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View Full Version : Whirlpool dishwaser problem


Comanderbob
Feb 16, 2006, 05:31 PM
I have a Whirlpool Dishwasher Quite Plus. About 5 years old.
All the functions seem to work except "normal Mode" It just won't accept "normal mode" when pressed. Sometime when I try and try, and try it will accept Normal mode and seems to work properly.
It works in economy mode or heavy duty mode.
I'm guessing the keypad is in failure mode - Any suggestions?

Bob

applguy
Feb 16, 2006, 05:42 PM
It really depends on what model your dishwasher is. Sometimes the keypad, otherwise known as the user interface, is part of the control. In those instances, there is only one part it can be, and sometimes can be resolved by turning off the power to the unit for 10 to 15 minutes. This procedure should only have to be done once in a "blue moon", otherwise it suggests a control chip problem. Other times these are 2 separate parts, and it could be that the button is bad, or it could be that the control isn't recognizing the "push", which would obviously require control replacement. With a model number I could determine which control system is yours, and if they're separate parts, I could help you try to determine which one failed.

Comanderbob
Feb 16, 2006, 07:27 PM
Wow! Thanks The Model number is DU920PFGQ3

applguy
Feb 16, 2006, 09:34 PM
This unit has separate parts. The control board is part number 8530929, approx price 100.00 to 125.00. The white console (which includes the user interface) is part number 8051703, and the same approx price. Fortunately, according to your owner's manual warranty page, these parts carry a 5 year factory parts warranty. Unfortunately, the only way to take advantage of this warranty is to have the repair made by a Whirlpool authorized service technician. My advice to you (provided your receipt shows a purchase date which is less than 5 years ago, and they will need to see this for warranty paperwork) is pay the labor, because the risk of spending more than labor is significant due to the cost of the parts. An accurate diagnosis requires disassembly of the door and trying to test the user interface with a volt-ohm meter, which is not easy to do. Also, the technical information needed to make these tests is not detailed in the unit's tech sheet. One must contact the Whirlpool Tech Assistance line to obtain this info. I would estimate labor charges (depending on where you live) to be about the price of one of those parts. If your unit is older than 5 years by a short period, sometimes Whirlpool can make exceptions if you call them and ask for assistance, 1-800-253-1301, and have your model, serial, and date of purchase handy. If you need further assistance, let me know. By the way, have you tried removing the power for awhile to reset the control?

Comanderbob
Feb 18, 2006, 05:24 PM
Thanks for the assistance. I just bought the house with the diswasher in it, so I don't have a receipt. I tried leaving the power off over night, with no improvement. In fact now the rinse only option does not work.

applguy
Feb 19, 2006, 08:35 AM
The fact that its symptom changed tells me the control is probably flaky, but that is at best a guess. Unfortunately, there is no way to test the control board. So I guess it comes down to how much you like the dishwasher. As a last ditch effort, you could still call Whirlpool and they can tell when it was produced by the serial number, and thereby determine if it is out of the 5 yr warranty. They may even have the original purchasers' information on file to use for warranty verification. If the dishwasher was in my kitchen, and I really wanted to fix it, I would probably order a control board. If you do and you want help changing it, let me know.

Comanderbob
Feb 19, 2006, 05:25 PM
I'm game for a try. Is it difficult to change the control board? I assume you just take the screws off the inside of the door, and the control board jumps out at you, or is it more difficult than that.

applguy
Feb 19, 2006, 05:30 PM
It's pretty close to that. You will need a T15 torx driver, if you don't already have one. Auto parts stores, Sears, etc. all sell these drivers. Also a 1/4" nutdriver or socket. You'll also have to remove the outer door panel and lower kickplate and access panels to make sure reassembly is correct. Let me know when you're ready and I can supply some specifics if you need them.

Comanderbob
Feb 19, 2006, 05:33 PM
I have all the tools. I'll order the part tonight. Thanks.

Comanderbob
Feb 19, 2006, 05:40 PM
Appliance Part Pros lists the part as Number AP3175633
Is that the same part as the 8530929 you mentioned.
You can see the part at:
http://www.appliancepartspros.com/partsearch/model.aspx?model_id=262545

applguy
Feb 20, 2006, 07:03 PM
It does appear to be a dishwasher control board, and if you put in the manufacturer's part number, that is the number that comes up. What they are doing is they have created their own numbering scheme to make sure no one returns parts to them that they ordered from somewhere else. The only problem I have with this procedure is that Whirlpool and all other manufacturers will change their part numbers when they make a change to the part itself, which happens quite freqently. If this website isn't "on the ball" you could actually be ordering a control that has outdated software on it, but there is no way for you to know. If you order it directly from the factory, that will ensure the most current part available. This website may be good at number maintenance, but I think you should know about the possibility beforehand. Good luck.

Comanderbob
Feb 22, 2006, 05:05 PM
Well.. I installed the control board last night, and guess what... It still acts the same. I suspect then it must be the membrane switch pad..

applguy
Feb 22, 2006, 05:24 PM
Most likely. As I said, these can be hard to figure out, since the components are untestable for the most part. Sorry I couldn't help more to avoid this situation, but in this medium it can be really tough. Hopefully, the next time you have trouble with something it will be easier to figure out.

Comanderbob
Feb 22, 2006, 05:28 PM
Thanks for your assistance. You were still a big help. It's great to have people like you that are willing to assist us do it yourself nuts.