Kenmore dishwasher doesn't spray/clean well

Dishwasher Repair
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1

OK, I’ve been on the boards and read as much as I can find. The problem appears to be that the dishwasher doesn’t fill completely. I should be getting about 1.5 gallons in the fill cycle but seem to get less than that.

When I add extra water, it seems to run fine, and both upper and lower arms turn.

Here is what I have done so far:

-took off and checked both arms for obstructions – nothing
-checked the accumulator cover and sump for debris – nothing
-took off the inlet protector and checked the chopper and screen for debris/obstruction – nothing

  • replaced the sump check valve – no improvement
  • removed the pump assembly and checked the impeller for damage or obstruction – nothing. Everything turns freely and looks fine.
  • checked resistance of the solenoid – 986 ohms, which is in the range expected.
  • took off the fill valve and checked for obstruction – a couple of small bits of debris. Nothing that looked big enough to impair flow.
  • checked water supply line for flow – plenty.

So… is there any other reason that there isn’t enough water coming in? Should I just replace the fill valve? Comments/suggestions welcome!!

2

Here is a tech sheet for your unit which is actually a Whirlpool
http://www.servicematters.com/docs/wiring/Tech%20Sheet%20-%208537797.pdf
[COLOR=“Blue”]
So… is there any other reason that there isn’t enough water coming in? [/COLOR]
Could be something weird like a timer issue but it is unlikely.

[COLOR=“Blue”]Should I just replace the fill valve?[/COLOR]
That is what I would do as you have done a thorough job of troubleshooting and it is at the top of the list as the cause.

3

Thanks – I’ll give it a try.

4

Denman,
The new fill valve worked like a charm – thanks!