My dishwasher's broke!?

Question

I don't use it often, but I wanted to yesterday, to save time and my fresh manicure. I loaded the dishes, filled the soap cup, locked it and turned it on. Nothing! I turned the dial slowly all the way around. It clunked when it hit different cycles, but wouldn't start on any of them. I know it's getting power. I checked the breakers, the dial is going around, and the soap cup opened on it's own. Plus the clunking when I turn it on. Normal clunking, not like anything is wrong. Just no water or action going on.

It's a GE Nautilus, probably 4-6 years old, but it's like new, rarely used. I used to just run it once a month, to make sure everything was in working order, but I haven't done that for several months now.

What could be wrong with it? Any ideas how to fix it? Thanks!

Answer 1

Sounds like you either accidentally turned off the water supply to the dishwasher, or the water valve may be bad. If the latter, you have to call a service man.

Answer 2

just a thought you didn't mention...  is the water turned on?  usually a valve under the sink next to the D/W.  

sorry I can't be more helpful...that's all I can think of.

Answer 3

it is not good to run the dishwasher without water

Answer 4

There is a float inside the washer basin.  As the unit fills the float rises.  This tells the washer when the unit is filled with water and to stop adding more.  Make sure that nothing is stuck under the float.

If this is OK then you may have bad float switch or a stuck water valve solenoid.  If you don't use it much the solenoid may have become corroded.

Answer 5

Hope you find these suggestions helpful.

1.   Try resetting the dishwasher by turning off the power at the utility box, after checking the water supply.

2.   Also sometimes, if the door is not thoroughly locked and closed tightly, then a sensor will shut off the cycling of the washer.

3.   If you have slammed the door, some of the advanced models have a tilt sensor.   Check to see if the washer has been moved from it's previous position.   This can happen after awhile of use and cause a lot of problems.

The following might occur if you have had your washer for more than 5 years.

4.   If you have a faulty water shut-off valve, then you need to call for service.   This should be covered under a warren tee for about 5 years,usually.

5.   It could be a faulty electric relay, which also calls for service.