Maytag DW Smoking!!

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frigilux

frigilux

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Something seemed suspicious with my Maytag DW on Friday. I had washed a small load using the 20-minute INSTA WASH cycle, and about an hour later I decided to put the dishes away. They were almost too hot to touch, which is odd, because I had not chosen a heated dry option. Plus, the cycle is so short, the dishes are never as hot as they are when using a longer cycle with heated dry. I reached down and touched the heating unit and it was cool. Weird, but all seemed to be OK, so I didn't think much about it.

The machine seemed to operate normally yesterday. This morning (Sunday), I was making my usual coffee cakes/muffins for the break room at work. I opened the door several times to add items (as you can see in the photo). A few minutes ago, I opened the door once again, and the interior was warm and it smelled of electrical smoke.

The machine was off, but working at the counter right in front of it, I'd pushed the door completely shut, which I normally don't do. I reached down and the element was hot. After having a slight coronary thinking I was going to be dealing with a wiring fire any moment, I ran down to the garage and removed the fuse for the DW. (By the way, my fuse box is not well-labeled and that is going to change in about 2 minutes. Trying to figure out which fuse is for what outlet should not be done while in a panic.)

I never latch the DW door when it's not in use. I leave it open an inch or two to keep it fresh inside. Can you imagine the outcome had this happened while I was not at home?!

What I do know: That DW is outta here. I'll never be able to trust it again. The last thing I need is to be at work wondering if my house is on fire.

Anyone else ever have this problem with a newer (3-year old) Maytag or any other DW?

5-11-2008-13-20-58--Frigilux.jpg
 
I am curious...

Do you have an isolator switch for the dishwasher, on the wall above the countertop?

In the UK, it is best practice to have:
(a) a plug and socket arrangement, with the plug and socket within easy reach for disconnection; or

(b) where the plug and socket is hidden by the appliance (or is hard-wired into the mains supply), there must be a double-pole isolator switch.

Fires have been known to start in washers and dishwashers. Because of this, I always switch of at the mains after use.

Thank God you noticed in time, and it wasn't much worse.
 
No, unfortunately there isn't an isolator switch for the dishwasher. If there was one, I would always shut the power off when it wasn't in use. That's a very good idea.

I also don't have a sprinkler system in my house, and since I'm scrambling to figure out how I'm going to pay for a new dishwasher, I'm afraid that upgrade is out of the question. At this point, I just want a dw that isn't going to cause a fire.
 
This is so frustrating! I love the Maytag's capacity and ability to hold huge, odd-shaped pots/pans. I love the tiered top rack (something which I thought I'd hate, initially) and it cleans spotlessly. But after today's experience, there's no way I'm going to replace it with another Maytag. My dishwashers get used a lot more than most, and I can understand a breakdown, but potential fire hazard? No thank you. I'm not even remotely interested in getting this one fixed. I just don't think I'd be able to trust it again.

I have local access to Whirlpool, KitchenAid and LG at one store, GE at another, and Maytag and Frigidaire at the store I usually shop at. I don't want to go back to a Frigidaire after having a Maytag that cleaned pots/pans better.

I'm wary of LG after the experience some of you have had with that brand, and CR doesn't rate any of the GE's as excelling in cleaning.

This leaves KitchenAid and Whirlpool. I'm thinking Whirlpool, as it has a great reliability rating from CR. They're also more affordable than KA, which is important at the moment.
 
This is a lower-end model, which receives a score of 81 in CR (top scoring machine was an 83). Unfortunately, it has no adjustable upper rack, is not a tall-tub and has a white plastic interior. User reviews at CR say it's a spartan, slightly loud, but excellent machine. Only $350, but no option for a SS exterior.

5-11-2008-16-43-48--Frigilux.jpg.png
 
Here's Whirlpool's TOL, with stainless interior/exterior. It also has the power scrub nozzles at the back of the machine, although this feature is not a huge selling point for me. But I'd be getting close to the $1,000 mark, which is more than I can afford right now.

