KDFE104DSS0 KitchenAid Dishwasher - Intermittent Operation

[TinNJ]

Model Number

KDFE104DSS0

Brand

KitchenAid

Age

6-10 years

Hi...
I searched the forum but could not find an answer to my particular problem. Our KitchenAid dishwasher (KDFE104DSS0) has been acting up over the last few months. For a while it would eventually start and run a full cycle...but other times nothing. The ProWash cycle stopped working, but the Tough and Normal would work for a while. Most recently, it won't start at all on any cycle. The lights are on, but nothing happens. It does run the Cancel Cycle and when we open it there is a lot of steam. We don't hear any water coming in or out of the washer. I checked that latch switch by holding it down in the hope of triggering the cycle. Nada.

1. Do you know how to access the codes on this particular model?
   I have looked online and found a number of approaches that did not work.
   
   
2. Is there one particular valve or sensor that will keep the washer from even trying to start if water is not coming in?
   
   
3. I know there is the float valve, the inlet valve and turbidity sensor. Consider we are not getting water, could one of these be the culprit?
   
   
4. The intermittent nature makes me think it may in fact be the panel or circuit board. Any thoughts?
   
   
5. What do you think my order of battle should be? What order of parts replacement?

Thanks much!!!
Tom

 

[Jake]

Does all the buttons respond when you press them?

I'm your tech. data sheet below.

Run the SERVICE DIAGNOSTICS CYCLE, and let it run all the way through to reset it back to default.

Entry sequence: Press any 3 keys in the sequence 1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2-3 with no more than 1 second between key presses. NOTE: Some models have replaced the “Clean” LED with “Completed.”
The Service Diagnostics Cycle will start when the door is closed.

--->Invoking Service Diagnostics clears all status and last run information from memory and restores defaults. It also forces the next cycle to be a sensor calibration cycle.

LET IT RUN ALL THE WAY THROUGH: Service diagnostic cycle will take about 23 minutes.

Do that, and report back if its working good again.

Jake

 

[TinNJ]

Hi Jake. Thanks for the quick response. I can't seem to trigger the diagnostics mode on my KDFE104DSS0. I followed your instructions above. I have few questions:
1) How do I set the washer to Standby Mode starting when it is completely off?
2) For this model...does the door need to be open or closed when inputting the button clicks?
3) The manual says "Press Start" to wake up the Control Panel. Is this how your enter the Diagnostics Mode? Door open of closed?
4) Do I need to unplug the power (for 1 minute) to reset the dishwasher first?

Sorry to belabor this, but I can't even get the process started. I have attached a JPG to show you our front panel setup. Don't refer to the lights on the panel. I would like to start from scratch.

 

[Jake]

Yes, standby mode is when the dishwasher is just OFF.

Entry sequence: Press any 3 keys in the sequence 1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2-3 with no more than 1 second between key presses. NOTE: Some models have replaced the “Clean” LED with “Completed.”
--->The Service Diagnostics Cycle will start when the door is closed.

Don't press start to wake the control.

4) Do I need to unplug the power (for 1 minute) to reset the dishwasher first?

No.

Jake

 

[Jake]

Does all the buttons respond when you press them?

You didn't answer this question.

Jake

 

[TinNJ]

You didn't answer this question.

Jake

Sorry about that, Jake. When I close the door all buttons respond and light up when pressed. Start and Cancel buttons also work.

 

[TinNJ]

In the Stand-by Mode (washer off, no lights). With the door open...I pressed 3 different keys in the sequence...1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2-3. No lights when pressing each. Closed the door. Nothing. No lights. No action.

