KitchenAid 8269905A, Use And Care Manual

14

TROUBLESHOOTING

First try the solutions suggested here and possibly avoid 
the cost of a service call...

Dishwasher is not operating properly

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Dishwasher does not run or stops during a cycle

Is the door closed tightly and latched?

Is the right cycle selected? Refer to the “Cycle Selection 
Chart.”

Is there power to the dishwasher? Has a household fuse 
blown or circuit breaker tripped?

Has the motor stopped due to an overload? The motor 
automatically resets itself within a few minutes. If it does not 
restart, call for service.

Is the water shut-off valve (if installed) turned on?

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Dishwasher will not fill

Is the overfill protection float able to move up and down 
freely? Press down to release.

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Dishwasher seems to run too long

Is the water supplied to the dishwasher hot enough? The 
dishwasher runs longer while heating water. Refer to the 
“Dishwasher Efficiency Tips” section.

A delay automatically occurs in some wash and rinse cycles 
until the water reaches the proper temperature.

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Water remains in the dishwasher

Is the cycle complete?

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Detergent remains in the covered section of the 
dispenser

Is the cycle complete?

Is the detergent lump-free? Replace detergent if necessary.

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White residue on the front of the access panel

Was too much detergent used? Refer to the “Detergent 
Dispenser” section.

Is the brand of detergent making excess foam? Try a different 
brand to reduce foaming and eliminate buildup.

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Odor in the dishwasher

Are dishes washed only every 2 or 3 days? Run a rinse cycle 
once or twice a day until you have a full load.

Does the dishwasher have a new plastic smell? Run a vinegar 
rinse as described in “Spotting and filming on dishes” later in 
this Troubleshooting guide.

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Condensation on the kitchen counter (built-in models)

Is the dishwasher aligned with the counter top? Moisture 
from the vent in the dishwasher console can form on the 
counter. Refer to the Installation Instructions for more 
information.

Dishes are not completely clean

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Food soil left on the dishes

Is the dishwasher loaded correctly? Refer to the “Dishwasher 
Loading” section.

Is the water temperature too low? If needed, turn home water 
heater up to ensure water entering dishwasher is at least 
120°F (49°C). Refer to the “Dishwasher Efficiency Tips” 
section.

Did you use the correct amount of fresh detergent? Use 
recommended dishwasher detergents only. Refer to the 
“Detergent Dispenser” section. Never use less than 1 tb (15 g) 
per load. Detergent must be fresh to be effective. Store 
detergent in a cool, dry area. Heavy soil and/or hard water 
generally require extra detergent.

Is detergent caked in dispenser? Use fresh detergent only. Do 
not allow detergent to sit for several hours in a wet dispenser. 
Clean dispenser when caked detergent is present.

Is the pump or spray arm clogged by labels from bottles and 
cans? Remove labels before washing bottles and cans or 
wash by hand. 

Is the home water pressure high enough for proper 
dishwasher filling? Home water pressure should be 20 to 120 
psi (138 to 828 kPa) for proper dishwasher fill. A booster 
pump on the water supply can be added if pressure is 
too low.

Are high suds slowing the wash arm? Never use soap or 
laundry detergents. Use recommended dishwasher 
detergents only. 

Spots and stains on dishes

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Spotting and filming on dishes

Is your water hard or is there a high mineral content in your 
water? Conditioning the final rinse water with a liquid rinse 
aid helps eliminate spotting and filming. Keep the rinse aid 
dispenser filled.

Is the water temperature too low? If needed, turn home 
water heater up to ensure water entering dishwasher is at 
least 120°F (49°C). Refer to the “Dishwasher Efficiency 
Tips” section.

Did you use the correct amount of effective detergent? Use 
recommended dishwasher detergents only. Refer to the 
“Detergent Dispenser” section. Never use less than 1 tb (15 g) 
per load. Detergent must be fresh to be effective. Store 
detergent in a cool, dry area. Heavy soil and/or hard water 
generally require extra detergent.

Is the home water pressure high enough for proper 
dishwasher filling? Home water pressure should be 20 to 120 
psi (138 to 828 kPa) for proper dishwasher fill. A booster 
pump on the water supply can be added if pressure is too 
low. 

NOTE:

 To remove spots and film from dishes, try a white 

vinegar rinse. This procedure is intended for occasional use 
only. Vinegar is an acid and using it too often could damage 
your dishwasher.

1.

Wash and rinse dishes. Use an air-dry or an energy saving 
dry option. Remove all silverware or metal items.

2.

Put 2 cups (473 mL) white vinegar in a glass or 
dishwasher-safe measuring cup on the bottom rack.

3.

Run the dishwasher through a complete washing cycle 
using an air-dry or an energy saving dry option. Do not 
use detergent. Vinegar will mix with the wash water.