Help With Vintage KDI-17A

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@dadoes I honestly can’t say if my dispenser ever worked properly in the first place. I didn’t take much notice until the other issue happened and I started taking everything apart.
@john Do you think it’s possible to find the right one for mine, so I don’t lose the functionality in the pw dispenser? Or should I just be quiet and consider myself lucky I found it? 😂
 
Hi again everyone. New timer is in. Still not working. Power to both sides. If you turn the dial the light and fan come on for a second then shuts back off?
Any suggestions?
 
ok, I got more info from my husband. He is off this weekend and is the one who put the new one in. He said it started and he opened it and it wouldn’t start back.
If he turns it manually the fan and light come on for its cycle and then turns off after. Nothing else happens.
 
Let's start from the beginning

Sorry you're still experiencing problems with the machine. I'm a little confused about what you're experiencing and want to help. Let me start with how the controls are supposed to physically operate.   I've attached some pics to help explain.   

 

When you first raise the door handle after a completed cycle the timer reset spring is actuated by a small lever on the left side of the door latch (pic 1).   At the same time a small actuator lever on the right side of the door latch presses against a larger plastic lever which in turn pushes against a small tab on the lower side of the program switch; this action re-sets the program switch (pops the cycle button out - pics 1 & 2.  The switch shown is for the Superba model, but it works the same as the switch on yours).    Even if you're just opening to load it in between uses these levers move, but since the machine is not running the spring & program switch reset tab are dormant.   

 

If the spring on the timer, or the program switch reset lever, are broken the machine will not reset properly and will not function correctly.    Additionally, if the small tab on the left side of the program switch does not move outward when a pushbutton is pressed the switch will not reset.    

 

You mentioned you put in a new timer; did it come with the reset spring and is the actuator on the door latch coming in contact with it?   If not, you will have to replace or adjust the spring.  If it's the reset tab on the switch you'll have to replace that (it cannot be repaired).  

 

I hope this helps diagnose the problem.  Please reach out if you have more questions.  Also, the repair manual for this model series is avaialble in the manuals & literature tab.   Good luck!

bigalsf-2024093012134805561_1.png

bigalsf-2024093012134805561_2.png
 
Cycle Sequence

As Glenn mentioned the cycle sequence on all KDI 17 series begins with a half-fill to purge the cool water in the supply line.  It then goes through the following sequence on the Full Cycle:  Pre-wash, Rinse, Main Wash, Rinse, Rinse, 5 minute pause, Dry.   See attached for the full descriptions. 

bigalsf-2024093013093201232_1.png

bigalsf-2024093013093201232_2.png
 
We got it running! It was the spring for the gear that pops in and out. (in the first photo @bigalsf sent) I guess I have a back up timer now. I think the original timer might still function if the part (I obviously knocked loose) was repaired. I am SO happy it is fixed!

@bigalsf We put the one bi metal back on just one side of the dispenser like suggested. (taped up the side without a switch) until we can get one. Thank you so much for all the help and if you have a replacement I would love to have it.

We are in the process of trying to buy an old house and the KA will fit right in.
 
Yay glad you got it working

It looks like you had a couple problems. You definitely needed a new timer in your reply number 10 picture number one. The old timer definitely has an overheated destroyed contact.

I have lots of dispensers and buy metals for these machines. If you want I can get you one.

The 17 series was a real workhorse, but they did have time and selector switch problems eventually, but it should work for a long time with new parts.

John
 
Thank you. And yes please! The dispenser is in very bad shape. We used lifecaulk marine on it for now and are using one side as suggested.
 
@combo52 Did you happen to have come across a dispenser? Pretty Please 🙂
We just bought a circa 1900 home and I can’t wait to take it to the new house!

I also just acquired a 1959 Frigidaire Refrigerator that won’t stop running.
Does anyone have any troubleshooting tips? Is there a forum here for refrigerators? If not does anyone have a suggestion of where I should start?
Thank you for all your help!
 
I figured out where to post the fridge. Please excuse me, I am new to the forum thing.

John, I saw you responded to a posting from someone who was looking to buy a vintage fridge a few months ago. I hope I made a good choice, but the price was right! (Free!)
 
Hi John,
I am moving the Kitchenaid Dishwasher to the new house today. Did you have any luck finding a dispenser or know of a good place to look?
Anne
 
Hi and yes, I'm sure I have dispensers for this. I'll try to remember to look in the next day or two. I'm gonna be in the shop for a couple days.

I will try to look up the part number for the defrost timer for that refrigerator. Also, I have a book over there that has those numbers in it and then you can do a search.
 

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