I had a Whirlpool portable back in '86, and I didn't mind the silverware rack in the door. Apparantly, you can use this one in the lower rack, as well. Noise rating is still only 'good', but the same was true with my Maytag and its operating noise level wasn't annoying to me at all.

Maybe I should just go with the excellently-rated cheap Whirlpool and save up for the TOL at a later date. I have to replace a backyard fence and shingle the house this summer, so money is tight.

Anyone have experience with these machines? The user reviews for both at CR were all positive----contrasting with the KitchenAid user reviews, which were wildly mixed.

5-11-2008-16-51-30--Frigilux.jpg.png
 
Is it really a tall-tub model, John? That would be great! It isn't listed that way at the Whirlpool site. Maybe I misread. I'm going to go back and check. Boy, if that's a tall-tub, then I'm sold on it--- especially for that price. I can deal with the plastic interior for the interim.
 
Maybe you should check your dishwasher against the recalls Maytag had -- actually, I think more than one brand of dishwasher had a recall because of the rinse-aid dispenser, although it seems in your case it's probably the heater. Call Maytag anyway to check for recalls and in any case, warranty or not, they're supposed to fix something that is a fire danger. You should probably also report the problem to the CPSC and/or http://www.recalls.gov/.

If they fix the machine, just put a switch or a plug you can unplug after the machine is done, and you can save the money until you can find a machine you like later.

Good luck!
 
Dishwashers.

There has been a recall on Maytag Dishwashers. Check the recall site (it escapes me at the moment) and see if yours is covered. The problem covered by the recall is a faulty rinse aid dispenser that can allow liquid to contact electrical wiring, causing (big surprise) an electrical fire!

I like the Maytag dishwashers because they are so flexible and they do clean so well. I had a TOL Whirlpool recently and detested the silverware rack in the door. It wasn't as good a cleaner as a Maytag, and the Whirlpool had a habit of breaking glasses that no other dishwasher seems to be able to match.

For a cheaper alternative, why not go for a good quality used DW being removed for a modernization? Go find a good older Kitchen Aid! Heck, see if anyone's doing a renovation and throwing out a recent-model Bosch. People with money so often seem to throw out some of the best things just because they are no longer brand new.

Also, you could look for any used dishwasher and keep it only until you can better afford to buy the one you really want. Why pay brand new prices for a BOL machine you intend to replace anyway?

Good luck and I'm glad you're not hurt,
Dave
 
I'll check on the recall for this machine. In my case, the heater element is staying on sometimes, even when the machine is off, apparantly any time the door is completely shut, allowing electrical power to flow. Something is shorting out, because the element was hot, but not so hot that I received a burn when I touched it briefly. But the interior had heated up and smoke built up within only about 4-5 minutes prior to the last time I'd opened the door.

It makes me wonder how long this problem might have been going on. I almost always shut the machine off and pull the door open to flash dry as soon as the final rinse is completed. It rarely finishes a cycle and sits for very long with the door closed before I unload. Then, I always leave the door open a few inches until the next time its used.

Too damn much excitement for me.

Thanks for all the helpful advice, guys! I really appreciate it.
 
I'm pretty sure the rinse aid recall was for plastic tub dishwashers. Check your warranty to see about coverage on the electronic control....that could be the problem. In the meantime, trip the circuit breaker. Also check the Sears Kenmore ELite entry level machines. SS tall tubs, but maybe a bit less expensive than the GU3600....although ss outside will be more $$$.
 
Hi John--- I'd definitely get a Kenmore if there was a Sears near me, but there isn't. Plus, I like to buy locally from one of the three mom-and-pop appliance dealers. A couple extra sales means a lot in a town this small.

Keven (panthera) just e-mailed the Maytag recall info to me, and my machine isn't covered, unfortunately. I've pulled the fuse for the DW out of the fusebox, so there's no chance of any more fireworks (and not the good kind) today.

Bob---I'll check my e-mail account for a message from you.
 
Sounds like the "motherboard" electronic timer fried and the relay controlling the heater is stuck "on".

