3rd level spray arm on PLD2851RDC3

Whats the model number?

The locking nut is a large plstic housing under the spray arm. You have to turn it (usually counter-clockwise) about 30 degrees to release tabs that keep it secured. Look at the pictures of the part at ;
http://c.searspartsdirect.com/lis_png/PLDM/G0606383-00005.png see item 454
If you cannot access this link, go to the searspartsdirect.com , and search dishwashers by your model number. Select any of the models that appear. then search for "spray arm". Select the sprayarm item in blue, then hit the back button and the diagram lists will appear. (Keep hiding the popup help windows.) Select motor pump mechanism. In the picture you can see the locking tabs on the lower inside edge of 454 that lock onto the outside tabs of part 450.
Keep an eye on that washer 453 not to lose it.

Hi Jeanette,

Maybe I misunderstood your question, but the tablet is supposed to come out of the dispenser and fall into the bottom of the dishwasher. It needs to fall into the hot water in the bottom of the washer to dissolve. The dispenser releases the tablet at different points in the cycle depending on which wash cycle is selected. On a shorter cycle it will be released soon after starting. On longer cycles, there is usually a rinse first, so the tablet will be released a little later. There would only be a problem if the tablet wasn't being released, or wasn't dissolving completely.

There are a number of reasons for poor cleaning on the top rack. The most common are the upper spray-arm not spinning, incorrect stacking or overloading. If the upper spray-arm isn't spinning, there may be caused by a blockage in the spray-arm or the water delivery system, but, as the dishwasher is new and it's not happening every time, it's possible that the dishwasher isn't levelled correctly. The spray-arms aren't motorised, they use water pressure to spin, but they wont spin if they aren't balanced, i.e. the dishwasher isn't level.

You can check whether the spray arm/s are spinning by pointing them front-to-back, or left-to-right (so you can remember the position) and allow the dishwasher to run for a few minutes. Then open the door and check the position of the spray arms. They should continue to rotate slowly for a short while after opening the door, but if they're in the same place and static, they're not spinning. I'd suggest repeating this a couple of times to eliminate the possibility of them having stopped in the exact same place you left them.

If the spray arms are spinning, test the dishwasher with only a small load in the top rack. If the top rack comes out clean with a small load, you may be overloading it or stacking it incorrectly some of the time. There should be a correct stacking guide in your user manual.

Hope this helps. If you need further assistance, check whether the arms are spinning then post back.

Regards,
BElectric

the clips that hold it in place are worn. you will have to replace it. they are not very expensive. to remove it simply unscrew the round disc above the arm

I found a schematic of the Maytag Dishwasher on the internet and that gave me my answer as to how the top spray arm was attached to the water inlet supply. 

you should replace 3 parts in diagram,these are the upper spray are,the bearing,and the holding screw the #s are AP3191593/AP3794248/AP3425295 they coincide with the above parts and are all G.E. part numbers

You may need a new spray arm..Locking tabs could be broke.


Dishwasher Repair Replacing the Upper Spray Arm Frigidaire Part 154754502

unscrew the flower looking piece, there is a white plastic retaining clip inside- press it back together.

You can find a replacement for the upper spray arm (3rd level). Kitchenaid #8268298. See www.pcappliancerepair.com. Their part number is 8193504. $9.15 plus shipping. Good luck and happy holidays.

Joe

did you solve this. we have the same problem. the piece that the arm is connected to is slightly broken. I don't want to pay for a service call. let me know what you did.