GE Triton dishwasher Issues

[mattl]

Was over my cousin's on Sat. for a party, and I had been hearing from one of my relatives about this issues they are having with this dishwasher. They were complaining that the water was cold in the machine, I could not believe it, but when I tested it it was true. I ran hot water in the sink, and it was quite hot and put the machine into rinse and hold mode. Checked and the water was barely above room temp. After it finished I tried again, just slightly warmer, on the third go round the water was quite warm. The machine is right next to the sink, and the only possible explanation I can come up with is that the installer used a VERY long connection hose, and it's filled with room temp water. The other thing that was suspect is that the water level was quite low. I wonder if the two issues combined to make the situation worse.

I popped the wash arm off and it was full of gunky dishwasher soap as was the point where the filter attached to the base. I have the newer GE model and I love it, it cleans everything I toss at it, so I know this machine can perform well.

On a side note with dozens of people in the house someone turned on heated drying and the heating element burned out! nice smell of burned metal in the kitchen. I'll have to get the model number and hunt up a replacement element for them, I'm wondering if I should have them get a new fill switch, or is there an adjustment I can make?

 

[bwoods]

cold fill

Even very hot water will cool remarkably on the first fill as it transfers its heat energy to the cold dishes, cold racks and cold tub. After the first fill it should be warming up, unless, as you say, there is a problem elsewhere.

Make sure the valve on the DW supply line is open all the way and make sure it is not corroded and hampering water flow.

Another reason you may be getting a low fill (and hence cooler water) is your water inlet solenoid may not be opening fully or may be corroded/clogged. My Aunt's GE DW had this problem.

The solenoid is very easy to remove and you can manually clean it and make sure the valve is fully opening when energized.

 

[mattl]

Thanks, had not thought about the solenoid, will have to check that out.

I'm waiting on my cousin to email the model number. so I can do a little more research.