FIXED GE Dishwasher GDT695SBL3TS, no circulation, no heat, starting points?

[Bluecollarguy]

Model Number

GDT695SBL3TS

Brand

GE

Age

1-5 years

Hi, about a week ago I noticed a heat deformed water bottle in our 5 year old GDT695SBL3TS. Assuming it shouldn't have been washed I unloaded the machine and noticed the soap packet hadn't dissolved and dishes didn't appear to be wet at all. Checking YouTube quick assumption was lack of water so I ordered a replacement water inlet valve and swapped out the part. On the following cycle it sounded like water was moving around so felt good about repair; end of cycle found another heat deformed item and packet not really dissolved again. Assumed it was overloaded machine not able to spray the door; partially unloaded and new cycle didn't spray any water this time around.

Long story short I came across this forum and did a lot of reading but haven't seen really any of the same model with same issue. Tried power resets, cleaning filter, float indicator, etc but it doesn't seem to want to do much now other than fill and drain. I found a service manual online (dated 2016 for GDT695); checking the dishwasher in service mode I see the following:

1 - drains as expected
2 - fills for approx 1min, a little over 1/2" (doesn't seem that high but never paid attention to this before)
3 - circulation pump mode does nothing, no sound, etc
4 - heater mode, coils did not appear to heat (odd that it def deformed plastic prior though!)
5 - detergent mode opens door
6 - not in manual but appears to be fan, appears to work

The green light from the turbidity sensor is lit in all these modes. I'm wondering if the thermistor can be faulty but unsure how to check it on this model. Any other possible starting points before going through the service manual?

Thanks for any help!

-Benjamin

 

[Jake]

Hi Benjamin,

Here's the service manual: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M-G9W3HiaYnihdB5Cy-jfSPoVf8DZ7j7/view?usp=sharing

It does sound like you have a issue with the circulation(wash) motor.

In the service manual I posted--->Do this--->No Circulation Flow Chart on Page 55.

Here's the circulation pump(wash motor) for your model, if needed:

GE WD26X23258 Circulation Pump (AP6039424) - AppliancePartsPros.com

This is a circulation pump that is made to be used with a variety of GE dishwashers. The circulation pump uses an impeller and a motor to push water up through the wash arms to ensure dishes are thoroughly cleaned. A motor powers the circulation pump so water is forced out the spray arms. During...

click.linksynergy.com

 

[Bluecollarguy]

Thanks Jake!

Working through the steps it looks like the pump needs to be replaced. I'm planning to remove the installed pump tomorrow (I'm curious what I'll see inside) and then I'll get one on order and check back in after the replacement.

Out of curiosity, can these pumps run without water without causing damage for any period of time or must they always have water present?

 

[Jake]

I'm planning to remove the installed pump tomorrow (I'm curious what I'll see inside) and then I'll get one on order and check back in after the replacement.

Sounds good.

Out of curiosity, can these pumps run without water without causing damage for any period of time or must they always have water present?

Yes, but its very rare.

You can also check the water inlet valve screen to make sure its not clogged with sediment. Turn the water supply off to the machine and check the water inlet valve screen.

You can see the screen in it in the photo below:
Water Inlet Valve WD15X26140


Let us know how it goes.

 

[Bluecollarguy]

Problem solved, turns out it was the harness after all! I pulled the dishwasher out and swapped out the circulation pump (bit tricky to get back on). Checking inside nothing seemed out of ordinary on the motor, no excess buildup of anything but there was a fair amount of black grime/dust on the motor cap. Setting the dishwasher back up next to the cabinet I hooked up power and water. Running through the tests, get to test 3 and the moment of truth and nothing happens, no sound, nothing. Disappointed I checked under the unit and decided to make sure the plug was in properly even though I knew it was and as I gave it a jiggle the unit powered up! Testing this it was clear the harness in the connector to the motor connection is a bit loose so I'll be ordering a new one. To be honest the connector on the new GE pump seems more sloppy than the original as well.

(EDIT: noticed the TCO button had tripped, which explained why there was no heat in the diagnostic testing; I'm assuming the unit had gotten very hot with no water on anything during one of those "bad" cycles and tripped this?)

Looking at this part I see a few other devices (TCO?) and 2 rectangular plugs (heating element?). Checking my unit the two plugs on the back don't have any housing (I didn't try to disassemble these to check further) but every photo I see of this harness shows 2 rectangular plugs on the black/white, red/white wiring. I attached a photo of one of mine (black and white side), are these just spade plug connectors that are pulled on/off and the rectangular housing is a newer version covering the spade or am I missing something?

For the TCO do you just pull that clip back to replace? I can't tell if this part is just floating in the housing body.

Ac Harness Asm WD21X24096 / AP6333899​

Thanks!

 

[Jake]

Good job finding the problem.

(EDIT: noticed the TCO button had tripped, which explained why there was no heat in the diagnostic testing; I'm assuming the unit had gotten very hot with no water on anything during one of those "bad" cycles and tripped this?)

Looking at this part I see a few other devices (TCO?) and 2 rectangular plugs (heating element?). Checking my unit the two plugs on the back don't have any housing (I didn't try to disassemble these to check further) but every photo I see of this harness shows 2 rectangular plugs on the black/white, red/white wiring.

Yes, The TCO is in a series circuit with the Calrod Heater, if that TCO is bad(open) it will never heat.

TCO=Thermal Cut Off

Here's the TCO for your model:
Wire Harness WD21X24096


Its the SILVER METAL part integrated into that wire harness. Its also currently in-stock here: WD21X24096

Its located on Page 70 in the service manual I posted above. The TCO is secured in place with a slide-in mounting clip.

I attached a photo of one of mine (black and white side), are these just spade plug connectors that are pulled on/off and the rectangular housing is a newer version covering the spade or am I missing something?

Here's the video of him installing the heating element nut connectors and wires, that's all it should be.