5 Reasons KitchenAid Dishwashers Breakdown: DIY Repair

KitchenAid dishwashers are not as common as other brands. Therefore, it is difficult to find information about problems and how to fix them on the network. With our information, you will be able to identify KitchenAid dishwasher errors and their meanings, as well as figure out how to remove the code from the panel.

What do KitchenAid trouble codes mean?

The dishwasher displays the codes on the display in the form of symbols and with the help of indicators. If you notice that the red lights are constantly flashing, then the PMM is trying to report a malfunction. Deciphering the error will help determine the cause. You can see the value in the instructions or right here. Here are the codes specific to the models:

PMM control panel displays fault codes

  • What does code 1–1 mean? Indicates that a relay is stuck in the electronic board.
  • 1–2. Damaged memory on the control board. Try restarting the machine, if it doesn’t help, contact the service center.
  • 2-1 means that the key is stuck on the panel, 2-2 – there is no connection between the board and the panel. It is worth checking the panel, cleaning the contacts and diagnosing the module and wiring.
  • The meaning of code 3-1: a malfunction of the temperature sensor or its wiring, and error 3-2 indicates a specific sensor failure. It is necessary to check and replace faulty elements.
  • 6-6 – too low water temperature. Check temperature sensor and control board.
  • 4-4 – malfunction of the recirculation pump (engine). The defective assembly needs to be replaced.
  • 5-1 – the hopper door does not close, 5-2 – the door does not open. Check the door lock.
  • 6–1 – no water enters the bunker. Inspect the filling system for blockage, check for water in the system.
  • 6-2 – the electrical part of the intake valve has broken. Replace part.
  • 6-3 – foam or air in the pump. Contact the service center.
  • 6–4 – the float sensor has tripped. Locate the leak and fix it.
  • 7–1 – the heating element has broken. Damage needs to be replaced.
  • 7-2 – The heating element does not turn on, the problem is in the control module.
  • 8-1 – water is not draining well from the tank. Clean the filter, hose, sewer from clogging.
  • 8-2 – the electrical part of the drain pump is damaged. It does not make sense to change the winding, you need to install a new node.
  • 9-1 – the diverter does not work, which directs water to the spray nozzles. If its wiring is good, then put a new element.
  • 9-2 – divertor is stuck open, 9-3 – no diverter, 9-4 – something is preventing the lower atomizer from rotating. The disc or spray arm needs to be replaced.
  • 10 – wiring problems: 10-1 – dispenser, 10-2 – ventilation motor, 10-3 – drying fan. Wiring needs repair.

For other models, breakdowns are displayed by blinking indicators:

  • The Light / China light is on – there is a problem with the engine.
  • The “Rinse” and “Normal” indicator blinks – problems with the electronics.
  • The indication next to the “Rinse” and “Heavy” indications indicates problems with the flow of water into the hopper.

Before you start correcting the problem, try to reset the error. A reboot will help. Here’s how to reboot the machine:

  • Pull the plug out of the socket.
  • Wait 10-15 minutes.
  • Plug in the socket.

Has the fault code appeared on the panel again? This means that the machine will not start working until the malfunction is corrected. How to fix the problem with your own hands? Examine possible breakdowns of equipment and proceed to repair.

Causes of KitchenAid Dishwasher Breakdowns

Why is the dishwasher not working? In addition to the codes that may appear on the display, the machine may show signs of malfunction. In such cases, you will not be able to operate the equipment normally until you eliminate the cause of the problem. Here are some of the most common problems KitchenAid users face:

  • Water on the floor by the dishwasher. The point is inappropriate or excessive amount of detergent, which forms foam. Perhaps the rubber seal has worn out and no longer performs its function. Installing out of level also provokes a leak.
  • PMM does not turn on. A non-working plug or socket, a damaged power cord, it is also possible that the capacitor burned out, the lock broke, or the start button sinks.
  • The technology is noisy. Dishes were loaded incorrectly in the baskets, there were problems with the circulation pump, bearings were worn out.
  • Detergent is not taken from the dispenser. The compartment is blocked by an object, or a tablet has been loaded into a wet compartment. In the latter case, the product sticks and is not washed out.

Powder may remain in the dispenser

  • Dishes don’t wash well. The dishes in the baskets are too tight, the washing mode is selected incorrectly, the water does not heat up, the problem is in the heater or temperature sensor.

To repair a malfunction, see the recommendations and video instructions below. Sometimes it is enough to change the principle of operation, and the work will improve. We will analyze the main breakdowns and options for their elimination.

