Anybody know how to work on dishwashers???

Question

I have a frigidaire powerwasher 2200, I don't know what year, it's old. When I turn it on I don't hear any water going into it. I turned it to rinse and there was water running. But when I let it run a full cycle until it stops, the dishes are dry as a bone and very, very hot. And they are still dirty. What could be my problem? Is there anything I can do without having to call someone to come fix it?

Answer 1

Not much you can do if you aren't familiar with appliance repair. It sounds like the water solenoid or switch has failed. This is a job that requires you to remove the dish washer from the cupboard and look in the back.

With the price of appliances today, you may be better off buying a newer unit versus the cost of a repair call.

Answer 2

Greetings...

First off,
Dishwashers usually run until they die.... then it is less expensive to replace em them repair.

But, what you CAN check is the little upside down cup looking thing in the bottom of your dishwashers pan....
It should move up and down slightly if you tug on it. THis is the water level float-switch, and, if it is stuck UP, the washer will not fill with any water.( sometimes an errant fork gets under it)

Those hot plates are caused by the dish dryer... usually a switch on the front panel will turn this off.. it may be called power saver or dish warmer...or even power dryer.
This is an oven element in the bottom of the washer and really you do not need to use it.... just open the door a bit after dishes are done and in a few hours they are dry anyway. It uses a LOT of electricity.

Now, the expensive things.....

-The main control switch (replace entire washer if this the case)
-The water control valve ( under your unit - replace the entire washer)

And not too expensive.....

- Clogged water control valve, or water supply valve- at wall (now here, you can get this cleaned out and you are back in dish washin heaven) but you need someone with a bit of knowledge to do it, as it involves.. layin down - pulling access panel off of bottom, finding all the things lost under there and a very tight work area, (little screen at dishwasher valve- small hole at supply valve)

In conclusion.

Check that float-switch first.
- If that doesn't work then-
Get the water valves unclogged.
- If that doesn't work then-
Maybe think about a replacement unit.
- If you have a Habitat for Humanity REStore in your area check em out for used dishwashers... they get a lot of apartment/condo changeouts and have great prices on nice units.

Best of luck

Answer 3

The water solenoid should be on the left side under the unit. You will need to remove the kick panel to access it. Turn off the water supply valve (usually under the sink) and then disconnect the supply line at the solenoid. Have someone turn the water back on and off quickly to see if water is getting to the unit. If so, you will need to remove the solenoid. Turn off the electric supply before attempting this. You will probably need to replace it. being an old unit, replacing the machine may be better. Do not run it while this problem is happening. What is most likely happening is the heater for the water is coming on without any water and it will burn out the unit.

Answer 4

My knowledge of dishwashers is limited, but http://appliancequickfix.com/ has some good information on them.