FIXED Maytag Dishwasher MDB4949SHZ0 doesn't spray, diagnostics run and LED flashes 6 then 1

[GarageCharger]

Model Number

MDB4949SHZ0

Brand

Maytag

Age

1-5 years

We have a Maytag MDB4949SHZ0 which stopped washing. We've verified that it fills will water and then pumps the water out when canceled, but it doesn't appear to spray (we can't hear it, things aren't wet and certainly aren't clean). Ran a diagnostic cycle (thanks for the instructions back in another thread, Jake). That results in the 'clean' LED flashing 6 times, then pause, then 1 time, then longer pause, then repeat. According to some video on YouTube, that means a fault in the "User Interface Communication" but no additional details. Anybody got any good suggestions?

 

[Jake]

Hi, I always check for any loose electrical connections first. I'm attaching your tech data sheet below, on Page 8--->6-1 is Inlet Water. Low/No Water. Do what it mentions to do there.

After it fills do you hear the circulation wash motor make any sound at all? Like a hum sound, but doesn't run?

 

[GarageCharger]

I verified that it fills with water and does not appear to be siphoning/leaking out. There is no sound from the motor that we can hear.

 

[Jake]

Ok,

1. Unplug dishwasher or disconnect power.
2. Remove outer door panel to access control board.
3. Unplug connector P5 from control board.
4. Check the circulation wash motor using a multimeter(set on ohms RX200), measure the resistance between P5-1 and P5-2.
---> If the resistance is between 10-15 ohms, the circulation wash motor and harness are good.
---> If outside the range, replace the circulation wash motor.
---> If an open circuit is detected, check connections and harness continuity between control and circulation wash motor. If good, replace the circulation wash motor.
5. Reconnect P5 to control board.
6. Set multimeter to AC volts and remove the wash motor electrical connector, Plug in dishwasher or reconnect power, then start a normal wash cycle then put your meter probes on terminals 1 and 3 in that electrical connector and see if you get 120 volts, after it fills.
--->If you do get 120 volts, then replace the circulation wash motor.
--->If you DO NOT get 120 volts, then replace the control board.

Here's the circulation wash motor for your model you can order if needed:
W10815709 Motor-Pump


I posted photos and instructions to remove the wash motor here: FIXED: MDB4949SD Maytag dishwasher with food grinder - not cleaning dishes

Jake

 

[GarageCharger]

To follow up for posterity's sake, this actually turned out to be a loose connection to the control board. I have no idea why it would have become loose after years and why the tabs on the connector wouldn't have held it in place, but that seems to have been the issue (it's doing a wash run now). If it stops again with the same code I'll follow those steps and post what I find. Thanks!

 

[Jake]

Excellent, glad that's all it was.

Thanks for the update!

Jake