the washer when you open the door.
When the machine is running, can you hear it spaying water? If so, you may want to make sure all the water is out of the machine, engage the safety latch manually with the door partially open and turn the machine on, this will allow you to check and see if the machine is actually filling with clean water. (Be careful as it will spray water in your face and on the floor - be prepared to mop up after yourself - this can be done without flooding the kitchen)
If you are getting a full load of clean water, then you may have a slow drain. If you are not getting clean water, you have a water supply problem. With that narrowed down, check the appropriate areas for the cause - drain or supply.
Hope this helps.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Jump
You can post new topics in this forum.
You can reply to topics in this forum.
You can delete your posts in this forum.
You can edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You can vote in polls in this forum.
Important Information:
The AppliancePartsPros.com uses cookies. By continuing to browse this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
More Details
Close
