DIshwasher problem

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On my Frigidaire dishwasher that's only about a two years old, it's filling with water, but it doesn't spray the water. It drains the water just fine.

The pump is getting power.

Any ideas?

Thanks
 
do you have hard water? could be mineral deposits blocking either the jets in the arms, or one of the lines...is there a screen on the pump inlet? that can get Plugged with gunk as well...
 
Originally Posted By: earlyre
do you have hard water? could be mineral deposits blocking either the jets in the arms, or one of the lines...is there a screen on the pump inlet? that can get Plugged with gunk as well...


I checked all of that, and nothing is blocked.
 
It's always a good idea to include the model number when seeking help.

There are lots of diy appliance repair sites that provide answers and diagnostic methods. The Repair Clinic is one of many. You need basic diagnostic skills to pinpoint the problem.

This You tube video shows 2 different pumps. The recirculation pump sounds like your problem.


Besides a physical/mechanical problem with the pump itself, don't forget the control system that sends power to the pump.

Here's another excellent one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yrd7r1kVM4&feature=player_detailpage


BE CAREFUL WORKING ON A WET MACHINE WITH LIVE POWER TO IT.
 
Here is a common issue:

1) The seal for the circulation pump starts to leak slightly. Sometimes from debris on the seal, sometimes from wear.

2) A small quantity of water/soap gets on the motor bearing nearest the seal. Causing rust on the bearing.

3) The motor seizes up.

4) The motor has "thermal protection" so it shuts itself off after getting hot.

The solution is probably to purchase a new circulation pump assembly. As the pump and seal generally cannot be disassembled without breaking the plastic impeller.

However, every once in a while, some debris gets into the seal area and creates the leak. Cleaning this out is SOMETIMES possible, once the pump is in your hand, using spray lube like WD-40 and 150PSI compressed air. While turning the motor and flushing out the seal. Then lube the motor bearing with something a bit more robust than WD-40.

I've resurrected dishwashers this way.
 
I just had the same problem and diagnosed it as a broken impeller which is common on Bosch dishwashers but also happens on other brands.

The pump turns fine but the impeller doesn't spin with it all the time. It moves water but not enough to spray out of the arms especially the upper arms.

I took apart the dishwasher and sure enough that was the problem. It was a bear to remove due to rust on the spindle. When I inspected the pump, it had severely bent cooling fins, so I ended up buying a whole new circulation pump.

Prior to disassembly, you might be able to feel the impeller through the sump. It might just be stuck in someway. Mine moved freely but had lateral movement suggesting it had split in half / come off its base which is a common occurance on Bosch dishwashers due to bad impeller design.
 
I discovered that several of the water spraying holes on both the upper and lower spray arms were partially/fully clogged with skins from garlic!

Took awhile to remove them, then pry/blow out the passageways to be sure they were clear. Afterwards though it made a difference and resulted in more even cleaning.

Not sure how-in-the-world paper garlic skins got past the main filter. Go figure.....
 
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