KDSS-20 Can't Clear PF

[okielady]

I love my KDSS-20 bought new in March 1984, even more so after looking at possible new replacement dishwashers.

For the last 6 months, periodically when I close the handle to start the dishwasher, there is no power and no lights on the display panel. I try taking the fuse out of the main power panel box, leaving it out for at least 5 minutes, then reinserting it to reset the dishwasher. Sometimes all that happens is the PF (power failure) light comes back on. Sometimes it goes through the sequence of clickety-clickety-clickety and then the motor runs, and then it ends with the PF light still on.

Up until now, at some point, usually after trying the fuse reset sequence over a period of days, it will eventually go through the clickety-clickety-clickety and motor run sequence, finally ending with the CANCEL light on. When the CANCEL light comes on, I can then touch it and it will go through the CANCEL sequence and be ready to run. It then works perfectly for some days or weeks, then out of the blue for no apparent reason, it has no power when I close the handle to run it full of dirty dishes.

Any ideas on what might be the cause of this periodic problem and what might fix it? I have tried doing the reset sequence with the handle open and the handle closed, have tried pushing the actual white plastic latch up and down with my fingers, but I have found nothing that works. It all seems to be random as to when it stops working and when I can get it going again.

I'd love to be able to continue using my dishwasher dependably. Thanks for any help you can give me.

 

[toploader55]

Hmmmmm...

Stevet, Combo, Tomturbo, or coldspot66 would know.

 

They should be around shortly. Have no fear my dear. Some here will figure it out.

 

[pdub]

Any chance you could take a picture of the front of the control panel and post it here?

 

[combo52]

KDSS-20 DW

The first thing I would check would be the door interlock switches, yes there two and they are only used these early electronic DWs. You have the only other known working one of these rare DWs, so I don't know how good your chances of keeping it running. Almost every electrical part for this DW are long since NLA, I do have some good used parts if you or someone can figure out what is wrong and you get into a part availability problem E-mail me Good Luck      John.

 

[okielady]

KDSS-20 PF (Power Failure Light) Cleared!!!

Based on suggestions here, I attempted to try check the door interlock switches. I took the first step described in the Service Technician's Guide for a Latch Sequence Test: "Close and latch door. Press Rinse Hold pad then start. Does pump and drain operate?"

To my great surprise!!!, the PF light went out, the motor ran and the CANCEL light came on. Eventually the motor stopped and the CANCEL light went out. I was so surprised, I don't remember exactly all the sounds and sequence of events, like whether I touched the CANCEL pad to stop the motor.

I think I'm back in operating condition...for now. I will try to run a regular dishwashing cycle with some dishes tomorrow. Not sure what this event tells me about what may be causing the periodic stoppages. Also not sure whether I can repeat this procedure with success the next time the PF light comes on and stays on, even after resetting at my house's main fuse box.

Thank you all for your interest and help. Any further advice or comments are welcome.