Fixitnow.com Samurai Appliance Repair Man.  The colossus of appliance repair help; washers, washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, disposers, disposals, ovens, ranges, stoves.  Free repair help as well as subscriptions services available.
 
Our silly moto.

Appliance Repair Wisdom for the Ages


Appliance Parts
850,000 Parts (Including Sears-Kenmore)- 70,000 Photos! Return any part for any reason. Appliance repair parts and accessories shipped overnight.
Appliance Breakdown Diagrams
Cool, interactive diagrams that show you how your appliances are put together. A great troubleshooting aid!
Appliance Accessories
Specialty tools and test equipment for appliance repair, service manuals, water filters, cleaners, light bulbs, and tons of other accessories for all your appliances.

Appliance FAQs | Repair Forum | Live Help | Buy Parts | Podcast | Beer Fund | Home


Click here to add this site's RSS feed to your My Yahoo page.
Add to My Yahoo
Subscribe to our site feed! (RSS format)
XML/RSS Feed

Saturday, February 07, 2004

Mailbag: Whirlpool Dishwasher Detergent Door Won't Open

michelle clark wrote:
Hello, Samuri...
 
Maybe you can help me with this one.  My Whirlpool dishwasher is only 3 years old, but the soap dispenser does not open.  I opened the unit up, and replaced the wax motor (part number 3374501).  I was quite proud of myself because it worked... the first time.  However, it did not work the second, third, ect.  Now, I am a little disappointed, but ready to try again.  I am an ex Navy ET, but don't know a thing about dishwashers.  The model number is DU920PFGQ4.  I have a copy of the technician schematic, and there doesn't seem to be any other problems with the dishwasher. 
 
Thanks for your time,
 
Shelly Clark

Check the simple stuff first: make sure your dishwasher racks aren't interfering with the detergent door. This will happen if the rack is put in backwards or isn't seated properly. Also, if the silverware rack has fallen off recently and you re-attached it, make sure you didn't position it right in front of the detergent dispenser.

Ok, with the simple stuff out of the way, let's get into the gory techie stuff. Start by checking the wax motors with your ohm meter, should get 600-1800 ohms. If you do, then the wax motors are good and the problem is that you're losing voltage to them. Key components to check are the thermal cutoff (normally closed) and the electronic control. Easiest to do a live test and trace the voltage back until you find it. You'll need the wiring diagram/tech sheet for this. The wiring diagram is either in the kickplate (on bottom) or in the control console but you can borrow my copy in case you can't find yours--just be sure to return it!

Referring to the wiring diagram, if you measure 120v on P8 of the electronic control but it's not making it out P9, then the electronic control is bad. Conversely, if you do measure 120v on P2-3 or P2-4 of the electronic control, then the electronic control is bad. The tech sheet also shows how to initiate the rapid advance service feature and diagnostic cycles. This can greatly facilitate troubleshooting by advancing the dishwasher to only run at the part of the cycle where the detergent door opens.

Samurai Appliance Repair Man cast these pearls at 10:07 ET.  [permalink]
What's New at Fixitnow.com | |  

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

click to return to the top of page

The Samurai Appliance Repair Forums Appliance Repair FAQ Live Appliance Repair Help

Appliance Repair, Tips & Help



Still not finding what you need? I can help. If I'm online, send me an IM and I can help you find what you need.

Recent Appliance Repair Morsels


Site Map

Appliance FAQs | Repair Forum | Live Help | Buy Parts | Podcast | Beer Fund | Home

Search the vast repository of wisdom at Fixitnow.com:
 
Fill out your e-mail address
to receive our newsletter!
Subscribe Unsubscribe
I know, you're wondering how I do it--how did I manage to create the most awesome appliance repair website on the internet and be such a stud-muffin all at the same time?  My secret:  beer.  Lots and lots of beer.  Here's your chance to contribute to my debauchery.
Your Appliance Guru:
Samurai Appliance Repair Man

Kicking appliance butt all over the globe.
"If I can't help you fix your appliance
and make you 100% satisfied,
I will come to your home and slice open my belly,
spilling my steaming entrails onto your floor."

URL: http://www.fixitnow.com
© copyright 1997-2005 Live It Up LLC