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Our Whirlpool KUDP01ILBS2 dishwasher isn't




By OnecoGuy on Feb 10, 2009

" "
Our Whirlpool KUDP01ILBS2 dishwasher isn't working like it used to. Dishes seem to be getting partially clean, they aren't getting dry at all and it seems they may be being rinsed/washed with dirty water. There is plenty of water in the machine when I interupt the cleaning cycle. I always run the hot water in the sink before I start the dishwasher so the first water into the dishwasher is as hot as possible. Also the sani-rinse light is flashing when the cycle "completes".
Comments:

Feb 11, 2009

- Water levels seem fine when I check the dishwashing cycle while in process.

Nothing is getting even remotely dry. everything is very wet at teh end of the cycle.

I did notice the heater element never was warm to teh touch during the cleaning sycle (I checked it 3 times) and there is a discolored section of the heating element itself.

If it is the heater element, which I'm now inclined to believe it is, how do you detach it from the machine to replace it? Do you simply turn the disk at teh base of the heater element where it goes into the machine counter clockwise??

THANKS

Feb 11, 2009

- well the further we go the less I seem to know about fixing the problem.

All the settings on teh dishwasher are the same as we have been using for the last 5 years we've owned the machine.

We are running out the cold water from the water supply line before starting the machine so that the water going into the machine is almost scalding hot, and when I open the machine during the cycles the machine is plenty hot inside; although again the heater element is not any warmer than the water.

Is it possible the heater element isn't coming on during the cleaning cycles because the water entering the machine is already hot enough?

There is way too much water left in/on everything to have anything to do with the rinse agent.

If teh heqater element fails to come on at any time, either during teh wash cycle or during the dry cycle will it shut down the machine until it's reset? Or is it only during the washing cycles that the machine will shut down if the element doesn't come on?

THANKS again

Solution #1

posted on Feb 10, 2009
Somewhat Helpful)

gopi20

Rank: Wiz 
Rating: 80%, 276 votes
Heat that is retained in the dishes is largely responsible for drying in this dishwasher. Since plastics do not retain heat very well, they will not dry as well as glasses, ceramics or metal dishes. Rinse aid must be used so that the final rinse water will sheen off of the dishes to accommodate this drying process. The heater element at the bottom of the tub is used to add heat during the drying cycle to aid in this process as well. This model of dishwasher does not have any forced air circulation system. Here are some tips that may help you resolve your drying problem:
  • Make sure that you are using rinse aid. Failure to properly use rinse aid can prevent proper drying. Adjust the amount that is dispensed if necessary. Also, check to make sure that rinse aid level decreases over time indicating that it is being dispensed properly.
  • The NORMAL WASH and POT & PANS cycles heat the final rinse water up to 140 degrees F. Use these cycles to help the drying process.
  • Do not choose the air dry option. This option cuts off the heater element during the drying process. NOTE: The heater element is not turned on during the first 6 minutes of the drying portion of the cycle.
  • Do not overload the dishwasher. Load the dishes to allow for proper water drainage.
This dishwasher has a heater fault detection circuit. If the heater is not working, the control will detect the lack of increase in water temperature. The dishwasher will stop and the CLEAN light will blink seven times repeatedly. The dishwasher would not be able to be used until the problem is corrected and the control is reset.
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Solution #2

posted on Feb 10, 2009
Somewhat Helpful)

ginko

Rank: Guru 
Rating: 89%, 5074 votes
Check that the drain hose is not clogged, ensure the upper sprayer holes are not dirty, and check the plates position inside teh appliance.
Comments:

Feb 12, 2009

- Re: If teh heqater element fails to come on at any time, either during teh wash cycle or during the dry cycle will it shut down the machine until it's reset?


