FIXED GE Dishwasher GDP645SYN2FS Water Not Heating?

[am2dc]

Model Number

GDP645SYN2FS

Brand

GE

Age

1-5 years

Hi, so I've been running into some issues with my GE Dishwasher lately (purchased in May 2020 - but warranty appears to only be 1 year). It seems like no matter what I do I can't get my dishes clean enough and I think it's tied to the water temperature and possibly the heating element. Unfortunately, because I live in a condo with a central water heater, I cannot control the water temperature coming in (the hottest reading I can seem to get it at is only about 100, I recognize 120 is optimal). My dishwasher has a "wash temp" boost button. However, my plates are constantly coming out with white films (despite using high-quality detergents - tried several now - and even adding rinse aids and boosters). I've run several vinegar and baking soda rounds as well, but nothing seems to help.

I just stopped the dishwasher 3 times during its wash cycle and every time the water and heating element were cold to touch. But if I leave on the dry boost at normal, the dishes are normally dry (only plastics aren't) and it is warm when I open the door. Is that maybe related to something beyond just the heating element then? Is it possible that only water isn't heating but maybe it's ok for the drying cycle (though, I can't remember if the heating element was hot after that either)?

Essentially, I'm trying to figure out if it's likely a bad heating element and/or needing a thermostat reset. It's my understanding though that both of those tests require pulling the entire dishwasher out. It seems like a dishwasher repair man would end up being almost half the price of a new dishwasher at that point. Appreciate any thoughts and/or advice. I've never had to do this before, and while I've watched some YouTube videos, I can never seem to find my actual model (GE GDP645SYN2FS) or information related to it as easily. It appears that the flood switch, which is an issue for many with heating, isn't included in this model, so I'm assuming it's one of the other two things.

 

[Jake]

What you need to do is run the hot water at the sink first before you start the dishwasher, so the first fill won't be cold water.

You are correct, 100 degrees is not hot enough, minimum is 120 degrees, but since you can't raise the water temperature 20 more degrees, then is not much else you can do.

Also Cascade detergent is the best to use in all dishwashers.

Also use Rinse Aid.

Jake

 

[am2dc]

I was able to snake my arm under to find the reset button for the thermostat (rather than have to pull the whole dishwasher out), which appears to have helped the situation. It appears it was tripped at some point. Thanks for the additional tips!!

 

[Jake]

I just stopped the dishwasher 3 times during its wash cycle and every time the water and heating element were cold to touch. But if I leave on the dry boost at normal, the dishes are normally dry (only plastics aren't) and it is warm when I open the door. Is that maybe related to something beyond just the heating element then? Is it possible that only water isn't heating but maybe it's ok for the drying cycle (though, I can't remember if the heating element was hot after that either)?

That's very odd, because that thermostat is called the TCO=Thermal Cut Off and when that trips the heater will not turn on at all period.

So if it was tripped, then lets see how it does from here on out.

Jake