The dishwasher does the first fill ok, washes for a few minutes, then the drain solenoid is energized for 30 seconds before it is de-energized. The problem is the drain valve that the solenoid pulls down stays down for the remainder of the cycle. All the other parts of the cycle happen as normal (filling, heating and power to the drain solenoid) while the drain valve stays down. Clean water never gets a chance to fill the dishwasher again after the first fill because it is continiously draining.

The drain solenoid is free to move once it is de-energized, as does the valve mechanism if there is no water pumping. I took the pump off to check for debris that may have been blocking it but found nothing. I've tried forcing the valve back up into place by pushing onto the plastic piece the solenoid pulls down when energized but only with great force is it able to move, unless you turn the power off, then it returns to the home position easily. Both springs are ok on the drain solenoid.

I'm an electrician, not a plumber, but I'm guessing it has something to do with the pressure of the pumping water that is holding the drain valve up into place because once I shut the motor off and the water stops pumping it ruturns to the normal position easily. I'm just not sure where the water is coming from, when the full cycle is completely done the bottom of the dishwasher is pumped dry, minus what is left to keep the seals moist.

Any thoughts would be appreciated, electrically I know all the components works properly, as does the timer. Thanks.

Thanks Denman, you were bang on with this one. I filled the tub up with water, cheated the door switch and forced the solenoid into the drain mode. Water does drain but it drains to slowly. I took the valve off under the screen in the back like you said, (didn't even know that was there), the rubber seal was "dissolved" and allowing water to bypass it when the valve was closed.

Thanks again.