My dishwasher (GSC3400G00WW) stopped draining last week. It doesn't seem to progress to the drain cycle at all at any point in the process even though the timer progresses. It seemed like a timer problem (and a serviceman + ge phone support pointed me to timer problem) so I replaced the timer. No good. I pulled out both filters (back of tub, middle of tub) to search for gunk. Not much. I extracted the piston assembly and it appears to be healthy. I let it run through the entire cycle and it just keeps up the healthy k-chunk-kchunk-kchunk rinse sound the ENTRE time. This stinks of timer problems...but what are the odds that my newly purchased timer would have the same problem as my 3+ year old timer? Argh. Any help would be much appreciated. I considered trying to work my way to the rear of the unit but was a little intimidated by understanding how the cover comes off...I see about 6 screws but it doesn't seems like it would add up to successful removal. I figured I'd test to see if the pump is getting electricity (something I've never done before) and if it is, I could eliminate the timer. I hear talk of some solenoid thing, and have seen a picture of it, but don't understand how to find it or what it's purpose is. I'm a newbie. If I should check the drainage hose, I honestly need some direction on how to test that...all I can fathom is that I would blow in it, but that doesn't seem to do much. Thanks, John
John, usually when the piston nut assy. fails the dishwasher will still drain but it will leave some water in the dishwasher. The next step would be the drain solenoid. Sometimes when there is a bad timer it will send too much voltage to the solenoid and burn it up. On the left side of the motor you will see it. A white 2 pronged harness going to it. It will have a white cam and linkage on it. You should be able to move it up and down with a little pressure. ( from wash to drain). If you advance the timer slowly to the drain position you should hear a distinctive click as it switches to the drain position. You can also put a meter on the solenoid. Probe it in on the harness. Then while advancing the timer see if you can read 120V going to it while in the drain position. If you have the voltage and the solenoid is not switching, then there is the problem. If the solenoid is working the next thing would be the drain hose. If you have a siphon break at the sink, start there. If thats clogged it will prevent a drain. Catriver.
Posted on Jun 30, 2007
John, You are just going to remove the toe panel, 4 screws and it will come off. Thats the panel just below the door. You will be looking right at the motor and seloniod on the left of the motor. Do the checks I posted and let me know...Catriver.
John, the selonoid looks like it's fried. The black gunk on the piston. It overheated and this looks to be the whole problem. When you order a new one it will come as a kit and it's very easy to install. Good trouble shooting cat. Catriver.
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Thanks for the solution...however, I am still not understanding how to get to the solenoid? It sounds like it's under the entire unit? Do I have to take the whole casing off of the unit? I mentioned in my original post that I'm a bit lacking in understanding in how to find the solenoid.
Thanks,
John
ARGH...sorry...I mistakenly said the problem was solved...it's not...I need some clarification for your post, cartriver. It sounds like what you said is likely the problem, but I need a little more kid-glove treatment. :)
Great, thanks catriver! Probably will get to it Monday or Tuesday. I appreciate your time, insight, and effort!
Alrighty...I'm starting to see things and enjoy this. Sorry if you have to handle me with kid gloves too much, but I appreciate your patience. (The good news is, maybe this will help others by seeing it broken down to steps that even I can do!)
Problem...I can't seem to understand which part of this moves. In my picture I've labeled the solenoid 1, the shaft coming out of it 2, and the white plastic wedge thingy 3. I'm guessing 3 moves, but I can't seem to get it to budge.
I plugged it in and slowly rotated the timer until I heard the thunk and watching the solenoid the whole time, nothing happened. Maybe it was just the thunk of the inner detergent door opening?
Wow, Catriver, thanks so much. I'll update you Monday or Tuesday or when I can get my hands on the part. You're a rock-star!
Catriver, thank you so much. All is fixed and working smoothly. I am ready to take on the world now. I can't thank you enough!
I laughed when I got my replacement solenoid. It's so obviously fried beyond belief. I plan on taking apart the old timer to see what might have gone wrong with it.
For anyone else who has to remove/replace the solenoid, the most difficult part was removing the little metal cap to the shaft which turns the white plastic wheel. But that seemed to be the first step (took me a couple hours...should I admit that?) and the only hard step. It was a slam dunk otherwise.
Thanks!!
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