Leak in the dishwasher

Found a puddle near the PMM? First of all, close the inlet valve and wipe off the water. If the puddle was small, most likely there was condensation from the door on the floor. This happens when the hopper is suddenly opened immediately after washing. Let the camera cool down and let the condensation evaporate. If you need to leave the door open for ventilation, then remove the drops with a rag.

What else could be causing the leak?

  • A detergent that is not suitable for use in the machine has been selected. As a result, it foams a lot and the foam comes out through the door. What should be done? Open the hopper, remove all foam and run the rinse cycle until the soapy water is gone. After that, change the powder and use the machine as usual.
  • The seal is contaminated with grease, debris and food residues, which is why it loses its tightness. Remember to clean the rubber after each wash cycle.

Cleaning the rubber door

  • PMM is installed not on the level. Tighten the legs of the case so that it is level. A slight forward tilt causes leakage.

If the sealing rubber is damaged or deformed, then replace it. Simply remove the old seal and insert the new one into the grooves.

Appliance does not turn on

The dishwasher may not turn on in different ways. It is one thing if the equipment does not start the washing cycle, and another thing is when it does not respond to keystrokes at all, the indicators do not light up. What to do in such cases:

  • Check if the dishwasher is connected to the outlet, what condition the power cord is in. If the cable sheath is damaged, it must not be used. Contact an electrician or replace the element yourself.
  • Check outlet. Connect another device to it. If it works, then everything is in order with the outlet.

Make sure that the PMM door closes normally and is blocked by an electronic lock. At the same time, a click will be heard. If blocking does not occur, the control module does not give a signal to open the valve for filling water. This is a leakage precaution. If the lock does not work, then replace it like this:

  • Unplug the machine.
  • Unscrew the mounting bolts at the top of the door.
  • Remove the front panel. Be careful as the edges are sharp.
  • Disconnect the wiring.
  • Behind the panel is a blocker.
  • Unscrew the two screws securing it and disconnect the wire.
  • Install the new lock in reverse order.

Work is done. The replacement process is identical for all models of dishwashers, the video will help you understand the repair:

Water does not drain from the tank

After washing the dishes, the machine starts the waste liquid drain cycle. But why doesn’t she go down the drain? The obvious problem is congestion. The drain hose must not be kinked or pinched. The drain filter is often clogged, into which pieces of food from appliances penetrate.

How to clear blockages:

  • Open the bunker, take out all the baskets.
  • Unscrew the filter in the pan, wash with warm water and soap or detergent. The filter is made of plastic, so it is important not to damage it.

This is how you clean the filter

  • Remove water from the mounting hole with a sponge.
  • Remove the pump cover, put on gloves and feel the impeller. Its rotation should not be blocked by food debris and shards of dishes, so remove all unnecessary. If the impeller is deformed, it can be replaced after dismantling the pump.

This is what the pump cover looks like.

  • Disconnect the drain hose from the sewer, check for blockage, rinse under pressure with water.

Drainage pump failures need to be diagnosed. But in order to check and replace, you need to get to the node. Do your own disassembly:

  • Disconnect PMM from the network and communications.
  • Turn the body sideways.
  • Tighten the bolts or release the latches on the bottom panel.
  • Behind it is a pump in conjunction with a heater.

Dismantling the pump

  • Loosen the clamp and disconnect the hose from the pump.
  • Disconnect wiring chips.
  • Check pump and install replacement.

It is important to choose original spare parts for a specific dishwasher model. Firstly, the parts are guaranteed, and secondly, the original will last longer.

Water does not enter the bunker

If the equipment turns on normally, but after starting you can’t hear the water intake, then you need to check the system. Close the inlet valve and check the inlet hose. It should lie flat, without kinks.

Then:

  • Disconnect the hose from the housing.
  • Use pliers to remove the filter mesh located behind it.

There is a mesh behind the hose

  • Clean out the debris filter.
  • Also inspect the hose for blockages.

Rust, sand and other small debris fall from the water supply and meet a mesh barrier on their way. Otherwise, all the dirt would go directly to the dishwasher.

Poor removal of contaminants

Dirt may not be washed off due to too dense loading of dishes. Then the jets of water simply do not penetrate to the blocked areas. It is also worth checking whether the atomizers rotate normally and whether the nozzles are clogged.

The holes in the sprinklers can be easily cleaned with a toothpick and soapy water. To do this, remove the baskets from the hopper, pull out the lower and upper impellers, and clean them.

To avoid damage in the future, follow the instructions for use. Load the dishes correctly, use the correct detergent and clean the machine after every wash. Only in this way the equipment will last longer than the warranty period.

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