Dishwasher FAQ

Q: Machine does not fill

A: This is usually the water control valve. You can check if it is being “called” by the control board, by connecting up a test lamp while powered off, then starting a pre-wash cycle. If the lamp lights, then the valve is faulty. Some are “double” hot and cold, some models have separate valves.NOTE: see the next item, because if there is a lot of residual water in the dishwasher, and the sensors detect that water is NOT PUMPING OUT OF THE MACHINE, it is designed to assume that there is an outlet blockage, and will not let it fill.

Q: Machine does not empty

A: This can be caused by a failed pump, pump blockage, or a blocked outlet pipe so check all the obvious first, before taking the pump out. You should be able to unclip the filter, so check if has not got covered with a sheet of that plastic film used to cover food. Also check that nothing like that has worked its way inside, under that. There is sometimes another part that unclips, leading to the pump area, check that is clear. If still no joy, remove the outlet pipe, and ensure there are no blockages from the pump end, or in the pipe. If you DO have to remove the pump motor, you can check it on a workbench. Rig up a mains lead, with appropriate spade terminal push-ons, and a plug fused at NO MORE THAN 5 AMPS. If the motor runs, then it is the control circuitry, or relay at fault. If the fuse blows, then it is probably a shorted motor

Q: Crockery not drying

A: This can be due to a failed heater element, or control circuit, or relay. The most likely is the heater element. Some dishwashers, like MIELE, have an exhaust air fan motor unit, that accelerates the drying time. If this fails, or the motorised valve does not fully open in this unit, the heating cycle may not be long enough to dry all the items. A telltale sign is a small amount of water comes out of the exhaust grille, when the door is opened flat. NOTE: if replacing any element or motor unit, ensure any new seals supplied are fitted.

Q: The glasses are coming out spotty and dull

A: This can be a combination of too little salt, and too little “rinse-aid” getting into the cycle. Check that there is sufficient salt in the salt tank, and that there is enough rinse-aid present. If there is, see if there is an adjustment knob inside the flap where you fill the rinse-aid tank, to increase the amount dispensed (if yours has numbers, move the control to a higher number). A coin is usually needed to move it. If there is an adjustment for salt, try altering that too.

Q: My dishwasher trips the RCD/ELCB (from SteveB of Northants).

A: Steve indicated that this was happening on the drying cycle, so this is most likely the heating element in the bottom of the dishwasher. These can deteriorate over time, either with scale and corrosion causing water ingress, or with internal shorts to ground. Replacement is not too difficult. Any old seals should be replaced with new ones supplied with the new element. Also see the link for APPLIANCE SPARES.

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