Need help starting dishwasher

[Reel]

Alright, this may sound really stupid but I am totally stumped on how to operate this Kitchenaid dishwasher. I have used plenty of dishwashers in the past and typically it is as simple as choosing a mode and pushing start. I am renting this house so it is not my purchase.

I have actually managed to get it running probably about 5 times in the past. However, it seems totally coincidental that it ran. I have gone through a combination of holding buttons and pushing buttons many times.

Here is the panel: picture

My intuition would suggest that it would be as simple as choosing the cycle by pushing a button then an option if desired and then pushing start. Unfortunately that does not work. If I hold the start button for about 10 seconds, then the LED above the cycle chosen will start to flash but won't go. I have no idea how to make this start.

I tried to review the owner's manual but it doesn't actually tell you how to start the dishwasher. The help line is closed at nights and on weekends so I can't call and ask.

Cliffs: Look at picture. Tell me how to make the damn thing run.

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

choose 1 cycle
choose 1 option
hit start

 

[Fritzo]

Press normal, then start. If it's not working after that, make sure the door is actually closed. Most of the time the latch on the door isn't closed all the way, so the dishwasher won't start.

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

if it doesn't start after that, it's possible that the door-closed sensor may be malfunctioning. try jiggling the door/pressing on it and see if that makes it start

 

[Reel]

I tried playing with the door handle and putting weight against the door. I tried playing with the latch it connects to. I still can't get it to start. No matter what options or cycles I choose, the normal LED flashes if I hold start long enough. I guess that is some sort of error code.

 

[biggestmuff]

Looks pretty straightforward. I echo what others say; check the latch.

What's the make and model? Google for the owner's manual. You should've done that first.

 

[Reel]

Originally posted by: biggestmuff
Looks pretty straightforward. I echo what others say; check the latch.

What's the make and model? Google for the owner's manual. You should've done that first.

I have the paper owner's manual. It is more marketing than operation guide. It tells you about the great features and also how to load it safely so it operates without the dishes colliding. It also tells you how to determine if you have hard or soft water. Unfortunately, none of that really helps me. You're welcome to take a look at it if you would like: here

My guess is that it is a generic manual for many models so it doesn't make sense to include specific operating instructions.

 

[Reel]

Originally posted by: Reel
I tried playing with the door handle and putting weight against the door. I tried playing with the latch it connects to. I still can't get it to start. No matter what options or cycles I choose, the normal LED flashes if I hold start long enough. I guess that is some sort of error code.

Looking through google about flashing LEDs leads me to believe that it is indeed an error code. I guess I have to put a call in to the landlord to get it looked at and warranty service done on it. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[biggestmuff]

Originally posted by: Reel

Originally posted by: Reel
I tried playing with the door handle and putting weight against the door. I tried playing with the latch it connects to. I still can't get it to start. No matter what options or cycles I choose, the normal LED flashes if I hold start long enough. I guess that is some sort of error code.

Looking through google about flashing LEDs leads me to believe that it is indeed an error code. I guess I have to put a call in to the landlord to get it looked at and warranty service done on it. Thanks for the suggestions.

From the user instructions:

For questions about features, operation/performance, parts, accessories or service, call: 1-800-422-1230

Call that service number and ask about the error codes.

 

[mugs]

You locked it, right?

 

[SampSon]

I'm going to guess that it's probably broken.

 

[boomerang]

Ours has a "child lock" where your push a "hidden" button and the kiddies can't use the dishwasher as a toy.

Ours is much older, different brand, etc., so I can't help you any more than that. But it just might be your problem.

 

[BoomerD]

We have a Kenmore-Kitchenaid dishwasher, and once you choose the wash cycle you want, the machine goes through a "sensing" cycle to determine how much water will be needed, how many dishes are in the machine, etc. When it does that, it has a set of LED's that indicate "Sensing"...takes several minutes before the wash cycle actually starts. PERHAPS the OP's D/W does the same thing...but without separate LED's?
Otherwise, a call to Kitchenaid would certainly be a much better way to get an intelligent answer than posting on ATOT...

 

[montypythizzle]

Ask the wife.

 

[Reel]

I put a call in to the landlord. He is sending his appliance guy to do a warranty repair. All signs point to a problem with the electronics.