Kitchenaid dishwasher problem - anyone heard of this?

[ryanm]

I have a Kitchenaid dishwasher about 5 years old which I now have a problem with. I started the machine, it was running, I smelled burning, looked inside, machine was running without any water, coil was heating, and of course spilled food etc was what smelt like burning. I could not get this machine to fill regardless of cycle, but what I thought was strange is that it went into the wash cycle as if it had water in it. I thought that there was a control which monitors if the water has reached a certain level, and didn't think the machine would run without water. I thought this could have been very dangerous, or even started a fire with the coil heating without water, if I had let it go and plastics melted on to the coil from the heat. I am not sure if this is a fill valve issue, or an electronic one? I am debating if I should fix the machine or replace it. The washing results of this machine has been very poor since the start, so I am undecided.

 

[pierreandreply4]

i had this problem with my old 1993 inglis whirlpool dishwasher did you try to restart your dishwasher by turning the dial back to the first washe setting?

 

[aegokocarat]

broken water inlet (i am europeaon so i don't have mutch of a clue)

 

[DADoES]

 
Dishwasher fill is typically timed, not by a level sensor. Overfill or flood protection may be by a float, but not the normal fill level.

 

[pierreandreply4]

dishwasher replacement

if you have to replace your dishwasher i would recomend that you go with the kenmore since in a way thay are made by whirlpool and you can get a good cleaning effency as well

http://www.sears.ca/product/kenmore-elite-kenmore-elite-integrated-console-tall-tub-built-in-dishwasher/22139790?ptag=3

 

[combo52]

NON FILLING KA DW

Check the float in the bottom front corner of the tank, if something is under it it will keep the machine from filling at all. Other than this its most likely a bad fill valve or some one turned off the water under the sink. Its not a safety hazard when this happens but it smells bad.

 

[ryanm]

Thanks to everyone for their replies, they are all greatly appreciated. The model I have is fully electronic, no dials to turn, so the electronics control each cycle. I did check the entire bottom of the interior where the float is, I didn't see anything there, so most likely a fill valve issue then. I will have to price out the repair, if not too costly, I will fix it, otherwise it is out the door.