FIXED GE GDT535PSJ2SS Circulation Pump Won't Run

[hastenfist]

Model Number

GDT535PSJ2SS

Brand

GE

Age

6-10 years

My dishwasher was making strange noises during portions of wash cycles that involved the circulation pump, as if it was turning on and immediately shutting off. In addition, the dishes were not getting cleaned and the detergent was clumping in the dispenser. At first I didn't notice the sound so I replaced the dispenser, but that didn't help. I then called a technician who diagnosed a control board and said my circulation pump would need to be replaced. He didn't have the parts on hand, so I ordered and replaced both components.

I was able to put the dishwasher in consumer error and service modes with no issues, and the first few times, the dishwasher circulation pump ran as normal. I started the first real load of dishes, and by the end of prewash, the circulation pump was no longer running, and when put back into service mode, the circulation pump would not run in that mode either.

I used the technical service guide posted in this forum and determined that the board was putting out 123.8 VAC to the pump out of the correct leads, and that the wire harness continuity was closed. Figuring that the circulation pump was bad, I RMA'd the unit and got it replaced. Installed the second replacement pump, and same issue. The circulation pump worked flawlessly in service mode twice, and when I started a real load of dishes, the circulation pump never engaged, and after it would not work in test mode either.

I'm not sure what to do. Maybe the wire harness is loose or something, but it tested correctly. Does anyone have any ideas?

 

[Jake]

This problem is extremely unusual, If your getting 123.8 VAC that circulation pump should be running.

It seems like the circulation pump(wash motor) you are getting are faulty, where u getting them from?

Here's the service manual: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XTOXM0wA0UJEuucW0deIni17sMPtDGtD/view?usp=share_link

When you can't get it to run--->In the service manual--->Do this--->No Circulation Flow Chart on Page 52.

Here's the circulation pump(wash motor) for your model:
Circulation Pump WD26X23258


Let us know what you find.

 

[hastenfist]

The first and second replacement pumps were bought from Appliance Parts Pros, in fact, that exact model listed. The new control board was also purchased from that site.

I re-conducted the checklist on Page 52 (see my marked up version below). The board tested fine during the Service Mode test, outputting 125.7 VAC or thereabout the entire duration of the test, and the wire harness tests fine when I put the test probes into the connectors on either end.

I had an idea that the harness might not be making reliable contact with the pump, so I reconnected everything, ran the Circulation Pump test as is, and nothing kicked on. When I manually pushed the wire harness connector into the circulation pump, the pump immediately kicked on and ran. I'm not sure if the wire harness is loose on the circ pump end or if the connector on the circ pump itself is loose, and I'm not sure how to figure that out without buying a new wire harness and installing it to find out. I'm leaning towards doing that unless anyone here knows a better option.

 

[hastenfist]

Update: I think the wire harness might be the culprit. I tried running the circulation pump test again, and it appears that pushing the white connector port doesn't have any effect on the pump operating, but adjusting the wires going into the connector part of the harness makes a difference in operating vs not operating. I ordered a new wire harness and will swap the pieces out as soon as the part arrives.

 

[Jake]

Yes, that make sense now, I agree its the wire harness.

Here's the circulation pump wire harness your model, in case others need it too: WD21X21690

Let us know how it goes.

 

[hastenfist]

Update: swapped the wire harness and so far the dishwasher is operating perfectly.

I have to say that this forum has been instrumental in helping me diagnose and work through my appliance issues. Long before I made an account and posted, I lurked and followed instructions given to other users, and many of those answers came from you specifically, Jake. When I couldn't get the new pump to work, I literally told my significant other, "it's time to ask Jake what I'm doing wrong." Anyway, y'all are doing good work here and any time a friend has appliance issues, I'll steer them this way.

 

[Jake]

Excellent, glad to hear the new wire harness fixed it.

Thanks for the update!

I have to say that this forum has been instrumental in helping me diagnose and work through my appliance issues. Long before I made an account and posted, I lurked and followed instructions given to other users, and many of those answers came from you specifically, Jake. When I couldn't get the new pump to work, I literally told my significant other, "it's time to ask Jake what I'm doing wrong." Anyway, y'all are doing good work here and any time a friend has appliance issues, I'll steer them this way.

Thank you very much, that's very nice of you to say that.