KDTE554CSS3 dishwasher ONLY cycles (twice) after running diagnostic cycle, NO error codes present

[Sailorsam]

Model Number

KDTE554CSS3

Brand

KitchenAid

Age

1-5 years

Hello...first-time poster here. Really need some help. 4yr old KitchenAid KTDE554CSS3 dishwasher will only run a cleaning cycle (twice) AFTER I run a diagnostic cycle. Diag Cycle consistently throws zero error codes...then washer will run exactly twice, and fail to fill or run on third try. I run diag cycle again...NO codes reported, again...The I get two successful run cycles and have to run Diagnostics again to get two more wash cycles. As far as I can tell everything (fill, drain, diverter, dispenser, etc...) ALL work correctly when machine runs...dishes come out as clean as when unit was new. Only repair history was a bad Diverter which was correctly diagnosed by the system and I replaced...again...zero error codes after I replaced Diverter. Any help appreciated!

 

[Jake]

That's very odd, never seen that happen before. I don't know what would be causing that issue. Sorry.

Hopefully another tech or member that's seen this problem and fixed it can shed some light on this issue.

 

[Sailorsam]

Thanks Jake. I may be onto something after some more troubleshooting yesterday. I let it go through another full diagnostic cycle then ran it empty on 1hr setting with a cup (or so) of vinegar, no soap to give it a good internal cleaning. Once it was completely done I ran it through another of the same cycle with vinegar. We have VERY hard well water here and I want to make certain hard water deposit(s) aren't causing problems.

After completing second full 1hr cycle I tried to start it...and it started running as normal! I interrupted that cycle but will try again this evening. I'm suspect of an intermittent problem potentially with one (or both) of the door latch micro-switches....diagram looks like power for EVERYTHING runs through those switches. Fingers crossed...I'll report back!

 

[Jake]

Thanks Jake. I may be onto something after some more troubleshooting yesterday. I let it go through another full diagnostic cycle then ran it empty on 1hr setting with a cup (or so) of vinegar, no soap to give it a good internal cleaning. Once it was completely done I ran it through another of the same cycle with vinegar. We have VERY hard well water here and I want to make certain hard water deposit(s) aren't causing problems.

After completing second full 1hr cycle I tried to start it...and it started running as normal!

Sounds like your making progress.

I'm suspect of an intermittent problem potentially with one (or both) of the door latch micro-switches

You can check the door latch switch, read this below:

1. Open and close door, and then press Start/Resume key.
2. Unplug dishwasher or disconnect power.
3. Measure resistance of door switch contacts while checking mechanical operation of latch assembly.

Check the resistance of the door switch with a multimeter. Should be less than one ohm. High ohms=bad switch.

(click to enlarge)


Here's the door latch switch assembly for your model you can order if yours is bad:
Door Latch WPW10653840


There is a video in the door latch switch part link that shows you how to remove it and replace it, if needed.