Kitchenaid tall-tub / Clean LED blinking / Tech tip

[paulg]

My Kitchenaid KUDS01FLBL6 is under parts warranty and quit. The "CLEAN" LED is blinking 7 times. Typically a 7X blink is a "heater error".
Got a reliable independent Whirlpool/Kitchenaid Authorized servicer to look at it.
DIAGNOSIS: The cutter (mini-disposal) is broken.
Apparently, if the cutter breaks, cleanability is impaired as the water flow is impeded, which causes insufficient water to pass the temp sensors which causes the dishwasher to assume that the water temp is wrong. Clean LED blinks.
... Parts are on order - we'll see how things work out when the fix is complete. However, If you have a tall-tub 3 year old Whirlpool derivative that doesn't clean really well or blinks at you .... check out the cutter.

 

[tuthill]

I believe this is similar to my Kenmore/Whirlpool TT Dishwasher. We had the blinking clean light too, owner's manual said "heating element error". All I did was buy a new control board, installed it, and it worked perfectly. Been going for about 2 months.

Just a thought, good luck.

 

[paulg]

More than one way to skin a cat...

Thanks for the feedback. I suppose like anything, there is more than one cause per symptom. We'll see if my situation gets fixed too.
At least we're posting more tools and info for the readers here if they encounter the same thing.
The tech cleared the blinking LED error without replacing the board - that's a good thing. However, he found the underlying cutter trouble. Let's hope for the best. I have to admit the unit did make a funny grinding noise on occasion. I assumed it was just grinding food. Apparently it was grinding itself!

 

[appnut]

The "grinder" on these machines, especially the early ones, was pretty weak. I'm not sure if the part has been "beefed up" or not with subsequent generations.

 

[stevet]

where's the beef?

Well, the Kitchenaids starting with the "3" in the model series have the 4 bladed cutter The WP and earlier KA's had the 2 bladed cutter. I just received my pump assy that I got on EBAY and installed it tonite. It came with the 4 blade cutter but was a Kitchenaid part number for the pump.I put back the two blade cutter and will keep the 4 blade for when and if I ever install the KUDP02IRWH2 STILL IN THE BOX!
The motor works great an now I have a GU1500XLTL3 in Bisque to mess around with. Looks like a nice machine but not that quiet. It is missing the sound pad which I will replace. That should make it better.
The cutter is easy to change and you can substitute the cutter from the 3 series KA's into any of the older pumps with the horizontal motors. Pretty inexpensive too.

 

[paulg]

Thanks

Thanks for the info. Something tells me this won't be the last cutter I'll need to have replaced. Next time I might just try (once the warranty expires of course)!

 

[paulg]

... backed by service...

BTW, the servicer called yesterday to say the parts were in. They're scheduled to finish the repair Monday. The gracious lady at Whirlpool has already gotten my order for a new mesh bag delivered today.
I DO think of service when I purchase stuff. Whirlpool is doing pretty good by me thus far.

 

[paulg]

Repair done / Post mortem

DW is fixed. Here's the scoop:
Tech reset the micro to stop the 7X blinking clean lamp.
Cutter/grinder replaced (broken).
Cleaned 1/2 cup of nuts from grinder.
DW repair complete. It's working pretty fine now.

The repairman advised to keep nuts out of the grinder. Now, how my nuts got into the grinder - I'll never know. I think alcohol was involved.
Quite honestly, nuts were in the grinder. I truly cannot figure out how this happened. Cause of death ruled accidental. Patient revived - one week start to finish (including part order). Owner pleased. Although my wallet is $165 lighter, the repair is seemingly done correctly the first time with minimal parts use.

 

[appnut]

Since I am famous for BobLoads of dishes, nuts inspector service available. ;-) I couldn't help it. I beat Toggles!!

 

[paulg]

Have at it !

You're welcome to see whatever is left.