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GE Hotpoint Dishwasher Diagnostic Chart

Symptom Solution
Dishwasher will not complete a cycle.
  • Check the timer for proper operation
  • Check timer switch leads to timer motor
  • Compare timer with sequence chart on wiring diagram
  • Make sure all leads to the timer are secure and tight
  • Some models have a thermostat. Check to make sure it is in contact with the tub.
Dishwasher will not drain.

Dishwasher will not Run

  • Check flap valve and solenoid.
  • Check for hose kinks or food plugging drain hose.
  • Check pump impeller for damage
  • Check timer
  • Check the Check Valve Flapper (some models have a check valve located where the drain hose attaches to the dishwasher.)
  • If you have recently installed a new garbage disposal, check knock-out plug at connection.
  • Check that the pump hasn't gotten stuck due to lack of use or Deris in the pump. There are 2 ways to unstick the pump. 1. Remove the lower kick panel and turn the fan blade on the motor until it turns freely, 2. Remove any standing water in the tub, a shop vac works great for this, while doing this boil 2 quarts of water on the stove in a pan. Take the necessary precautions with the hot water,  Then pour the hot water into the dishwasher tub. This hot water will loosen the stuck seal. Let it set for 5 to 15 minutes then start the dishwasher.
Dishwasher will not fill with water
  • Check float switch or float.
  • Check the timer to make sure the contacts are closed for water fill valve. Look at wiring diagram for contact numbers
  • Check the water supply tube for blockage.
  • Check water supply valve. There should be 110 volts to the coil.
  • Check the Water Valve and Replace if necessary
gedwfloat.jpg (123363 bytes)
gedwcomponents.jpg (207181 bytes)

Dishwasher will not get the dishes clean.
  • Check pump recirculation.
  • Check the spray arm for splits or leaks.
  • Check the sump area for debris.
  • Check the water pressure or manual valve.
  • Check the water temperature. Should be 135 to 160 F.
  • Check to make sure dishwasher is draining after each cycle. There should only be a little water in the bottom of the tub.
  • Check water level when the fill cycle has completed. Should be barely touching, or just under the float or 1/2 to 3/4 inch of water towards the front of the tub.  If the dishwasher does not get enough water due to a blocked or faulty water inlet valve, (the diaphragm in the valve will deteriorate and swell causing the valve not to let enough water into the dishwasher) it will not have enough water to spray the dishes with - replace the water inlet valve
  • Check that the pump isn't draining during the wash cycle.
  • Make sure the dishes are loaded properly, or dishwasher is not overloaded.
  • Try a different detergent. Stick with granular detergents. I recommend Cascade. Some of your cheaper powders and liquid gels will bubble during the wash cycle, and a dishwasher pump cannot pump bubbles.

Motor just hums If the dishwasher has set for any length of time check that the pump hasn't gotten stuck due to lack of use. There are 2 ways to un-stick the pump. 1. Remove the lower kick panel and turn the fan blade on the motor until it turns freely, 2. Remove any standing water in the tub, a shop vac works great for this, while doing this boil 2 quarts of water on the stove in a pan. Take the necessary precautions with the hot water,  Then pour the hot water into the dishwasher tub. This hot water will loosen the stuck seal. Let it set for 5 to 15 minutes then start the dishwasher.

gepumpmotor9.jpg (42898 bytes)
Seal Kit   

Pump/Motor Assembly     
gedwpump.jpg (86564 bytes)
Click Image For a larger View    

Dishwasher will not run at all.
  • Check connections from power cord to terminal block.
  • Check door switch for action and continuity
  • Check power at outlet. Should read 110 volts.
  • Check the timer for power
  • If the dishwasher has set for any length of time check that the pump hasn't gotten stuck due to lack of use. There are 2 ways to unstick the pump. 1. Remove the lower kick panel and turn the fan blade on the motor until it turns freely, 2. Remove any standing water in the tub, a shop vac works great for this, while doing this boil 2 quarts of water on the stove in a pan. Take the necessary precautions with the hot water,  Then pour the hot water into the dishwasher tub. This hot water will loosen the stuck seal. Let it set for 5 to 15 minutes then start the dishwasher.

MVC-123X.JPG (182392 bytes)
gedwcomponents.jpg (207181 bytes)

Water leaks from the bottom of the dishwasher.
  • Check air gap for mineral deposits. This will cause the water to spray out of the air inlet.
  • Check for cracks in the tub.
  • Check the float switch seal.
  • Check the heater element where it enters the tub. There are gaskets that sometimes leaks.
  • Check the hose clamps.
  • Check the hoses for leaks.
  • Check the Pump/Motor for Leaks- if leaking you can get a seal kit for this or you can get it as an entire assembly as seen here 

Replacing the Seals / Pump Break Down Page

gepumpmotor9.jpg (42898 bytes)
Seal Kit   

Pump/Motor Assembly     
gedwpump.jpg (86564 bytes)
Click Image For a larger View    

Water leaks from the door.
  • Check corner seals and bottom dam seal
  • Check door seal
  • Check for loose or bent door latch
  • Check for over filling. This could be from float switch. The water should never or barely reach float. The float switch is for overflow.
  • Check the spray arm for a split. If water sprays directly at the bottom of door, it will create a leak.
Dishwasher is very noisy Check the fan blade on the pump/motor 
Note: - I've seen this quite a few times. If the 
fan blade is broken or loose, then you have to buy a new pump / motor assembly as seen here

 Pump/Motor Assembly     
 gedwpump.jpg (86564 bytes)
Click Image For a larger View     

Soap dish will not stay shut Check the spring stud on the console
.MVC-135X.JPG (136348 bytes) 
Click Image For a larger View     
If it's broken just run a sheet metal screw into what's left to hold the spring
MVC-192X.JPG (139637 bytes)MVC-193X.JPG (101765 bytes)  
Click Image For a larger View     
Door will not latch Check and lubricate the door latch. MVC-124X.JPG (91478 bytes)
Door falls or too heavy Check the door cables or door springs gedwdoorcables.jpg (127969 bytes)ge_dw_door_cable.jpg (81589 bytes)

 

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