Won't a new control board fix this?

That and a wall-swtich to cut power and you should be godlen. Perhaps a wind-up mechancial wall timer that counts down elapsed time will help you regain peace of mind and trust it again.

Sounds like a great machine, overall! And in this case the SS interior tub is a safety feature- a tub a la plastique sounds like it would have been a greater fire hazard.

http://www.intermatic.com/Default.asp?action=subcat&sid=96&cid=53&did=5
 
Eugene

I understand your caution, but, maybe it is a simple fix. I never run my dw, washer or dryer when I am not at home. Maybe it is just paranoia, but, I have heard of homes burning down because the dryer was left on when noone was home. Guess that could be true for dishwashers too.
Since you love it so much, perhaps it can be repaired.

Good luck with your decision.
 
I have used the Whirlpool 1055 a few times at a friend's house and it works pretty good. The cycles are shorter than the Maytag, but the cleaning is right up there. He bought his in 2004 and they may have changed as his silverware basket couldn't be mounted on the door. It was lengthwise across the front of the rack like Kitchen Aids used to be and did take some room from the actual dishes.
 
Transient Voltage and Sure Supressor/Protector

Here is what I had installed to protect my "delicate" elecronics.

Fool that I was, I PAID o have the is put in. Simple DIY project, for me anyway. Connects as if it is a 20a 220v load via two 20a breakers.

Not sure if lightning arrestor/protection is needed when one has this.

5-11-2008-19-18-35--Toggleswitch.jpg
 
Hi Togs: The heating element doesn't seem to be stuck in the on position. It's apparently turning on and off at will, which leads me to believe there's a short circuit, somewhere. I'll be very surprised if it's the motherboard.

If it was on all the time, I'd notice the interior being warm. I washed several loads yesterday and it behaved perfectly. But the heating element had definitely stayed on for awhile after the InstaWash cycle on Friday. The dishes were very hot quite awhile after the cycle ended. If you don't select the heated dry option (and I rarely do), then the InstaWash cycle consists of a wash and two short rinses. The machine shuts off immediately after the last rinse. If you select heated dry, there's a brief (about 10 minutes) drying period. The dishes should have been cool to the touch by the time I got to them. I've used that cycle many, many times, so I know what to expect.

Gary: Maybe I should call my dealer and have him take a look at it. I really am curious as to what exactly has gone wrong with it. I can't help but think that whatever it is, even if I get it fixed, it'll happen again sometime. And I might not be standing right in front of it, as I was lucky to be doing today.

The wild-card is that this is happening even when the machine is off. That's the frightening part.
 
Man, let's not over-react!!

Frigilux..hold on to your money for a few more days!
Everyone has given excellent advice and you should err on the side of caution and safety and interrupt the power to that machine immediately and not use it.

Granted, the major recall on the Maytags has been with the rinse agent dispenser but if someone has a wiring diagram for this unit, please chsck and see what activates the dispenser.
It could be possible that the heating element amperage draw goes thru the dispenser to activate it like many of the bimetal dispensers of days gone by and if the dispenser has leaked and shorted the wires out, then it could possibly complete the circuit to the element and cause it to heat up when not needed.
Many machines always have one side of the circuit live and all you need is some component to complete the circuit and anything is liable to energize and sometimes with disastrous results.
I would call Maytag direct and advise them of the problem and tell them that your machine was smoking so badly you nearly called the fire dept. You will have to dramatize it for them to send someone right away but hey, what if the house did burn down!

Get on the phone and let them handle it and then go to the appropiate gov't. agencies to report it as well. Just because your model isn't in the recalled batch,doesn't mean it could not happen in later or even earlier machines.

As far as the Whirlpools suggested as replacements, if I had to go with one, it would not be the talltub unit. The standard height machines still come with the Power Module wash pump so you can be sure you will have loads of cleaning power out of those arms.
Guys, remember, all those wonderful 36 extra water jets for the powerscour and other crap they have put in the whirlymoreaids, only take water and cleaning power away from the two main arms.. And by the way.. Per Kitchenaid.. the pump is only a 1/5 hp pump in that sidewinder arrangement.

