KDC-20 KitchenAid Dishwasher Repair Advice

[hobarthero]

Hi again

Yes I was originally thinking the bi-metal portion of the dispenser specifically as well, but I can send a timer or inlet valve if we’re thinking that might be the problem instead. I will look through things tomorrow. I have to gather things for other members as well. I’ll follow up with you later this week.
-Shannon[this post was last edited: 10/24/2021-20:41]

 

[lynnalison]

Waiting for Next Wash Cycle

Thank you all for the very valuable feedback and advice. Right now I guess I am in the lull between washer loads, and I have been pre-occupied with work this week. But when I next run the dishwasher, I plan to stay next to it to more precisely record onset places of the noise (in terms of where the dial is) and how long it lasts each time. Also will turn off the hot water when the noise starts to see if that silences it. Once I have that info, then maybe I can get a clearer sense of whether it is the intake valve, which seems to be the majority guess right now. Shannon, if you do have available parts, that would be wonderful. If you all will hang in there with me thru this next level of diagnosis and think I have something that can be fixed, I will start a quest for an older repair person who has at least seen these washers before. Thanks again. More in a few days, when I next run the washer.

 

[lynnalison]

Detailed Notes on a Complete Cycle

Today I ran the dishwasher while staying right next to it to monitor sounds, times, etc. First, the summary: It did make the shuddering noise several times, most of them very short, 2 of them longer. The noise did not stop when I turned off the hot water supply while the noise was happening. Only one of the detergent dispenser cups opened. Here are the details:

12:32: start washer with the dial positioned at Heavy Wash (picture #1)
12:33: obvious sounds of water entering the washer
12:34: sound like something closing, filling sound stops, little click. Red light indicating heating on
12:44: normal, kind of churning washing sounds
12:45: draining sound, draining visually confirmed by looking into garbage disposal unit
12:47: small click, a few seconds of a very high-pitched whine, and then onset of shuddering noise. Duration so short there was not time to even start turning the hot water turn-off valve before it was over. Position of the dial at this point about halfway between Heavy Wash and Energy Saver marks (see photo #2) Then return to normal dishwasher sounds
12:52: Draining sounds while normal dishwasher sounds continue
12:53: another small click, followed a few seconds later by the shuttering sound, which lasted about 20 sec this time. Dial now approximately pointing to Low Energy position (see photo #3)
12:54: all sounds have returned to normal by now
1:04: more draining accompanied by a short buzzing background sound and continued normal washing sounds. Dial approx halfway between Low Energy and Rinse and Hold (photo #4)
1:06: Shudder sound for about 30-40 secs. Dial slightly closer to Rinse and Hold (photo #5)
1:12: draining sound
1:13: very brief shudder sound (short as the first one). Dial still not at Rinse and Hold (see photo #6)
1:15: shutter lasting approx 30 sec. Dial now slightly past Rinse and Hold (Picture #7)
1:19: draining
1:20: brief shudder. Dial slightly past Rinse and Hold, (picture #8)
1:26: click, then more draining
1:33 finishing the drying time, no more sounds

So, I don't know if this sheds any more light on where the malfunction lies. Since turning hot water off did not stop the shudder, I assume it is not the intake valve. It seems that some -- but not all-- of the time the shudder comes right after draining has been the dominant sound. Don't know whether that points to the drainage valve or not. The second episode of shuddering that lasted more than a few seconds came after the Rinse and Hold part of the cycle -- presumably there would be no dispenser opening at that point, so I'm thinking this points away from the dispenser itself being the problem. Does all of this sound like possibly the timer? Any recommended next steps? We have not yet opened the door assembly, as this is kind of scary and I was trying to get maybe a clearer diagnosis without taking that step. But maybe it's time? Any advice will be much appreciated.

 

[rp2813]

Thanks for the narrative.  I know just enough to be dangerous, but I can't help but wonder if there's an issue with the non-reversing motor system.  The motor itself wouldn't be the problem though.  Usually there's a snapping sound from a solenoid just ahead of the draining sequence.   As I understand it, this reroutes the water from the pump to go out the drain hose instead of being recirculated like it is during a wash or rinse sequence.  I wonder if there's some kind of hang-up with the solenoid switching the pump back into re-circulation mode after draining and when the next sequence begins.

 

The experts will be able to advise if I'm onto something or not.

 

[lynnalison]

Solenoid Theory

Thank you, RP2813, for your analysis. You have mentioned the solenoid before, and in doing a little internet search for "dishwasher solenoid," I can see why you are suggesting this. It does seem to fit the pattern, doesn't it? So the question arises as to whether this is a simple repair for someone who knows what he is doing and whether a part is even available. Hoping my little team of volunteer sleuths is still reading this thread.

I am also starting to wonder, if it really is the end of the line for us and this dishwasher, whether there is someone who would want it and how to find that person/get it to them. Knowing what I now know about these legendary workhorses, I am hoping I don't have to be the one to send it to the junk heap.

 

[rp2813]

Lynn, I do hope that those who have contributed thus far will post and make any necessary clarifications or corrections.  I've heard the snap when it's time to drain the tub but I don't recall hearing it when the pump reverts to recirculation.  Others can advise on whether it snaps for both operations or not.

 

It's possible that if this turns out to be the problem, Hobart may still carry the part.  If not, I'm sure someone here will help to provide or locate one.

 

Also, it just occurred to me that if there are worn components under the main four-way hydrosweep wash arm, it can make a chattering sound.  I wonder if this is another thing to check.  Give the arm a spin when the machine is empty and see if it spins smoothly or jitters its way around.  I think this would happen periodically during the wash or rinse cycles rather than just at the start, but you never know.  To remove and examine the wash arm and bushings, just lift it straight upward, making sure the tips of the arms clear the bump-outs on both sides for the rack rollers. 

 

[DADoES]

 
The drain valve makes a snap noise when energizing to drain per my KDI-17a experience.  No sound when it de-energizes.  Perhaps depends if there was a later change on the valve design.