14
TROUBLESHOOTING

First try the solutions suggested here and possibly avoid the cost of a service call...

Dishwasher is not operating properly

■Dishwasher does not run or stops during a cycle
Is the door closed tightly and latched?
Is the right cycle selected? Refer to the “Cycle Selection
Charts.”
Is there power to the dishwasher? Has a household fuse
blown, or has a circuit breaker tripped? Replace the fuse or
reset the circuit breaker. If the problem continues, call an
electrician.
Has the motor stopped due to an overload? The motor
automatically resets itself within a few minutes. If it does not
restart, call for service.
Is the water shutoff valve (if installed) turned on?
■Dishwasher will not fill
Is the overfill protection float able to move up and down
freely? Press down to release.
■Water remains in the dishwasher
Is the cycle complete?
■Detergent remains in the covered section of the
dispenser
Is the cycle complete?
Is the detergent lump-free? Replace detergent if necessary.
Is the bottom rack installed properly with the bumpers in the
front? Refer to the “Parts and Features” section. Reinstall the
rack if necessary.
■White residue on the front of the access panel
Was too much detergent used? Refer to the “Detergent
Dispenser” section.
Is the brand of detergent making excess foam? Try a different
brand to reduce foaming and eliminate buildup.
■Odor in the dishwasher
Are dishes washed only every 2 or 3 days? Run a rinse cycle
once or twice a day until you have a full load.
Does the dishwasher have a new plastic smell? Run a vinegar
rinse as described in “Spotting and filming on di shes” later in
this Troubleshooting guide.
■Condensation on the kitchen counter (built-in models)
Is the dishwasher aligned with the countertop? Moisture from
the vent in the dishwasher console can form on the counter.
Refer to the Installation Instructions for more information.

Dishes are not completely clean

■Food soil left on the dishes
Is the dishwasher loaded correctly? Refer to the “Dishwasher
Loading” section.
Is the water temperature too low? For best dishwashing
results, water should be 120°F (49°C) as it enters the
dishwasher. Refer to the “Dishwasher Efficiency
Tips” section.
Did you use the correct amount of fresh detergent? Use
recommended dishwasher detergents only. Refer to the
“Detergent Dispenser” section. Do not use less than 1 tb
(15 g) per load. Detergent must be fresh to be effective. Store
detergent in a cool, dry area. Heavy soil and/or hard water
generally require extra detergent.
Is detergent caked in dispenser? Use fresh detergent only. Do
not allow detergent to sit for several hours in a wet dispenser.
Clean dispenser when caked detergent is present.
Is the pump or spray arm clogged by labels from bottles and
cans?
Is the home water pressure high enough for proper
dishwasher filling? Home water pressure should be 20 to
120 psi (138 to 828 kPa) for proper dishwasher fill. If you have
questions about your water pressure, call a licensed, qualified
plumber.
Are high suds slowing the wash arm? Do not use soap or
laundry detergents. Use recommended dishwasher
detergents only.
■Dishwasher door will not close
Is the bottom rack in backwards? The rack bumpers must
face the dishwasher door.

Spots and stains on dishes

■Spotting and filming on dishes
Is your water hard or is there a high mineral content in your
water? Conditioning the final rinse water with a liquid rinse
aid helps eliminate spotting and filming. Keep the rinse aid
dispenser filled.
Is the water temperature too low? For best dishwashing
results, water should be 120°F (49°C) as it enters the
dishwasher. Refer to the “Dishwasher Efficiency
Tips” section.
Did you use the correct amount of effective detergent? Use
recommended dishwasher detergents only. Refer to the
“Detergent Dispenser” section. Do not use less than 1 tb
(15 g) per load. Detergent must be fresh to be effective. Store
detergent in a cool, dry area. Heavy soil and/or hard water
generally require extra detergent.
Is the home water pressure high enough for proper
dishwasher filling? Home water pressure should be 20 to
120 psi (138 to 828 kPa) for proper dishwasher fill. If you have
questions about your water pressure, call a licensed, qualified
plumber.
NOTE: To remove spots and film from dishes, try a white
vinegar rinse. This procedure is intended for occasional use
only. Vinegar is an acid, and using it too often could damage
your dishwasher.
1. Wash and rinse dishes. Use an air-dry or an energy-
saving dry option. Remove all silverware or metal it ems.
2. Put 2 cups (500 mL) white vinegar in a glass or
dishwasher-safe measuring cup on the bottom rack.
3. Run the dishwasher through a complete washing cycle
using an air-dry or an energy-saving dry option. Do not
use detergent. Vinegar will mix with the wash water.