And while it looks nice to see a stainless steel tank when you open the door, it makes absolutely no difference in cleaning ability nor does it add any appreciable life to the machine to go stainless over plastic. Yes, it is quieter but is it necessary? And think of how it would look in really hard water areas? All that white, lime scale buildup.. Yuck!

I think the older style Maytags and standard tank Kenwhirls would be just fine, Unless you want a 21 series Kitchenaid.. last of the red hot rockers!
 
My youngest nephew is a volunteer fireman in Bloomington, MN (a suburb south of Minneapolis). He gave everyone in the family a couple of fire extinguishers at Christmas a few years ago. One is in my bedroom and one is under the work table in my kitchen, about 8 feet from the dishwasher. Believe me, I was ready to use it for the first time, had the DW had caught fire.

I also have 4 smoke detectors and two carbon monoxide detectors scattered around the house.
 
gadget gary...

your precautions are not paranoia...

I don't know how does it is in the USA, but here in brazil we're trained since elementary school to NEVER LET ANYTHING WORKING WHEN WE GO OUT.
Specially ovens, dryers, washers and.... DISHWASHERS!

Dishwasher, oven and dryer fires are very usual.

specially dryers.

try to make a simple test.

Try to use the lint to start a barbecue fire...
it works great!

And if a fire starts inside the dryer or it's vent pipe NEVER TRY TO FIGHT IT! This kind of fire is so quick that ordinary fire extinguishers won't do anything.
depending on the size of the pipe or weather, flashover can start in less than 2 minutes, inside the pipe or dryer and it will surelly explode.

If you have time and something to use as tool, cut the washer's hoses or break some wather pipes near the dryer and evacuate your home immediatelly and wait for the firefighters.

a single sprinkler head even if installed by yourself at the washer's pipe and located right above the dryer and exaust path won't do too much, but may give some help in this situation. When you install, you can also tie a thin wire on it's capsule to activate it manually before it reaches the working temperature. just pull the wire and run as fast as you can.
 
I Concur:

With stevet. You should report this both to Maytag and to the CSPC. While there may not be a recall for this situation right now, there won't be one if nobody reports a problem. Reports are what make recalls happen.

Since there has already been one fire-related problem with Maytags, it should be relatively easy to get the CSPC's attention on this.
 
epinions??

Frigilux have you checked over at epinions? Some of the reviews are crap but some are very well done. I always use it in conjunction with other sources of information when deciding on a purchase. I reviewed my Ref. and dishwasher there, the dishwasher is one of the GEs that people here either love or hate. Me, I love mine.

http://www.epinions.com/Dishwashers
 
Re: Eugene:

Hi! Engene, I've just sent you an E-Mail about some info of my Maytag Taller-Tub 2-Rack Dishwasher.

Peace and Blessings, Steve
SactoTeddyBear & SactoTeddyRanger...
 
Well you know Eugene, this really could happen to any appliance that has a heating element. In about 1983 my parents' harvest gold KitchenAid KDS-18 heating element caught fire and filled the house with smoke. The FD came and pulled the dishwasher out and threw it onto the front lawn still smoking.

I of course I would have no problem having a KDS-18 in my house, these things do happen, but usually its rare.
 
Take a deep breath...

Frigilux, I've been factory service on Maytag forever. I've seen tall tub dishwashers do all sorts of things but not what yours is doing. The element could be either shorted or the heater relay on the board could be stuck. Either is very fixable. The element is cycling due to a thermostat that is mounted to the tub that interrupts power to one leg. I'd call the customer service line for assistance and a possible concession for repairs. If you give me the model/serial, I can pull a schematic and service info and see if I can help. As far as Maytag dishwashers in general, don't throw the baby out with the bathwater.

The rinseaid recall affects older Maytag STANDARD PLASTIC TUB dishwashers only and a limited range at that. The recall is easy to check your model against and the fix is both quick and FREE. Let me know if I can help...

RCD
 

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