Jul 03, 2009
- This problem is part of a recall that GE issued on 16 May 2007.
http://www.geappliances.com/products/recall/dw07/
Over several years, normal use of liquid rinse aid in some models
results in a concentration of rinse aid on the wires inside the
dishwasher door. In the affected models, the rinse aid can degrade the
insulation on the wiring inside the door, which can cause an electrical
short, overheating or fire if the wire comes in contact with the metal
door. You should stop using these dishwashers immediately until you
obtain more information.
If you have never used liquid rinse aid, and are the
original owner of the dishwasher, you will not have this potential
problem. To prevent the use of liquid rinse aid in the future, GE
recommends attaching the
rinse aid dispenser cap offered through the recall.
If
you do use liquid rinse aid or if you are uncertain if liquid rinse aid
was used in the dishwasher because you are not the original owner,
repair of the dishwasher is required.
If you wish to replace
your dishwasher with a new model, GE and Kenmore are offering rebates.
You can use the rebate of $150 for a GE® or Kenmore® dishwasher, or
$300 for the purchase of a new GE Profile™ or GE Monogram® dishwasher
depending on the brand of your recalled dishwasher. Kenmore cannot be
replaced with GE or vice versa. You will need to mail in the rebate
form along with the model tag off your current dishwasher and the
receipt showing the purchase of the new dishwasher prior to receiving
the rebate.
GE has received 135 reports of overheated wiring
and 56 reports of property damage, including 12 reports of fires that
escaped the dishwasher. Fire damage was limited to the dishwasher or
the adjacent area. No injuries have been reported.
If you
have one of the recalled dishwashers and want more information, or wish
to arrange a free service call, please call the Recall Hotline.
Recall Hotline
1-877-607-6395
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. ET.
Saturday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. ET.
Before calling, have the model and serial number on hand.
This
recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission, who will also monitor the effectiveness of the
recall program.