If the heating element is not coming on the machine won't reset or stop, the cycle will just get stuck when hot water is needed, as thermostat wont detect right temperature and cycle does not advance.
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Solution #3

posted on Feb 11, 2009
Not Rated)

clight16

Rank: Wiz 
Rating: 83%, 72 votes
look at the drain hose to make sure there is no blockage. sometimes they also will buld up soap scum inside the machines. try dumping a full cup of vinegar into the empty tub and run it thru a wash cycle. sounds simple but it works well
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Solution #4

posted on Feb 11, 2009
Not Rated)

jackiaria

Rank: Wiz 
Rating: 85%, 148 votes
Dear OnecoGuy, Wed 2-11-2009 3:54pm EST (USA)

RE: DISHWASHER SELF REPAIR - Whirlpool KUDP01ILBS2 Dishwasher Heating Element

If you feel confident to do your dishwasher repair yourself please click on the following link and view the dishwasher repair video first!
Dishwasher Repair Video @ I suggest you put a piece of cardboard on your floor before pulling your dishwasher out so as not to scratch your floor!

If you follow the safely removing a dishwasher video and have the electric and water disconnected you can easily remove the heating element.

Remove it and call an appliance parts store near you (usually in the phone book yellow pages) and ask if they have the part for your Make & Model then MAKE SURE YOU TAKE THE OLD PART IN WITH YOU to make sure it's a match and then have them test it if they can!

This Should FixYa!
jack

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Solution #5

posted on Feb 10, 2009
Not Rated)

sorose4u

Rank: Wiz 
Rating: 82%, 110 votes
If your dishwasher is cleaning poorly, check these:

  1. Water-inlet valve
  2. Internal filters
  3. Drain valve
  4. Spray arms
  5. Water temperature
  6. Detergent cup

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Solution #6

posted on Feb 11, 2009
Not Rated)

rockitman187

Rank: Guru 
Rating: 90%, 1832 votes
  1. You may have a bad heater element if it is discolored in one area,(This can be tested with a multimeter.)
  2. The water temperature needs to be tested to make sure it is entering the dishwasher at or above 120 degrees.
  3. The light flashing,means the filter is clogged.
If element removal is required,The washer will need to be pulled out and laid on its side or back,There are 2 nuts the hold the element in and you will be able to see them.
Comments:

Feb 11, 2009

- Also, There should be a tech manual behind the lower kick panel under the door.
There is a diagnostic sequence that will reboot the unit.

I think yours is as followed,(but check the manual to make sure)
Sani Rinse, Heated Dry, Sani Rinse, Heated Dry, and the dishwasher should enter diagnostic cycle and once complete,should work perfect if it just needs a reset.

Feb 11, 2009

- The element is not used to heat the water,it is only used for the drying cycle.(THE HOT WATER HEATER HEATS THE WATER FOR THE DISH WASHER)

You can test the element by setting the dishwasher to heat dry and letting it run for about 5 minutes
Then if the element is hot,It works,If it's not it don't work.

Feb 11, 2009

- If there is standing water in the bottom,check the drain.

Feb 11, 2009

- Also,If the element is burnt,it will shut down when the water level is deep enough to cover it.
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Solution #7

posted on Feb 10, 2009
Not Rated)

joboo1

Rank: Guru 
Rating: 89%, 188 votes
Hi, The blinking lights are an indication of a problem, and with the sani indication and the dishes not drying appears the heating element is bad. This also heats the water to a much higher temperature to provide a better wash. Good Luck to you!
Comments:

Feb 10, 2009

- I read gobi20's response after I had posted and agree with what he said, but I would still suspect the element. I believe you may be fooling the sensor since you run the water till it is hot before it enters the machine. Good Luck!

Feb 12, 2009

- Hi, You keep asking the same questions I and other experts have already answered. There is no other magic wand. For long distance troubleshooting the consensus would be a bad element. If you need further help you should agree that your question has been answered concerning this problem and ask for instruction if you decide to attempt to change the element on your own. Best of Luck to you!
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Solution #8

posted on Feb 10, 2009
Not Rated)

micromaster

Rank: Wiz 
Rating: 82%, 758 votes
Wash the strainer in the kitchen sink with water and a mild household detergent. Use a fairly stiff brush to get all the debris out of the holes and slots in the strainer. Rinse the strainer well and replace it. If part of the strainer lifts out for regular cleaning, check it and clean it -- if necessary -- after each load of dishes is washed.
Comments:

Feb 10, 2009

- also check the heating element is used to help dry the dishes.
The heating element doesn't malfunction often, but it can burn out.
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