Inexpensive dishwashers-worth the repair?

Hello, I can help you out.

First it is almost always cheaper to repair.
(almost)

$70 to come out is about right (we are less) but I don't do company stuff on here. So I'll try and help you with it.

99% of the time a Dishwasher is considered broken when it no longer drains or circulates water. If these are your problems then it could be a stuck pump.

Most of the time the pump doesn't even hjave to be replaced.
If you would post your model number I can help you a little bit as far as what to expect.

You can also email me @ NapoleonTD@gmail

I give out free advice on here as time permits.

I would say it would cost far south of $200 for either a pump or a control for your unit. I know the standard Whirlpool pumps (which Kenmore use) are $45 (my cost Wholesale)

If you factor in the pain in the arse of installing a dishwasher and all, I think repair is better.
But if your controls are bad, then repair could get up there.

What kind of problem are you having and what is your model number?

circulation pump.
Let me see.

Okay. This is a unit that uses two pumps one for circulation and one for draining.



I assume it drains fine but just doesn't circulate?

#18 is the issue here. If you can hear whining that is a good thing, it means the motor is running, just nothing is happening.

There is an impeller that you can acces from inside the machine, a lot of times this just has food stuck in it.
If you take the bottom rack up and remove the water sprayer you can access the panel. If you remove the screws that hold the panel (#1) in the diagram, you can get in there and clean it out.

Sometimes the pump impellers just break, factory retail for the impeller is $25 so it isn't an expensive part.

The motor itself is not the one I was thinking of earlier, it is more expensive. But it's likely not the problem anyway.

Is this a stand alone dishwasher?
Those are much easier to just replace but also just as easy to work on.
It looks like one on the diagram.

not the same unit, but basically showing you what you need to do to clean it.


The goal is to force the impeller to spin over a few times, once it moves pretty easily you can put the parts back on and it will be fine.

This is a basic service. I even have a code for it in my service software. DWIMPCL1 - $40

Thanks Napoleon. As an Appliance salesman, I shouldn't like ya. But I do because your knowledge like this teaches me things I never knew. Thanks for sharing some knowledge with us.

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Thanks Napoleon. As an Appliance salesman, I shouldn't like ya. But I do because your knowledge like this teaches me things I never knew. Thanks for sharing some knowledge with us.

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There is a need for both of us. Believe me, I say "your better buying a new one than fixing this one" all the time.

+1

there's something so awesome about fixing something yourself. like hearing from the TD experts on here

Update for you boys:

Thanks to Napoleon I have disassembled my dishwasher .....but damn it with those torque screws at the bottom to remove the final piece

Looks like I may have to hit the hardware store after all

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but damn it with those torque screws at the bottom to remove the final piece

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t-20's or t-25's.

It's good to have a set of multiple bits. Some GEs use T-20 secuirty bits which most people don't have.

Just an update, this turned out to be a failed motor, but that is very rare.

Usually it is a stuck motor or even a bad capacitor.
Still repair was half the cost of new, without having to deal with install.