Kenmore dishwasher lights blinking but otherwise doesn't work

Dishwasher Repair
1

Hi! The lights on my Kenmore 587.15102800 will blink when I attempt to run a cycle. Other than that, no noise or water, etc. What could be wrong?

Thanks,

Marie

2

Marie,

You may want to start the troubleshooting from the door switches.

Open the door and remove the six screws around the control panel. Close the door and pull the control panel away fro the top of the door and up.

Check the door switches for continuity while the door is latched and unlatched. Post the results.

Gene.

4

Hi Gene,

Thanks for your response. I was thinking the same thing because after I posted the original question, I noticed that the lights would blink the same when I opened and closed the door.

I followed your instructions and it looks like physically everything is ok with the latch. Is it possible there is something wrong on the inside of the latch, like some connections are not being made? It is difficult to see inside.

Thanks so much!

Marie

5

Marie,

Have you checked the switches with a meter or just visually? It has to be done with an ohmmeter while the door is latched.

Gene.

6

Oh, ok. I get it. I will do that and let you know what happens. Thanks!

Marie

7

hi gene,

i did the following:

unplugged the maching
removed the control panel to expose the latch
disconnected the (4) wires from the latch
connected one pole of the ohm meter to the (2) connections on the right (where the white wires were) and connected the other pole to the (2) connections on the left (where the black wires were)
i did this when the door was both open and shut.
all readings were infinity (open circuit)

at this point, is it safe to say that i should replace the latch?

thanks for your help,

marie

8

Marie,

There are two separated switches on the door latch. Each of them has to be tested separately.

You have to connect one of the testing probes to one of the switch terminals and the second testing probe to the second terminal on the same switch, where the wires have been connected.

With the door latched the meter should read the closed circuit (≈0 ohms) on each of the switches.

Gene.

9

[quote=Gene;358893]Marie,

There are two separated switches on the door latch. Each of them has to be tested separately.

You have to connect one of the testing probes to one of the switch terminals and the second testing probe to the second terminal on the same switch, where the wires have been connected.

With the door latched the meter should read the closed circuit (≈0 ohms) on each of the switches.

Gene.[/quote]

Hi Gene,

I tested the (2) connections on the right with each other (where the white wires were plugged in) and there was continuity. I tested the (2) connections on the left with each other (where the black wires were plugged in and there was NO continuity. Testing any other combination of the (4) connections resulted in NO continuity.

Thanks for your help!

Marie:confused:

10

Marie,

Looks like the switch on the left side is bad. It’s not coming separate, so you have to order the whole latch assembly. The part number posted earlier.

Gene.

11

cool! will do. i noticed the screws need a star shaped head to remove them. do u know if that will come with the latch or i could probably get one at the hardware store.

once again, thanks for ur help!

marie

12

You are welcome Marie. Unfortunately all tools sold separately :slight_smile:

Gene.

14

Seems like a standard tool. I will wait until I receive the latch before I go look for it. I’ll inform you of my successful latch replacement once it is completed.

Thanks again!

Marie