Step - KitchenAid Dishwasher User Instructions

PROBLEM
HARD WATER
(WHITE RESIDUE ON
DISHWASHER INTERIOR OR
GLASSWARE)
ODORS
NOISY
FOOD SOILS REMAIN
ON DISHES
DISHES DIRTY/SUDS IN
DISHWASHER/CYCLE NOT
COMPLETE
SANITIZED LIGHT BLINKING
DAMAGE TO DISHWARE
BLINKING LIGHTS
18
SOLUTION
NOTE: Extremely hard water mineral deposits can cause damage to your dishwasher and make it
difficult to achieve good cleaning. A water softener is strongly recommended if your hardness is
15 grains or more. If a water softener is not installed, the following steps may help:
Use a commercial cleaner designed for dishwashers once per month.
Clean the upper and lower filters at least once per month. (See "Cleaning Instructions" in the "Filtration
System" section.)
Always use a rinse aid.
Always use a high-quality, fresh detergent.
Use a detergent booster/water softener additive designed for dishwashers.
NOTE: If the dishwasher is not used daily, you can run a rinse cycle with the partial load until a full load
is ready to run, or use the Top Rack Only option (on some models) for partial loads.
Run a vinegar rinse through the dishwasher by putting 2 cups (500 mL) of white vinegar in an upright
glass measuring cup in the lower rack. Run a normal cycle with the Heat Dry option turned off. Do not
use detergent.
The dishwasher may not be draining properly, see "Water Remains In The Tub/Will Not Drain" in the
"Troubleshooting" section.
NOTES:
Surging sounds can occur periodically throughout the cycle while the dishwasher is draining.
Normal water valve hissing may be heard periodically.
A normal snap sound may be heard when the detergent dispenser opens during the cycle and when
the door is opened at the end of the cycle.
Improper installation will affect noise levels.
Be sure the filters are properly installed.
A thumping sound may be heard if items extend beyond the racks and interfere with the wash arms.
Readjust the dishware and resume the cycle.
Be sure the dishwasher is loaded correctly. Improper loading can greatly decrease the washing
performance (see "Dishwasher Use" section).
Check filter to ensure it is properly installed. Clean it if needed. (See "Cleaning Instructions" in the
"Filtration System" section for details.)
Select the proper cycle and option for the type of soils. The ProWash™ or the Tough cycle with the
ProScrub ® (on some models) option can be used for tougher loads.
Be sure the incoming water temperature is at least 120°F (49°C).
Use the proper amount of fresh detergent. More detergent is needed for heavier-soiled loads and hard
water conditions.
Scrape food from dishes prior to loading (do not prerinse).
If foam or suds are detected by the dishwasher sensing system, the dishwasher may not operate
properly or may not fill with water.
Suds can come from:
Using the incorrect type of detergent, such as dish detergent for hand washing dishes, laundry
detergent, or hand soap.
Not replacing the rinse aid dispenser cap after filling (or refilling) the rinse aid.
Using an excessive amount of dishwasher detergent.
Call for service.
If no water was present in the machine at any time during a heated wash cycle, the cycle will end and
the Clean LED will not come on. See "Will Not Fill" in the "Troubleshooting" section.
If the sanitized light is blinking, the load is NOT sanitized. The cycle was interrupted in the final rinse, or
the temperature for your water heater is set too low. Set your water heater to 120ºF (49°C).
Improper loading can cause dishes to become chipped or damaged. (See specific loading instructions
within this guide.)
Blinking LED's will occur when the cycle is paused or when the cycle has been interrupted by opening
the door. In this case, the Start/Resume button LED, the Cycle Status Indicator LED(s), and the
countdown bars on the Cycle Status Display all blink together to indicate that attention is needed. See
"Start or Resume a Cycle" in the "Dishwasher Use" section.
Blinking LED's can also occur when certain errors have been detected. In this case, the Clean/
Complete LED will blink 4 times in a row with a pause in between each set of blinks. When this error
occurs, the controls will lock out and not allow another cycle to be started.
Call for service.