Upper arm does not spin on Frigidaire model # FDB635RFS6 dishwasher. I cleaned screen around sump and rinsed out arm. Arm is not physically obstructed. Suggestions? Thanks!

Most KitchenAid dishwashers have an adjustable upper rack, since I do not have your model number I cannot advise on specifics but if you move the upper rack to the higher position the dispenser will open a little further.

Also if you are not washing well on the upper rack you may have either a plugged spray arm or sump.

Look at the spray arms close, if the holes are plugged then it will not spray into the dispenser properly.

If you have a tall tub KitchenAid then the sump may need cleaned.
Here are instructions that might help.But not knowing your specific model these instructions may not apply
A plugged up sump can cause a multitude of problems in a dishwasher, it can make the dishwasher not clean as well as it should, make the cycle run longer, it can create noises and redeposit food.

To clean the sump follow the directions below.

- Remove the lower rack

- Remove the lower wash arm (1) by turning the nut (4) clockwise (right) lift the arm off, there is a bearing (3) (small thin plastic washer) under the arm, be sure not to loose it. Lift the tab on the back of the feed tube cap (2) and swing it to the right and lift up, this may need a bit of pressure to release it.

- Remove the 4 screws (3) from the accumulator (1), lift off the accumulator. Remove 1 screw(7) from the cover (8) this is located down inside of the sump (4) on the left front side. Lift up and remove the cover (8), watch for glass and clean out all the debris from the sump and especially around the the area of the chopper and screen (6) which will be exposed with the cover (8) off. If the screen is blocked with debris that usually means you need a new chopper. it may be broken or loose and not doing its job.



Once clean reassemble and enjoy a dishwasher that cleans the dishes again.

Hi

Please check if something is blocked near the top spray arm, also make sure that all holes are oopen. Use a sharp metal pin to clean the holes on the top spray arm. Make sure the water pressure is not low.

under the screen and youl'll need a Torx driver to get to it after you remove the spray arm and screen. Check to see that the path it travels is clear. I have seen these get blocked up by stuff.

Now check if the top arm spins freely and check the bearings for the arm, if they are producing extra friction while the spray arm spins. Hope this helps... Please post back if you need more assistance.

Hi,

The most likely answer is that your upper rotor spray arm isn't spinning or spraying water. They aren't powered by a motor - they are driven by water pressure. The most common reason for them not spinning is a blockage somewhere. The lower rotor arm is spraying dirt from the plates in the lower rack onto the glassware and there is no spray from the upper rotor arm to rinse it off.

Check the small spray holes on the top of the upper rotor arm. If they are blocked, use a large pin or a cocktail stick to clean them out. If they aren't blocked, check to see whether the upper rotor arm is spinning by following these steps:

1. Note the exact position of the upper spray arm or spin it so that it is running precisely left to right or front to back
2. Close the door
3. Start any wash cycle
4 After it has finished filling with water and starting cycling the water, open the door and note the position of the upper spray arm again.

If the spray arm is in the exact same position as when you closed the door it's almost definite that it's not spinning. In this event, cancel the wash and do the above test one more time just to eliminate the element of pure chance.

Try the above tests and checks and then post back with the results if you need any further assistance. If posting back, please include the full model number of your Frigidaire dishwasher

Regards,
BElectric.

Hi, I have an older dishwasher also and recently mywife also complained about it not cleaning right... so me being the man I amtried in vain to clean the things... Bought new spray arms online and installedthem in minutes...now the thing works like new... However I have also foundthat if the heating element goes bad then that also can mess things up bad...So I would buy new spray arms, and also check out the heating element to makesure it is working... Here is a tip that will help you with the onlinebuying...
Dishwasher SprayArms not Spinning

How to Buy ApplianceParts Online

A bad heating element causes many problems in dishwashers...

Dishwasher Problems The HeatingElement not Working

DishwasherMaintenance DishwasherResidue and Film on Dishes

heatman101

Asker's Testimonial "explanation very clear. will give it a go and see howsimple it was. thanks Ronnie " - ronnieshomes

Hi,

This is usually due to restrictions from debris in the sump area of the pump, it will not allow enough pressure from the pump to spin the upper arms. I have put together some instructions on cleaning this on your model, follow the link below and let me know if it was helpful.

Whirlpool pump cleaning

Just fixed my Frigidaire. The outboard o-ring on the main pump became distorted and stretched. Check your local hardware store as Frigidaire wants $17.50 + shipping. Good luck

Check the upper spray arm for debris plugging the spray holes, if clean then pull off lower spray arm and filter screen, and clean and remove any debris found in the sump, check the disposal blades as well. You will need a torx style screwdriver to remove the sump screen on this unit. You can buy a set for under $10 at your local hardware store.

I may have the answer. I had what sounded to be the same problem. I found the dishes were dirty after they were cleaned, but I found there may have been a big pot lid blocking the upper arm. I decided to run the machine again, and after a bit opened the dishwasher after to make sure it was not a problem with the arm. Sure enough, the arm wasn't moving. However, I found out on the Frigidaire webpage that some models have an alternating spray cycle, where only one arm spins at any given time. After reading this I checked again, and it had moved by that time. I checked a few times more to confirm this. So it ended up it was an arm blockage after all. Hope this helped...good luck.
www.frigidaire.com/support/FAQ-Dishwasher.asp#6

Could be a a couple different issues.. Not filling with enough water or food chopper brokeen or food chopper filter screen clogged.

Check water level:
Run the DW and wait for the main wash to start (water will fill. pause then complete fill) The water should be no more than 1/4 inch below the heating element. If not there..replace water inlet valve.

Inspect food chopper:
Remove lower spray arm and rear water supply tube to upper spray arm. Remove torx screws that secure the sump cover. Remove the rounded cover on the left side to expose the chopper assembly. Inspect for breakage of blockage. There may be an additional plastic screen to remove first.

I assume you are having spray issues, or a grinding noise. If odor is your issue, go to the bottom of the message.
For the dishwasher pictured above, Open the door. Remove the lower rack.
Push in the tabs holding the upper basket rail end caps and slide the caps up and out. Remove the upper rack. Clean the holes in the upper (or middle) spray arm.
Hold the lower spray arm still and rotote the thumb tab clockwise. Remove the lower spray arm. Clean the holes in the lower spray arm.
Use a small flat screwdriver to release the tabs holding the upper spray tube from the dishwasher inner wall and ceiling. Rotate the spray tube to the right and remove the tube.
Using a # 20 Torx bit, remove the (about 10) small screws holding in the top of the sump assembly. Remove the top section with the fingers all around it.
Using a # 15 Torx bit, remove the screw holding the round cover over the pump suction. Remove the cover (grab the tab sticking off the corner with a pliers and pull up.)
Anything stuck in the sump will now be visible. If the screen is completely clogged up, then the blade isn't wiping the screen clean. In this case, the screen should be replaced.
The screen is removable, but difficult to re-install. If you need to re-place it, put an open end wrench between the screen and the rotating blade to hold the spring compressed. Also, notice the screen isn't round. The flat edges fit only in the slots they came from.

If it's odor or white powder you want to clean out, use a dishwasher cleaning product such as Dishwasher Magic.

I tell every dishwasher customer: "You do not need to rinse your dishes before washing. But you do need to scrape them off."

Good luck!

Good luck!