[ 2023 ] Dishwasher issue

[WinniWoman]

Could you be having electrical surges to the house?

I ask because I am having the following issue. If there are surges to the house the AC turns itself completely off. This is in order to protect itself. However, when the power to the house comes back on, the surge protect on the AC controller has already turned itself off. The only way I can get AC turned on is to cycle the breaker off and then back on again. It just happened this summer for the first time. I got a new AC unit last year.

Need to consider switching the wiring that connections to the AC from the breaker or the AC controller. Need to discuss with AC installer.

No power surges at all thankfully.

 

[isisdave]

If I understand you correctly, the dishwasher has a plug, and if you plug it into an extension cord on another circuit, it works reliably. And you've already replaced the breaker.

If that is the case, the problem is with the socket it normally plugs into. Replace it.

If that socket is in a weird place, like much higher than the bottom of the cabinet or several feet away such that the cord is in a significantly different position, there is a TINY chance that the dishwasher cord, or its connection inside the dishwasher cabinet, could be the problem. I'd put that at about 1 in 1000.

 

[Talent312]

... [T]here is a TINY chance that the dishwasher cord, or its connection inside the dishwasher cabinet, could be the problem. I'd put that at about 1 in 1000.

I'd hazard to guess that the odds are a bit better than that.
There could well be a break or short in the cord or in the outlet.

Cords can be damaged behind or at the bottom of the dishwasher.
If they show any wear, I'd try replacing the cord and the outlet,
.

 

[WinniWoman]

It’s been working for weeks and suddenly last night it wasn’t. Then we played around with the plugs / the one the dishwasher plugs into normally is fine - we tested it- but we used an extension cord and plugged it into another outlet and it still didn’t work this time around! We then Plugged it back into its regular outlet and it worked again! So it’s definitely the dishwasher and not anything to do with the electrical work.

A Tugger sent me a you tube repair video and after the holiday we are going to check it out. Could be something as simple as the lock switch,

 

[BJRSanDiego]

From your description it sounds like it might be time to replace the dishwasher. We have had a few GE dishwashers and found that they didn't clean very well and it sounded like a tank when they ran. Our Bosch cleans much much better, is reliable, and is quiet.

I did a Google search on electric "code" and found: "Kitchen dishwashers installed in dwelling units require GFCI protection whether hard wired or cord and plug connected". So, perhaps there is a GFCI protector built into the plug. Or perhaps your house was not built to code. I think that GFCI's were required in the 2014 NEC code.

I had wondered if the "breaker" that your husband had been resetting (in the main house panel?) was actually a GFCI breaker. You can tell the difference because there will be a test button on the breaker. If after the dishwasher was plugged into another kitchen circuit receptacle, it is likely that you plugged it into a GFCI receptacle. GFCI's are required in kitchens, bathrooms, etc. If it stopped working on the cord plugged in to another kitchen receptacle, it would be wise to double check that that when the d.w. stops working that the receptacle is still energized, by plugging in a night light or something.

But, maybe it is time to "throw in the towel" and get a new dishwasher.

 

[isisdave]

I didn't know that hardwired dishwashers needed to be on a GFCI circuit, but it sounds like your has a plug anyway. GFCI sockets fail fairly often, so the next time it doesn't work, before touching anything else, reset your kitchen GFCI and see if that helps. And they only cost $10-20, so maybe a pre-emptive replacement is a cheap next step anyway if you can DIY.

>>But, maybe it is time to "throw in the towel" and get a new dishwasher.<< I certainly wouldn't do this until I identified the problem. If it isn't the dishwasher, replacing it won't fix the problem!

 

[davidvel]

It’s been working for weeks and suddenly last night it wasn’t. Then we played around with the plugs / the one the dishwasher plugs into normally is fine - we tested it- but we used an extension cord and plugged it into another outlet and it still didn’t work this time around! We then Plugged it back into its regular outlet and it worked again! So it’s definitely the dishwasher and not anything to do with the electrical work.

A Tugger sent me a you tube repair video and after the holiday we are going to check it out. Could be something as simple as the lock switch,

I agree, if you have tried multiple plugs/circuits and the problem persists, the problem is with the DW or its cord/connection.

 

[BJRSanDiego]

I'm a degreed electronic engineer who has been involved in electricity things for 50 years. So, what I would do, may not be the best for someone with the experience, education, etc. You are responsible for your own safety. What may be relatively safe for me may be dangerous for you.

I'd get make up some sort of pass-through plug/receptacle with wires coming off of it that I'd be able to monitor the voltage at the plug. I'd plug it into the wall receptacle and which I'd plug the dishwasher into. Then I'd connect an AC voltmeter to the monitor leads. Then I'd try to run the dishwasher. Maybe run it regularly until it didn't want to start. At that moment, I'd check the voltage at the receptacle. If it was zero, then the problem is in the feed circuit. Likely ground-fault issues, or a loose connection somewhere, but not 100% sure. If there was voltage at the monitor point and the DW wouldn't run, the problem is the dishwasher. Loose connection, bad control board, bad relay, etc.

That's just me. If you don't have the adequate background/past shocks/education/confidence/voltmeter, etc., then just ignore this post. Just my opinion....

 

[isisdave]

Here ya go, @WinniWoman and @BJRSanDiego -- It's even on sale for Cyber Monday.

In a nod to Heisenberg, I would point out that if the fault is in the dishwasher plug or wall socket, the weight and consequent torque of the meter may eliminate or alter the fault, or at least its observability.

I was surprised no one mentioned this earlier. Everyone with unexplained power costs should have one.

