KitchenAid dishwasher not washing

What to expect when you experience a KitchenAid dishwasher not washing issue

How is the not washing problem fixed?

Correcting most not washing problems usually involves replacing the pump and motor assembly, electronic control board or spray arm. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Sears Home Services recommendations for a dishwasher that is not washing

When the dishwasher is not washing it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dishwasher failures.

What to look out for with a dishwasher not washing diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dishwasher problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

Troubleshooting a Kitchen Aid Dishwasher Not Washing

When your Kitchen Aid dishwasher is not washing, check for clogged filters in the sump of the dishwasher. The dishwasher filters in the sump filter out food and debris during the dishwashing cycle. If those filters are clogged, water won’t circulate well through the spray arms to clean the dishes. Remove the filters and clean them thoroughly according to the guidelines in the owner’s manual for your Kitchen Aid dishwasher.

If the water filters are okay, check the water fill level. Start a cycle and wait until you hear the dishwasher stop filling. Crack the dishwasher door open to stop the dishwasher and then open the door fully. Look at the water level at the bottom of the dishwasher tub. The water level should be just below or barely touching the bottom of the heating element. If the dishwasher isn’t filling properly, follow these troubleshooting tips:

• Check the water supply cut-off valve to make sure it is fully open. Open that valve fully if you find it partially shut.
• Check the water fill line for a kink and reposition the water line to remove the kink if necessary.
• Unplug the dishwasher and check the water inlet fill valve for debris or deposits in the inlet screen. Have the water inlet fill valve replaced it the inlet screen is clogged. Cleaning that screen can allow debris to enter the valve body which can cause the valve to stick partially open and flood your kitchen. Replacing the entire valve assembly is the best way to resolve a clogged inlet screen on the water inlet fill valve.

If these basic troubleshooting tips don’t help you resolve the problem with your Kitchen Aid dishwasher not washing, schedule dishwasher repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician visit your home and fix the washing problem.

How to Fix a KitchenAid Dishwasher Not Washing the Top Rack

In many KitchenAid dishwashers, a diverter assembly shifts circulation pump water flow from the bottom spray arm to the upper spray arm during the washing cycle. A small motor rotates a disc to uncover the path of water through the tube going to the top spray arm. If the motor fails, the top spray arm will never get water to wash dishes in top rack. Switches attached to the diverter assembly monitor the position of the diverter disc so the control can detect the position of the diverter disc.

When the diverter stops working, the electronic control board will signal an error code on the control panel. You’ll see the F9E2 or F9E3 error code on the control panel when the diverter fails. When you see the F9E2 code, the electronic control board is not likely sending electrical current to the diverter so a service technician will typically need to replace the electronic control board. The disc on the diverter will often need replacing when you see the F9E3 error code.

Clogged spray arm holes in the upper spray arm can also prevent the dishes in the top rack from getting clean. Check the upper spray arm holes for deposit or debris. Clean the spray arm holes using a bamboo skewer or similar tool so water flows through the holes properly.

If you’re unable to resolve the problem with your KitchenAid dishwasher not washing the top rack, schedule dishwasher repair service and we’ll send a technician to fix the issue.