Dishwasher Parts Tips

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Why is my dishwasher leaking?

My Dishwasher Is Leaking!

There are two basic causes for a leaky dishwasher. The first requires no Maytag dishwasher parts, visits to the General Electric home page or other measures. If your leak is not consistent your problem is most likely the way you load the dishwasher. An overloaded washer can block the spray of water, and cause other problems. Lighten your washer load and see what happens. Another cause of leaking dishwashers is a bad door seal. This is the rubber that goes around the door. If your seal is loose, cracked, or has an irregular feel to it, you should replace it with a new seal. Your local outlet for the General Electric Co. or other dishwasher retailer can provide the seal or tell you where to purchase the replacement or go to your favorite search engine on the Internet to find replacement parts.

   
Why does my dishwasher drain into the sink?

My Dishwasher Drains Into My Sink

If your drainage hose is blocked, you may experience overflow into the kitchen sink. Fortunately, this is another one of those repairs where you don't need Maytag dishwasher parts or other replacement items. A simple cleaning will do, but there is a catch. Many people are content to buy a gallon of cleaner; a 'plumber's friend' type of high powered cleaning agent, and pour it through the hose or into a slow drain-another culprit that can make your dishwasher overflow into the sink. The problem? These chemicals go through drains and hoses too quickly, and in some cases can corrode or damage a hose. Instead you will need to manually clear the blockage or snake out the slow drain. It may be an unpleasant task, but it beats paying for a repair person to come over, suggest General Electric products that may help and hand you the bill.

   
How can I safely repair my dishwasher?

Dishwasher Safety

Frigidaire dishwasher parts, Maytag dishwasher parts and other replacement parts come in boxes or bags, safe and dry. The same is not always true of your dishwasher itself. When doing repairs to your machine and installing replacement dishwasher parts, remember that you are dealing with an electrical appliance that holds water. These safety steps will help you complete a job quickly and safely: 1. Unplug the dishwasher. 2. Wear rubber-soled shoes to avoid conducting electricity. 3. Remember that capacitors and other dishwasher parts can store electrical charges even when the unit is unplugged. 4. Wear rubber gloves or safety gloves. 5. Handle all tools only by their insulated ends. 6. Pipes and other metal surfaces conduct electricity. Assume that all metal is "live" when you work. It is much safer this way. 7. Follow all manufacturers' recommendations for tools and replacement parts.

   
Why won't my dishwasher drain properly?

My Dishwasher Won't Drain

A common problem with dishwashers is the non-draining machine. If you are having trouble, check to see if the drainpipe and sink trap are clogged. You won't need to call your Frigidaire certified parts specialist or other name brand repair specialist to fix that particular problem, just clear the blockage and snake out the pipe if necessary. If you still have drainage problems after doing this, check your drain hose to make sure there are no kinks or bends. If you find that the hose is too worn out, you can replace it. This dishwasher part is inexpensive and you can use any brand that fits. This is one instance where it won't matter whether you use Frigidaire dishwasher parts, a General Electric part or any other brand. You may find that the hose or the drain valve is clogged, in which case you can pull the dishwasher out, remove the hose and clear the blockage.

   
Why won't my dishwasher start?

My Dishwasher Won't Start!

If your General Electric or other brand dishwasher won't start, the first thing you should check is the door switch. If the door is open, this dishwasher part is disengaged and the washer won't start. When the door is closed, a prong depresses the door switch, which closes a circuit and lets the washer start. You will need to check the door switch with an Ohmmeter to make sure it isn't faulty. If your Ohmmeter test says the switch is bad, you will need to remove and replace the door switch. To get replacement parts, contact your local supplier of Kitchenaid parts or whichever brand of dishwasher parts you need and give the phone rep your make and model number. They will tell you exactly what type of replacement dishwasher part you need, whether it is in stock or must be special ordered. The door switch is one of the most common dishwasher parts to go bad, so examine it first before looking for other problems. You can find the switch hidden inside the 'control panel' of your dishwasher, and is considered part of the door latch. Be very careful removing the wires from the door switch, and don't break the housing.

   
My dishwasher won't start, and it's not the door switch!

My Dishwasher Won't Start, Again!

If you have a dishwasher that refuses to start, check your cycle selector switches with an ohmmeter. Check your owner manual for the exact configuration and layout of your selector switches. If one of them is bad, it can interfere with the general operation of the machine. Another culprit for a machine that won't start? A bad timer assembly motor. Check this as well. If the timer assembly motor fails, you may replace this instead of the entire timer assembly. It is less expensive, and less work. You will need to reference your owner's manual and use the Ohmmeter to check the motor and assembly. If parts of the assembly itself have gone bad you may need a new dishwasher part in the form of an entire assembly.

