Our KDTM404KPS2 Gives Us Crusty, Dirty Dishes

Dishwasher Repair
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1

Brand: KITCHENAID
Model Number: KDTM404KPS2
Main Symptom: CRUSTY, DIRTY DISHES AFTER CYCLE
**What happens & when: **
Before this problem arose the dishwasher sounded like it had little tiny particles in it. I looked and found that the ancient twine that was holding the drain hose above the trap had broken and so dw wasn’t draining properly. I remedied that problem, cleaned the machine out thoroughly and it seemed back to normal. A few cycles later, the arms were all clogged up again with food particles too small to be caught in the basket.

Cleaning out the machine helps, but the problem inevitably comes back after a few cycles. Everything else seems fine, no error codes or odd-sounding operation. Please help!

Error Code (if any): N/A
Parts or tests already tried: Replaced filter basket (it was melted), cleaned sprayers
Photos / video link:

2

If you look at the drain hose, does it seem like it is partially clogged at all? Also does the dishwasher fully drain every time?

3

The drain hose looks clear, no problems with draining. The interior is dry at the end of the cycle.

4

After the dishwasher fills and starts to circulate water, is the spray arm spraying the dishes or are the dishes staying dry when the door is opened about 10 minutes into the cycle? Cracking the door open for a few seconds before fully opening it can mitigate water spraying out.

5

The spray arms spray water, as long as they are not clogged. The spray arms are clogging after every two or three cycles. Once I take everything apart and clean it, the dishes come out relatively clean (still some specks on a few upper rack items). The more cycles we run without cleaning out the arms, the worse the problem gets.

6

Are the dishes being cleared of as much food solids as possible before loading, does the drain hose connect into a garbage disposal or is it direct to the sink, and has the drain system been double checked to make sure it is not back filling into the sump?

7

Yes we rinse the dishes before loading. Nothing has changed about our loading habits that would explain the issue. The drain hose connects to the garbage disposal. After running a cycle, there’s no water left inside. The washer drains, dries, everything would appear normal, were it not for the crusty dishes and clogged spray arms. I can see the water draining through the drain hose under the sink… I’m not sure where the sump is, but there’s no water visible in there after the cycle is complete.

8

MAYBE the filter. Common problem on this style! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIqvjooU47g

9

If there is no water coming back from the drain, the impeller filter would need to be checked. It is possible that it is failing to filter properly.

10

Thanks all for your help. It was indeed the filter. Something tore it to shreds and there were bits of it and food clogging up the impeller.

11

:+1: Nice job! Very common problem with this dishwasher!