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!
Remove the toe panel and try to pinpoint that humming noise. Post the results.
Gene.
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.
Yes, that’s right. But what about? [quote]…It [COLOR=Red]hums[/COLOR] for a few moments (30 seconds to 1 minute), then illuminates the CLEAN light…[/quote]
We have to figure out where it’s coming from.
Gene.
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.
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.
Perform the troubleshooting as described in the attached Service manual. Post the results.
Gene.
SHE4AM - SHX3.pdf (948.9 KB)
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.
Try to run the dishwasher again.
Gene.
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.
Sounds like the problem is an insufficient amount of water. Make sure the water shut off valve is completely open and there is good pressure in the incoming water line.
If there is nothing wrong, replace the water inlet valve.
Thanks, Gene. That was actually the solution I was leaning toward but wanted to get good feedback so I wasn’t just throwing parts at it. Regarding water pressure, how much is a sufficient amount (GPM)? I ask because the pressure in my house is likely lower than found in most other homes.
You have to check the installation instructions. The water pressure measures in PSI (pounds per square inch).
Gene.
I’ll check the guide. Do I need a gauge to measure this or is there some trick?
The best way is to call a local water company.
You may want to start from checking the screen inside the water inlet valve.
Gene.
Hi, I seem to have the same problem. Have you found a fix or are you still using the workaround?
I was able to find a “simpler” workaround - after the first humming sound (this is definitely the water pump going on for ~5s) there is another humming (also ~5s). Immediately after the second humming stops I open and close the door. If the timing is right, after the door closes you will hear the water sloshing quietly…if not, the cycle completes shortly and the “Clean” LED lights up.
Of course, I rather have this fixed so I wander if you have found a solution.
Thanks,
Alex
I haven’t found a solution. I’m using the same workaround you are. My wife discovered it. For some reason, my dishwasher is wired through a wall switch. At the beginning of the third hum, if I switch it off for about 1 second, it runs through the cycle completely with no problems.
Okay guys…did you ever figure out the problem and what to replace? After two days of searching every appliance repair site I could find and hours and hours of trial and error…YOU helped me find a workaround to at least get the thing running. I sure would like to figure out how to fix it. Do you think it is the water intake valve?
I’m still using the workaround. Water intake valve was the only thing I could think it might be. The repair guy replaced the dishwasher’s electronic board, but he didn’t replace the water intake valve. I actually bought one but just haven’t put it in, yet.
Did you find a solution. I have same problem.
Thanks