 

[Jake]

Ok,

Do this below:
- Unplug dishwasher or disconnect power.
- Disassemble door and disconnect keypad connection from control board or LCD display module.
- Verify all other connections to control board are made.
- Reassemble door, but do not close door.
- Plug in dishwasher or reconnect power.
- Wait at least 7 seconds for control board to power up completely.
- Close dishwasher door and monitor control board response:
A. If control board is OK (no longer sees stuck keys with keypad unplugged), it will respond by turning on the drain motor for 2 minutes. Replace keypad and console.
B. If control board is not OK (still sees stuck keys with keypad unplugged), it will not turn on drain motor. Wait for at least 10 seconds. If there is still no drain response, then replace control board or LCD display module (whichever one the keypad was connected to).

Let us know what happens.

Jake

 

[TinNJ]

I will jump on this.

 

[Jake]

Ok, sounds good.

Also, check your control board and see if you notice any burnt spots on it, if so that is the bad part. Just unsnap the plastic casing from the control board to get a good view of it clearly.

Here's the control board for your model:
Control Board W10854215


Check your owners manual warranty, some KitchenAid models have a 5 year parts warranty on the control board.

Jake

 

[TinNJ]

Hi Jake,
If you are still monitoring this weekend. How to you get the top control a panel off? I remove the top 4 screws. The left side snapped out...the right side finally snapped out (after some screwdriver persuasion)...but I can't get the panel off!!! It looks snapped in but I am afraid to snap it off. I have tried up...down and sideways. No dice. Take a look at the picture above.
I have a video of the procedure on the same unit....BUT...the guy removes the 4 screws and the next thing you see is it in his hand. No image how he got it out. Of course, he does show how he put it back...snapped in in about 2 seconds. Can you help?
Thanks again, again!!
Tom

 

[Jake]

Here's the service manual for your model: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10A6C6XdX98ZCaI8H9pR1_kL5oGeWf9hL/view?usp=sharing Pages 4-5 through 4-8

Jake

 

[TinNJ]

Hi Jake. Just a quick update. With your help, I:

1. Got the darn keypad panel off.
2. Checked the keypad contact to control board, as well as all other contacts to the control board. AOK
3. Checked continuity on the float switch and the door switch. (just because I could reach them) AOK
4. Disconnected the keyboard and ran your prescribed test. Condition A was met. It appears the keyboard may be bad.

The Kicker:
The machine has running OK since I did all of the above (one time the detergent module was lying at bottom of tub)
Could it be the above sequence made a difference?
If I can get the actual codes I can confirm what may be the problem (keyboard).

I ran the Diagnostics Mode and got it to work. While I understand how I should to read the codes, I don't know when to do so:

1. I can't tell when one Interval ends and the next one begins.
   Do I have to watch and make notes (2 secs/5 secs x 3, etc) for the entire 23 minutes diagnostics run?
   Leaves a lot of room for error, if you miss just one pause.
   
   
2. Is there a way to simply review all the codes when the process is done?
   

Thanks again for your help.
Tom

 

[Jake]

Disconnected the keyboard and ran your prescribed test. Condition A was met. It appears the keyboard may be bad.

Bingo!

Here's the part you need to fix it:
WPW10537336 Panel-Cntl (stl)


Jake

 

[TinNJ]

Bingo!

Here's the part you need to fix it:
WPW10537336 Panel-Cntl (stl)


Jake

Hi Jake. Thanks for the link. By changing the keyboard, will the problem we are now having be solved?

Currently, the machine is now running full cycles, the detergent pod is deploying, but not, dissolving. I suspect the keyboard simply sends a coded signal to trigger the operational mode - is it possible a corrupted keycode would cause this problem (that doesn't seen likely as I wouldn't imagine such a code would need to be that granular.)? Is there any logic in the keyboard that actual runs the cycle or is it just a code sender. Despite the test result, I am just trying to confirm it is not something else causing the problem based on the fact the machine is now cycling - sans the pod deployment issue.

Thanks,
Tom

 

[Jake]

Yes Tom, it should. But you may have another problem since you mentioned the detergent pod is not dissolving.

After it fills with water do you hear the wash motor running and water splashing inside the tub?

And is the water HOT?

Jake