KDI-16 in new house doesn't run

[brandt]

Hello,

Three weeks ago, I bought a home with a KDI-16. Today is the first time I've attempted to use it.

When I run a cleaning cycle, it makes a humming sound and a pulsing sound every half second, and no water enters the basin. After a few moments, it begins to smell like it's burning.

Is there a link to a service manual or troubleshooting tips that someone could direct me to?

Thanks!
Brandt

 

[dermacie]

I am sure someone who will respond to you since I am no expert. I would make sure that water is being connected to the unit. Water turned on at the source and check the waterline for a clog. My water line was once clogged in my Kitchenaid.

 

[stevet]

Start with the basics!

Like Derek posted above, make sure the water is turned on to the machine.
These machines often did a line purge at the beginning of the full cycle and the pump would be running at the same time so please tell us if you can hear the pump running too. Then we can move on to what else may be wrong.

Also, some of the KD16 non-Superba models came with a supplemental sump heater of approx. 700 watts or so to help keep the water hot when washing so what you may be smelling is the element heating up without any water around it to absorb the heat it is producing.

Does it do the same thing if you select the rinse and hold cycle?

Can you provide some pictures of the interior so we can tell what we are dealing with here?

Again, if the pump is running but no water, then the fill valve can be at fault, the water is turned off or both.

Keep us posted.

 

[brandt]

I just saw your responses. Thank you both!

I believe I hear the pump running. There's a rhythmic hum on top of a constant hum.

I'm unable to get to most of the machine's mechanics. Where should I be looking for an inlet valve?

I've attached a few photos. I hope they're helpful in diagnosing this.

Thanks again!

 

[barcoboy]

In your third photo, the inlet valve is the white plastic assembly which is attached with a metal bracket and two screws to the cross member running along the front of the machine. It is immediately to the right of the "NOTE" decal. It also has the copper pipe attached to it, which is your hot water source.

 

[stevet]

Search high and low

for the water supply valve. It looks like it goes to the left to under your sink? Look for a shut off valve for that copper line. A good installer would have provided a separate valve for the dishwasher so it could be serviced without shutting the water off to the sink.

Also, look and see if the water line from the machine goes down under the floor to the basement instead and if it has a valve down there to shut it off.

One last thing, can you take the wash arm and strainers out and take a picture of the sump to see if there is a heating element in the sump? That way we can rule that out concerning the burning smell you spoke about.
Thanks.

 

[brandt]

I followed the line under the sink. It goes to the same valve that supplies hot water to the tap. There don't appear to be any other valves. Should I shut off the valve, disconnect the line from the DW, then re-open the valve to make sure that water is being supplied?

As for the wash arm, it doesn't appear to lift out I need to investigate further tomorrow when I have more time. I'll look for a fastener that holds it down.

 

[toploader55]

Grab the Wash arm by the black center hub and pull straight up. It should lift right off.

Do not try to pull it off by the Hydro Tubes, you could break one off. There are no fasteners holding the wash arm in place.

 

[eronie]

Don't loose the washer that's underneath if it's still there.

 

[brandt]

It took some hard pulling, but it came up.

No washer was present. I found some broken glass in there, but nothing that seemed to have been burning.

 

[rp2813]

There's the heating element Steve was wondering about.

 

Since a single valve supplies both the machine and your sink faucet, if you have hot water at the sink, then you should also have hot water at the inlet valve.   It's only a temporary inconvenience if there's no hot water at the sink while you have the inlet valve pulled for inspection and testing. 

 

I would check the inlet screen first.  Crud can build up there and reduce the flow of water to almost nothing.  Otherwise it might be a solenoid issue.

 

[bigalsf]

Starting point

Hi Brandt, I noticed in the pictures you posted that the timer is in the rinse portion of the cycle. Was it in this position when you first attempted to use it? If so the timer may be in a portion of the cycle between a fill & drain period.

Latch the door, but do not push any buttons. Turn the timer to the off position (there will be a definite stopping point) and then unlatch the door. This will reset the timer for a new cycle. Close & latch the door again and push the full cycle button. You should hear the motor start and the fill begin (it will be a partial fill for about 20-30 seconds, followed by a brief drain, and then a complete fill. Try this step first before attempting any repairs, and let us know what happens.

If no water enters the machine you either have a problem with the fill valve solenoid or a malfunctioning pressure switch (an overfill prevention device). These two are the most common problems related to no water fill (other malfunctioning parts can also cause this problem, but they are not as likely to be at fault). We can help you with all of this, but let us know how this first test goes. Good luck!

 

[brandt]

@bigalsf, that was it! When I had previously tried turning the timer, I hadn't released the latch. I didn't realize that there is a hard reset. Once I followed your instructions, I heard the normal sounds.

Thanks so much to everyone for helping diagnose this issue!

Best,
Brandt

 

[bigalsf]

You’re welcome. Glad it worked. This is a great dishwasher, built like a tank! With proper use (& care) it will last you many years. Enjoy!

 

[dermacie]

Success that is great I am so happy.