Brand: whirlpool dishwasher Model Number: wdf320pads1 Main Symptom: start light blinking in normal mode. What happens & when:
When I select normal mode, sometimes it starts, and if it does, then it stops mid cycle typically after draining and before the rinse. Then when I open the door and close it, and press start again, it usually continues the cycle, though sometimes it takes a while and will then start after multiple presses.
The dishwasher works fine on the 1 hour cycle mode with no issues.
Note that I can no longer even select heavy cycle.
Error Code (if any): unknown
Parts or tests already tried: reset at breaker, 1 hour mode works fine
Hi Jeff, Yes but only in normal cycle. When it does start running in normal cycle, it will then stop mid cycle between the drain and rinse stages. I then open the door, close it, and press start again (sometimes it starts right away, other times I have to keep pressing it until it restarts).
If I use the 1 hour wash cycle, it runs fine, no issues whatsover.
“This error says the door lock or door lock switch is not operating properly. That might be a good place to check.”
The door handle and switch feel fine but there is some play, but I thought that would be normal? When the door closes, it latches shut and you cant open it without pressing the handle.
Door switch/door switch mechanism/door switch mechanism cracked related seems very possible.
Not sure why the 1 hour cycle works fine??
Guess maybe an intermittent board or wire (esp where the door bends to open and close) is possible??
Based on the information you have provided, it sounds like there is an issue either with the keypad for a certainty since one key does not even work. Since there is already an identifier for a keypad failure, it could be the main cause of this issue since electrical shorts on a DC circuit can cause multiple failures. However, it is possible that there may be a main control failure as well. Since the dishwasher does work properly on a 1-hour cycle, the chance of there being a mechanical failure in the switches would be a less likely possibility. Whirlpool WPW10698609 Console (blk) (AP6023846) - AppliancePartsPros.com
I just did a one hour cycle and unfortunately the same problem happened. It stopped mid cycle. It would not resume until I opened the door and closed it. Then when I pressed start it resumed.
Could this then be related to the door switch mechanism that Jeff was alluding to, instead of a control panel problem?
What are the chances that it is a turbidity sensor problem?
You could try testing the switches for continuity when opening and closing the door multiple times to see if it will trip up. This will identify if it is indeed a mechanical failure in the switches.