   
What do I do if my dishes aren't drying?

My Dishes Aren't Drying

If your dishes are not drying properly, you most likely have a defective heating element. You can remove the element on a General Electric appliance, (or any other make and model) and replace it, by following these simple steps: 1. Your heating element, located at the bottom of the washer, may have a cover. If so, remove it after disconnecting the power cord from the wall socket. 2. Find where the heating element terminals go, and you will see that wires connect the element. Label each wire, then disconnect the wires from the element. 3. Do not yank on the wire itself to disconnect it, instead disconnect the wire by grasping the connector. 4. Replace the heating element with an identical make and model, if possible. If you are using Bosch dishwasher parts, for example, continue to use these when you replace the parts. You may have to unscrew locking nuts and rescrew them when replacing the element. You will need a pair of pliers to do this, so make sure they are handy when you start the job.

   
What are some other causes of bad drainage in my dishwasher?

Other Draining Issues

There are a few possible causes for a dishwasher that doesn't drain properly. Food clogging the drain mechanism or hose is one culprit. Dishwasher parts need to be clear and free of debris to work properly! Another possible cause of a poorly draining unit is something called a 'drain solenoid'. Some washers use this, and they can sometimes get stuck. You don't need replacement parts here, either--just use a hand to unstick it and try again. Yet another cause? You could have a stuck motor. Again, try unsticking it by hand. If none of these tips work, you may have more serious problems. Bosch dishwasher parts and other brands are easy to come by once you determine what the real issue is. Many times it is a system of trial and error to find out what's wrong with your machine and order the appropriate dishwasher replacement parts.

   
My door switch prong looks bent or loose. Could this be the reason my dishwasher won't start?

Door Switch, Part Two

If your dishwasher won't start, you may not have to invest good money in Maytag dishwasher parts. Before giving up the door switch for dead, take a look at the prong that depresses the door switch. If it is loose or bent, it won't properly engage the switch. Tighten or straighten the prong and try to start your dishwasher again. If it starts, you have found your culprit! If you do have to do a bit of door switch surgery, make sure that you have followed the first rule of home repair and disconnect all power to the machine. Otherwise you run the risk of electric shock. Unplug the machine. Remove the faulty switch and go to your local retailer for Bosch dishwasher parts, General Electric product, etc. It's best to stay with the brand your machine is currently using for ease of repair and maximum compatibility.

   
Where can I find good, cheap used parts?

Repairing On A Budget?

If you have a very limited budget for dishwasher replacement parts, you may not need to buy a brand new general electric motor or Frigidaire dishwasher parts when used ones will do the same job. If you know of someone who has an old machine and is willing to part with some of the innards, you can try installing the used-but-still functional parts in your machine. Barring that, a trip to the local junkyard may be a good idea. You can cannibalize parts in some yards in the same way people do with old cars and trucks. Some places charge by the part, others charge by the pound. Know before you start pulling parts! You should also check thrift stores for old models, as well as recycling centers. You could find someone willing to let you remove a small part of the larger machine, if it is going out for scrap or recycling.

   
Are there any precautions I must take before working on my dishwasher?

Dishwasher Repairs Too Hot To Touch

It's very important to disconnect your dishwasher from the power source and let it sit for a while before attempting to work on it. You may be ready to install your KitchenAid or General Electric parts, but if the dishwasher has been running, the interior and all working parts will be just as hot as the water that was being used to clean your dishes. Avoid a nasty burn by allowing your dishwasher to sit for at least an hour after it has been used. Then you can begin your inspection and repair work. You can speed the cooling time by opening the door leaving it open until repair time.

   
Why are my dishes slow to dry and looking spotty?

Slow Drying? Water Spotting?

If your dishes are slow to dry in your washing machine, and you notice an increase in water spots, you may need an important replacement dishwasher part. A defective drying fan should be replaced as soon as it is found to be faulty.

You will need to:

1. Remove the lower panel beneath the dishwasher door.

2. Locate the fan hood, which can be found in the rear of the dishwasher in many models.

3. Unhook and remove the fan motor, including the two wires that connect it.

4. Check the connectors and terminals. If there is corrosion, dirt, or any other foreign substance, clean it off.

5. Check the motor with an Ohmmeter or multitester. If it fails the test, the motor needs replacing. If it passes, you have most likely fixed the problem by cleaning the dirty contacts, which prevent the dishwasher part from working properly.

   
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