Several times during each wash cycle, the drain runs (sounds normal), then the washer makes a loud grinding noise. If I open the door and put in additional water (usually 3 quarts), the grinding stops and it runs for another 20-30 minutes normally before doing the same thing (draining, then grinding). If I don't open the door, the grinding noise goes on for 20-30 seconds, then the washer quits with code E1 (which means low water level I think). I have opened the side panel and checked the high and low float switches; one of them had a fair amount of sticky crud built up on the sides of the well that the float sits in, but cleaning it out had no effect on the problem. I have also notice that inside the washer on the bottom, there are several fine mesh screens in a circle around the center motor and washing assembly (I assume for screening crud out of the drain water); one of these screens has a hoe melted in it.
Please confirm that you have an LG LDS 5811 dishwasher?
Approximately how many years old is the dishwasher?
First things first: regarding the 'crud'
Run at least one cycle, with no detergent powder added - and when you go put in the extra water, add up to two cups of vinegar plus more water and let it run until it errors. This will not fix the major problem, but staring with a clean sump area (and keeping it clean) is a good start. FYI: Stop using all gels and tablets, switch to a brand name detergent powder-like Electrosol or Cascade. Always use high quality powder in all dishwashers, especially energy and water conserving DWs like the modern LG models.
Next, given that you are getting an E! code, triple check that you do not have a leak, especially directly under the dishwasher. If not, start at the end of the DW drain hose (does it connect to a sink disposal?) follow it back to the DW. That hose must rise to at least the height of the bottom of the counter top or be connected to an Air Gap valve. If the hose does not have that rise in it, your problem is caused by natural siphoning out of the dishwasher into the drain. Either add an air gap (even if you don;t have a sink disposal) or suspend the hose high from the bottom of the counter.
Regarding the filter (mesh screens) in the sump area, while it may be melted, I doubt that melting was caused by the dishwasher itself, because the heating element is well below the filter.
Pull the lower spray arm up and out. Remove the nine phillips screws that hold the filter down and then pull the filter. Wash out the "self cleaning" filter housing.
The LG replacement part for the upper housing with the mesh screen panels is: FILTER ASSEMBLY, MESH 5231DD1001A I also recommend you replace the filter seal:
SEAL 4036DD3001A
Then inspect under the filter in the sump area for any debris. Remove it but watch out for broken glass! Use a flashlight and look real close for anything foreign.
Inspect the Impeller, look for damage and confirm that it spins easily but is securely attached.
Reassemble and test out.
Good Luck!
840 views
Usually answered in minutes!
Thanks for the info! I'll try out your suggestions in the next couple days when I get some time in the evening.
I'm pretty sure there isn't a leak; when I took it out from under the counter to remove the side panel, the floor underneath was completely dry and there was no sign of previous water (just a moderate layer of dust and dry crumbs).
However, I'm guessing that the hose might be a problem. It goes to the side port on the sink disposal, which is only about a foot higher than the drain outlet on the back of the water, so I will try raising the middle of the hose so it has a natural air gap.
Thanks again, and I'll get back here as soon as I've tried your suggestions.
×