 

[BJRSanDiego]

Here ya go, @WinniWoman and @BJRSanDiego -- It's even on sale for Cyber Monday.

In a nod to Heisenberg, I would point out that if the fault is in the dishwasher plug or wall socket, the weight and consequent torque of the meter may eliminate or alter the fault, or at least its observability.

I was surprised no one mentioned this earlier. Everyone with unexplained power costs should have one.

Huh?

 

[PigsDad]

Huh?

Did you click his link? It goes to a power consumption meter that could be used to troubleshoot some of the possible faults that were mentioned in this thread.

Kurt

 

[BJRSanDiego]

Did you click his link? It goes to a power consumption meter that could be used to troubleshoot some of the possible faults that were mentioned in this thread.

Kurt

Thanks. I didn't notice the link.

 

[easyrider]

After reading this thread I read an online problems dealio for our dishwasher. The problem of the dishes not drying has been solved. It's a button called heated dry, lol.

Bill

 

[Talent312]

After reading this thread I read an online problems dealio for our dishwasher. The problem of the dishes not drying has been solved. It's a button called heated dry.

Our new-ish LG has a feature called "extra dry."
It works well, but won't dry plastic containers.
I set 'em on the counter to finish drying.
.

 

[rickandcindy23]

Our new-ish LG has a feature called "extra dry."
It works well, but won't dry plastic containers.
I set 'em on the counter to finish drying.
.

My dishwasher is also an LG. Kind of annoying that even after having it for two years, the dishes and the inside of the dishwasher smells like plastic, if I don't empty it right away. That is a strange odor. I ran the dishwasher before we got on the road to Branson on Saturday. I am going to have to run it again upon our return.

The silverware slots don't fit the new forks in the flatware we bought at Costco. That was an oddball thing. Love the new silverware, as they are nice and heavy, but the forks have a wider handle. First world problems.

 

[clifffaith]

My dishwasher is also an LG. Kind of annoying that even after having it for two years, the dishes and the inside of the dishwasher smells like plastic, if I don't empty it right away. That is a strange odor. I ran the dishwasher before we got on the road to Branson on Saturday. I am going to have to run it again upon our return.

The silverware slots don't fit the new forks in the flatware we bought at Costco. That was an oddball thing. Love the new silverware, as they are nice and heavy, but the forks have a wider handle. First world problems.

One of the things we like about the tiny dishwasher at the OFH is the slotted piece that individual pieces of silverware fit into. I don’t recall having such a thing before, but very likely I removed it and stuck it in a cupboard with any previous dishwasher. In fact I believe I removed this one and then several weeks later looked at it and thought it looked useful. Now I’m always disappointed when I use the last slot and have to drop silverware into the larger catch all compartments.

 

[Patri]

After reading this thread I read an online problems dealio for our dishwasher. The problem of the dishes not drying has been solved. It's a button called heated dry, lol.

Bill

Haha, yeah. I started using that button a couple years ago and love it. It even works on plastic for me.

 

[TheTimeTraveler]

My dishwasher is also an LG. Kind of annoying that even after having it for two years, the dishes and the inside of the dishwasher smells like plastic, if I don't empty it right away. That is a strange odor. I ran the dishwasher before we got on the road to Branson on Saturday. I am going to have to run it again upon our return.

The silverware slots don't fit the new forks in the flatware we bought at Costco. That was an oddball thing. Love the new silverware, as they are nice and heavy, but the forks have a wider handle. First world problems.

I would suggest that you change or clean the filter inside the dishwasher to possibly eliminate the unpleasant odor......





.

 

[Glynda]

We just gave up and ordered a new Thermador dishwasher to match the rest of our appliances. We aren't getting hot water and there is no heat on any of the dry cycles. Hubby is very handy and did the YouTube videos and took it apart but to no avail. It's around 10 years old and it was just time for a new one. Even so the salesperson said none of them dry plastic containers well.

 

[linsj]

We just gave up and ordered a new Thermador dishwasher to match the rest of our appliances. We aren't getting hot water and there is no heat on any of the dry cycles. Hubby is very handy and did the YouTube videos and took it apart but to no avail. It's around 10 years old and it was just time for a new one. Even so the salesperson said none of them dry plastic containers well.

Your salesperson is wrong. My Maytag dishwasher dries plastic containers well.

 

[Krteczech]

Regarding drying plastics - I was told by sales rep that the dishwasher that heats the water internally uses very high water temperature and after wash cycle the dishes dry itself. works well for china and metal dishes, but not for plastic. True or a sales pitch?

 

[geist1223]

In 60+ years I have never had a Dishwasher completely dry plastic.

 

[rickandcindy23]

I would suggest that you change or clean the filter inside the dishwasher to possibly eliminate the unpleasant odor......





.

Rick cleans the filter. It's a "new plastic" smell that pervades the dishes from the first time we used it to today. I admit that we only run the dishwasher every 4-5 days because I run it when completely full. But still, that new smell won't go away.

 

[louisianab]

I use a monthly cleaner on my dishwasher and it helps significantly with any smells or residues. The best seems to be the Glisten version that stands up in the bottom. Same for my washing machine. I think the years in the lab made me very conscious of maintenance requirements.

 

[WinniWoman]

We just gave up and ordered a new Thermador dishwasher to match the rest of our appliances. We aren't getting hot water and there is no heat on any of the dry cycles. Hubby is very handy and did the YouTube videos and took it apart but to no avail. It's around 10 years old and it was just time for a new one. Even so the salesperson said none of them dry plastic containers well.

I never use the dry button. When the dishes are done I just open the door a little bit and they air dry in no time. Save money on the electricity bill.