Dishwasher died

[bendix5]

Go Figure. 5 years almost to the day our Kenmore Ultra Wash dishwasher quit. Stopped. Nothing happens. Control panel buttons don't light. There is power to the machine. I checked that out There was a slight electrical smell before this happened. Could it be the control or a fuse. I am not real up on the electronic stuff. Do we just go and get a new one. Is this planned obsolence. Andrew, do you have anything in white at your shop....Thanks for any info. Dano, Bendix 5

 

[rp2813]

Dano, you couldn't have placed your issue in better hands than those of RCD.

As a back-up plan, you may want to start cruising craigslist for a vintage KitchenAid. They more or less never die.

Ralph

 

[syndets2000]

Dead

Check the door-latch & switch assembly-
Look under the machine & see if water has leaked over the pump & motor-
Make sure the wires in the terminal box are connected tightly-

 

[coldspot66]

There is a fuse on the electronic control. If the wiring gets too hot, it will stop power to the d/w. Easy fix, if that's the problem.

 

[redcarpetdrew]

DO I have anything in white at the shop? Well...

We have all sorts of clearance whites AND I just so happen to have that KDC-17A that I posted pics of over in the pank forum but let's talk about fixing yours if you liked how she did. I agree with Robert above and would have you unplug the unit then check the wire connections in the terminal box. I VERY COMMONLY see the wire nuts not tightened as well as they should be and eventually the power connections heat up and burn thru the nuts and she is dead to the world. You could also open up the door panel and check the condition of the board. You ALSO could call me and I'll come by after work tomorrow and give it a go for free. Since you're a fellow member and a friend, I DO take care of my own! Give me a ring on the cell today if you want...

If we end up replacing it, you will have to decide how to go. Our shop has new that are decently quiet or better OR like I said I have that Kitchenaid Custom that isn't as quiet but is quite capable of blowing the flower pattern off the dish and will complete a cycle in short time... You want her, she's yours!

RCD

 

[tlee618]

Dano, take my advice, go with the KitchenAid!!

 

[redcarpetdrew]

John posted while I was typing the Unibomber Manifesto... LO

I forgot about that! W/P liked to put thermofuses on their controlboards. They recommend that if it's blown, change it BUT if it keeps blowing then replace the harness... Dano, check it for continuity!

RCD

 

[bendix5]

Many thanks to you all. The wires burned in the terminal box.
I called Andrew and he explained it is ok to restrip the wires and put it back together. I did get new wire nuts. You all saved us a few hundred dollars. I am appreciative. Here is a picture. Terry, I guess the Kitchen Aid dishwasher will have to wait now. Darn! JoEllen said she will not ever leave the DW running when we are not here. We usually turn it on when we leave for work. Here is a pic. Thanks again, Dano

 

[bendix5]

Trying the picture again

View attachment bendix5++3-7-2010-16-09-19.jpg

 

[cfz2882]

recall?

wasn't there a recall or something a number of years ago
involving wiring shorting out in WP dishwashers and possibly
causing fires?-90s era machines as i remember.

 

[syndets2000]

recall was...

the door latch / switches & part of that harness...

 

[perc-o-prince]

vintage KitchenAid. They more or less never die.

We love the 1984-ish one we got from Bobby, and doesn't leak thanks to John!!!

Chuck

 

[autowasherfreak]

I love my KA Custom 21! I use it more than the Whirlpool.

 

[redcarpetdrew]

This fault favors none...

This will happen to ANY brand or style. The wire nuts get screwed on and one forgets to gently pull on each wire to make sure the nut grabbed them tight. I've seen it on new to years old installs. Remember, gentle folks, it would never hurt you to go down there and check your nuts. (wire nuts, that is...)

RCD

 

[tlee618]

Dano, If I were you I would still get that KDC17. You never know when you are going to need it.

 

[rp2813]

RCD, I'd say you've really gotten the "hang" of posting in Super.

Ralph

 

[SactoTeddyBear]

Hey! Dano & "JE"

If you should need to still look into replacing your Dishwasher, I would recommend the Maytag Taller-Tub, but with the 2-Rack, instead of the 3-Rack Model. I'm very happy with my first edtion Model that I bought approx 4-years ago, when they were first coming available. I did have to have the Wiring Harness replaced, through a Re-Call, but other than that it's been a great Dishwasher.

I do remember that the new Models of almost all Maytag Appliances are now going to be Badged Whirlpool, but maybe RCD might happen to have a "NIB" one similar to mine. My Dishwasher is the "7600" Model, if I remember correctly.

I hope although that you are able to get your Dishwasher operating again and get several more years out of it.

Peace and Kind Regards, Steve

 

[mrb627]

Kenmore Elite

Funny. My Kenmore Elite was about a week outside of its five year anniversary and the pump and motor seized. I'm a Bosch owner for now. Plan to pitch the Bosch and install a Miele this spring.

Malcolm