Help with KitchenAid KUDS22

[toddb]

I have had this unit for over ten years and it has been a great machine, but recently we noticed things were not getting as clean as they had been. It seems like several things went wrong at once. The upper wash arm is not spinning, the soap doors are not opening, and the timer clicks for about 10 minutes when you open the door after completing a load. I am guessing the timer is bad, but I don't see how that would affect the upper wash arm. Any tips would be appreciated!

 

[rp2813]

The wash arm problem might be attributable to a bad check valve.  That's a little rubber flap inside the drain hose fitting where it connects to the pump.  If it's stuck open, it can reduce the amount of water flowing to the upper wash arm.  When my machine's check valve was stuck open, I could hear an "urping" sound coming from the sink during wash/rinse periods. 

 

Replacing the check valve isn't a big deal.  There's a GE part that can be used as a replacement, but I don't know the part number off hand.

 

Another possible cause could be a crack or tear in the flat flexible tube that connects the upper wash arm to the water supply tube on the rear wall of the tub.  This tube is visible under the top rack when you pull it out.  A visual check is an easy thing.  I don't know if replacements are available for these, though.

 

The other issues are likely due to a failing timer.  I'd not bother with the check valve or flat tube unless/until a replacement timer could be found.

[this post was last edited: 2/3/2017-15:58]

 

[toddb]

Thanks, rp2813. I was hearing some unusual noises from the disposal. As far as the timer goes, I found one on Ebay for $100. Should I keep looking? I know I paid $20 for the dishwasher originally, but only because I got really lucky. It's such an elegant looking machine that I really want to keep it.

 

[rp2813]

Yeah, we had our machine connected to the disposal without an air gap, and that's where the noise was coming from.

 

$100 sounds a little steep to me, but maybe the resident KA experts will post their thoughts here.

 

Or you could start hunting down another cheap KDS22 with a known good timer and keep it as a potential parts donor.

 

[toddb]

Believe me, a parts unit was my first thought, but I have as yet had no luck. Searched craigslist for a 200 mile radius, visited used appliance stores, three ReStores, thrift shops. Yeah, if anyone has a part to sell I would be interested. We use this machine every day.

 

[rp2813]

Well, if nobody else chimes in, and the timer on ebay is guaranteed to work, you'd still only be into the dishwasher for $120.  If you like how it performs, that's still a good value.  It probably cost around $500 new.

 

I'll see if I can locate the GE part number for the check valve.  If the flat flexible section for the upper wash arm is cracked or otherwise compromised, I'm not sure if those can be found new, but if you need to find a replacement, one shouldn't cost a whole lot.

 

[askolover]

if it indeed is the flexible flat rubber piece causing the top wash arm not to function properly that part is still available on ebay or repairclinic.com part #WP4171544.  I just replaced mine.

https://www.repairclinic.com/PartDe...delNumber=KUDS220T0&ss=a9b121i290d110025&mr=1

 

[chachp]

Me too!

<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva;">I had to replace that tube on my KDS-20.  Was a fast easy fix.  Mine had a huge crack on the underside but I never noticed it until I went looking for it.  I don't remember what I paid for it but I think it was under $20 and I likely got it on eBay which is where I find most of my spare parts.  </span>

 

<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva;">I have had to buy a few timers over the years for my older machines and anywhere between about $50 and $100 seems to be the going price especially if it's new in the box.  At least that's been my experience.  </span>

 

[toddb]

I have decided that I am probably going to pop for the new timer. The rack tube is okay on mine, so that is not an issue. I removed the check valve and found it to be stuck open, and the flap is swollen to the point where it can no longer move. I have looked everywhere, including locally, for the check valve, to no avail. If anyone knows of a usable replacement part number, or even a cobble that would work, I would be grateful. The only thing that comes to mind for me is a sump pump check valve, but that would require some serious adapting.

The function of this part is sort of puzzling to me, though. I assume it is a one-way valve to allow water to be pumped out but not backflow in. So how does this make the washer function better during the wash cycle?

 

[toddb]

Solution and explanation

Never mind I found it in an older post, WD1X1486 is the GE unit, you swap out the flapper in your old housing. Thanks!

http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?31917

 

[rp2813]

OK, now I'd like to know why my "Super Searchalator" episode yesterday would not produce the thread linked above when I queried "check valve" or "KA check valve" or "Kitchen Aid check valve."  I knew at least one thread existed with the GE part number, but couldn't find it.

 

Anyway, I'm glad you found the part information through whatever search term you used.  Be sure to report back on whether the new valve got the upper arm moving again.

 

[combo52]

Problems with the KD22 dishwasher.

I'm not sure from your description of the timer is faulty or not.

The detergent compartments not opening is usually caused by the dishwasher getting too little water or a clogged main filter, this will also impact the upper wash our performance but you do definitely need a new check valve as you discovered.

If you could elaborate a little bit more what's going on with the timer I might be able to help decide if you really need one

 

[toddb]

clackita clackita clackita etc.

Thanks for the help Combo52. It's pretty much what I described, the machine will go through a normal wash cycle, except the detergent cups won't open and the upper arm is not spinning. Then, the first time you open the machine after the cycles complete, normal, but as soon as you close and latch the machine the timer starts clicking. Like, clackita clackita clackita etc. for about ten minutes, then it stops and will not do it again until you wash another load. I really don't know what else to say.

 

[combo52]

Noisy Timer

It does sound like the higher speed rapid advance timer motor on your timer is failing, $100 for a complete timer is good, you may also be able to replace just the timer motor from a similar two motor timer, I have done this many times.

 

KA usually used two different makers of timers so you have to get the same make timer motor. With pictures of the timer and motor in question we can usually match one up.

 

[vacerator]

Todd,

do you know a Kevin who lives or lived in Holt?