GE PDW8500 Spots and filming, On glasses, Flatware, Cloudiness on, Glassware, Black or gray

Safety Instructions

Operating Instructions

Troubleshooting Tips

Consumer Support

Before you call for service…

Problem	Possible Causes	What To Do
Spots and filming	Extremely hard water	•	Use Jet-Dry® rinse agent to remove spots and prevent new film buildup.
on glasses and	Low inlet water temperature	•	To remove stubborn spots and preexisting film from glassware:
flatware
	Overloading the dishwasher	1
			Remove all metal utensils from the dishwasher.
	Improper loading
		2	Do not add detergent.
	Old or damp powder detergent
		3	Select the COOK WARE cycle.
	Rinse agent dispenser empty
		4	Start the dishwasher and allow to run for 18 to 22 minutes. Dishwasher
	Too little detergent
			will now be in the main wash.
		5	Open the door and pour 2 cups (500 ml) of white vinegar into the
			bottom of the dishwasher.
		6	Close the door and allow to complete the cycle. If vinegar rinse doesn’t
			work: Repeat as above, except use 1/4 cup (60 ml)of citric acid crystals
			instead of vinegar.
Cloudiness on	Combination of soft water and	•	This is called etching and is permanent. To prevent this from happening,
glassware	too much detergent		use less detergent if you have soft water. Wash glassware in the shortest
			cycle that will get them clean.
	Water temperature entering	•	Lower the water heater temperature.
	the dishwasher exceeds 150°F
Black or gray	Aluminum utensils have	•	Remove marks with a mild, abrasive cleaner.
marks on dishes	rubbed against dishes
Yellow or brown film	Tea or coffee stains	•	Remove the stain by hand, using a solution of 1/2 cup bleach and
on inside surfaces			3 cups warm water.
			CAUTION: Before cleaning interior, wait at least 20 minutes
			after a cycle for the heating element to cool down. Failure to do so
			can result in burns.
	An overall yellow or brown film can • A special filter in the water supply line is the only way to correct
	be caused by iron deposits in water this problem. Contact a water softener company.
White film on inside	Hard water minerals	•	To clean the interior, apply dishwasher detergent to a damp sponge.
surfaces			Wear rubber gloves. Do not use any type of cleanser other than
			dishwasher detergent because it may cause foaming or sudsing. Cascade®,
			Cascade Complete® and Electrasol® Automatic Dishwashing Detergents
			have been approved for use in all GE dishwashers.
Dishes don’t dry	Low inlet water temperature	•	Make sure inlet water temperature is correct (see page 6).
		•	Select HEATED DRY.
	Rinse agent dispenser is empty	•	Check the rinse agent dispenser.
Control panel responded	Door latch may not be properly	•	Call for service.
to inputs but dishwasher	seated
never filled with water
Dishwasher won’t run	Fuse is blown, or the	•	Replace fuse or reset circuit breaker. Remove any other appliances from
	circuit breaker tripped		the circuit.
		• Try resetting the START/RESET pad.
Steam	This is normal	•	Steam comes through the vent by the door latch during drying and
			when water is being pumped out.
Sanitized light does	The door was opened and the	•	Do not interrupt the cycle anytime during or after main wash.
not illuminate at the	cycle was interrupted during
end of the cycle	or after the main wash portion
(Anti-Bacteria
	The incoming water	•	Raise the water heater temperature to 120°F.
cycle only)
	temperature was too low
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