GE Dishwasher Black Rubber Mat Deterioration – What does this part do? - ApplianceBlog.com

***Reid*** · #1 February 22nd, 2009, 02:45 PM

I was doing some deep cleaning and took the kick plate on our GE dishwasher off (model no. PDW6480JOOSS). I checked with a flashlight and a 3/8” thick rubber type mat had fallen out of place – pieces of it anyway. On investigation it appeared to have been originally positioned between the electrical/pump components and the bottom of the dishwasher tub. It looked like time and heat had caused this to unglue and fall. On the left side it was torn and I reached underneath and easily pulled chunks of this material out. I did this because the weight of the material was bearing down on wiring and I though it could have caused an electrical fire.

I looked on the GE site and many of the part diagrams and could find this part. I assume it is either a noise shield or possibly a heat shield to protect components under the dishwasher housing. Whatever the intent, at less than three years of use the part has failed. I pulled all of it out on the left side. I left the right side even though it was sagging down on components as well.

I ran a full cycle and everything seems fine. If it is for noise, I think I can live with pulling the pieces out on the right side too. If it is a safety part – I’d like to know what it is supposed to accomplish and call for service.

Whatever it is, it doesn’t appear designed to stand up under the light use required by just my wife and me.

***Jake*** · #2 February 22nd, 2009, 10:48 PM

Hi,

Please double check your model# again, that one doesn't pull-up as good.

Its possibly your tub insulation, I've seen a few do the same as yours did.

Jake

***Reid*** · #3 February 23rd, 2009, 03:32 PM

Apologies. This is the correct model number -
pdw8480j00ss (GE Profile)

***Jake*** · #4 February 23rd, 2009, 06:57 PM

Thanks Reid,

I couldn't find it listed in your parts listing, its not a big deal or safety issue, it will run fine without it.

Jake

***Reid*** · #5 February 24th, 2009, 02:42 AM

I appreciate your response Jake. Nevertheless, I think I'll leave the post open in case someone can speak to the reason GE put this part in. It stands to reason that an organization wouldn't spend money on the manufacture of a part and installation of it if it didn't serve a purpose. I'm curious about it's function and why it is omitted from the parts diagram. I read that earlier J model dishwashers went through a recall because drying agents were leaking on to the wiring which caused a fire hazard. I wonder if this part was in response to earlier design flaws which may explain why it is omitted from the parts diagram posted on the GE website?

***Jake*** · #6 February 24th, 2009, 08:58 AM

Usually if its that think black padding its for sound insulation, to make your dishwasher not as noisy when running.

Jake

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