Dishwashers can be intimidating to the average do-it-yourself homeowner. The buttons, dials and gadgets can make even the most seasoned home handyman think twice before tackling a dishwasher repair project. The Kenmore dishwasher is no exception. However, repairing a Kenmore dishwasher may not be as difficult as it seems. The owner's manual gives some helpful hints on what to check when things go wrong. Knowing perform these basic inspections and replace parts can be helpful and save money. Does this Spark an idea?
Dishwasher Does Not Work
Check the circuit breaker in the house electrical control panel, since it may have been tripped by an excessive electrical load. If the dishwasher is controlled by a wall switch, make sure it is turned on as well. If the unit is getting power and controlled by a switch, the switch could be faulty. Remove the switch plate and using a voltage tester, place a probe on each terminal to the switch. If the tester bulb fails to light, the switch is bad and must be replaced.
Inspect the door to make sure that it is closing and latching properly. Check the latch for proper operation. Open and then close the door while holding the latch in place. While still pressing the latch on, turn the dishwasher control knob to the "on" position. If the dishwasher works, the latch needs to be cleaned, adjusted or replaced.
Another cause of a Kenmore dishwasher not working is a defective door switch. Test the door switch with a volt-ohm meter. Remove the panel covering the switch and disconnect one of the wires. Set the volt-ohm meter to RX1 and clip a probe to each switch terminal and close the dishwasher door. If the meter reads anything other than zero, the switch needs to be replaced.
Dishwasher Will Not Fill
A float switch is located at the bottom of the dishwasher. It keeps the dishwasher from overfilling. A stuck float tells the dishwasher to open the drain and not fill the unit. To check it, attempt to push it up and down with your fingers. If it is stuck, remove the food and debris from around it and tap it lightly with the handle end of a screwdriver to free it. If this does not free it, the float switch should be tested.
Remove the bottom access panel and find the float switch and float. Disconnect one electrical wire from the float switch terminal. Using a volt-ohm meter set at RX1, clip one probe to each terminal. Anything other than a zero reading indicates that the float switch is faulty and must be replaced. The switch is mounted on the bracket by two bolts. Just remove the switch and replace it with a new one.
Dishwasher Will Not Drain
A dishwasher that does not drain probably has a water pump problem. To get to the water pump, unscrew the cap that holds the sprayer arm in place. Remove the sprayer arm and the screen. Below the screen is the housing that covers the water pump components. The upper and lower impellers as well as other small parts must be removed. Remove all of these and set them aside in the order they are removed. Clean each piece with a mild soap and water. Reassemble the parts, and replace the screen and sprayer arm.
Tags: float switch, Kenmore dishwasher, probe each, volt-ohm meter, water pump
