Spray Arm Doesn't Move on my GSD5630d01ww!

May 30, 2009

- Make sure there is nothing inside the tower that would block water flow.  Does the upper arm move freely when you spin it by hand?  Can you see if there is anything clogging it?  Is there anything sticking down from the upper rack that would stop it?  Try extending the tower and use some tape to keep it in the extended position and see if the upper arm spins then.  If it does not there may be something keeping the pump from developing full pressure.  Is there a filter in the bottom of the tub that can be cleaned?  BTW how are you determining that the upper arm is not spinning when the DW is empty--opening the door?  Now that I have your model number I will check the documentation to see what else could be causing the problem.

May 30, 2009

- I did not see anything else in the manual to suggest why the arm is not spinning.  Does the sensor light come on during the Normal or Pots cycles.  It just needs to be on for a short while.  It does not stay on for the entire cycle.  If it is flashing (possibly accompanied by beeping) the sensor needs service.  I do not know if that affects water pressure from the pump.  The manual says that the DW will continue to work--it just does not adjust the number of prewash cycles automatically.  Without having your answers to the previous set of questions I am thinking that the arm is jammed on its bearing or that the tower is not extending fully.  Let me know what you find. Thanks.

May 31, 2009

- Here are some other things to try:
When you check by hand to make sure the arm is spinning push up on it at the center (the way the water from the tower does) to make sure the arm is not sticking or hitting the rack.  Do this with the rack pushed into the DW.
With both racks pushed into the DW extend the tower and make sure the hole at the top is lining up with the opening in the arm.
(BTW you don't have to do the "tape the tower" thing I suggested earlier because you said that you could see that the tower was extending/collapsing OK).
Here is a way to find out if the arm is rotating when the door is closed: Suspend a spoon on a piece of string tied to the end of the arm.  (If the arm tapers too much to keep the string in place tie it through one of the spray holes or use a rubber band or tape to help keep it in place.)  Make the string long enough for the spoon to hit the side of the DW but not so long as to get caught in the lower rack.  Position the arm so the spoon is near one of the corners to start. Run a cycle (Quick Rinse will do) and listen to hear if the spoon is hitting the side in a regular pattern (clunk, clunk, clunk, etc.).  If it is then the arm is rotating. 
If the arm rotates and the dishes are still not getting clean check to make sure the Sensing light is coming on during the Normal or Pots cycles.  If not then the automatic feature that determines how much washing should take place is not working.
If the sensor is working and the arm is rotating then you may need to pre rinse any especially dirty loads or not overload the DW with dishes (See manual.)  Also consider whether the detergent or rinsing agent  you are (or are not) using could be adding to the problem.
If you can give this solution the highest rating (Problem Solved) I would appreciate it.  Thanks..