Dishwasher Repair | How to Clean the Screen/Filter | Part 1 of 3

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Removal of the Bottom "Propeller" is out of sequence. Check at 2:38, removal of the spray assembly is there.

What I found was the metal, round filter would only fit in the slot one way. It is strangely cut and that is what clued me into my trouble. Also there are two slots in the bottom frame and I was trying to put it in the back one. If you do not properly seat it in the forward slot (closest to the door), the plastic shroud will not seat properly and everything will not go back together properly. Sorry, I don't know all the part names.

See Part 2: Check your drain line, easy check:
   • Dishwasher Repair-Will Not Drain-Part 2  

See Part 3: How to remove and replace the drain hose:    • Dishwasher Repair | Drain Hose Replac...  


IMPORTANT! Shut off your circuit breaker before working on any appliance. Be Safe, SHUT OFF THE POWER.
This is Part 1 of 2 Videos. See Part 2 here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYHTdz...

Kitchen Aid Dishwasher does not get dishes clean, so needs to be disassembled and cleaned out and put back together.

One trick, I could not find any of the torsion drivers, so I used a metric hex/allan wrench set, being careful not to over tighten or crank too hard. A little tip for you too. Dishwashers will clog up all the time with water deposits and food gunk. There are all those expensive cleaners out on the market but the best and cheapest way to clean them is with white vinegar. Simply pour it into the dishwasher when it is empty and run it on the pots and pans setting on hot. Always make sure to pre heat your water too by running the sink till it starts steaming. This will make it easier for your dishwasher to heat the water. If you don't, then when you turn on the dishwasher it starts to fill with cold water and has to heat it on its own. Run the vinegar though through it at least once a month or so and it will extend the life of the dishwasher. Hope this helps. Just try taking that arm back off though and putting it back together making sure everything is fitting properly.

Two things to help...

1) The first step after removing the shelves, which is removing that upper spindle and tube that runs along the back...it doesn't just snap out...you must look for the tabs and push them outwards, then pull the plastic tube off the ceiling and back wall.

2) When putting the "propeller" back on, make sure the spindle isn't binded and can sort of move about loosely. If it doesn't, then pull it through (up) with some pliers until it moves more freely. Remember, this part is reverse threaded which is why you can hold onto it and spin the arm around and get it to unscrew.

TIP from a viewer: the water supply up the back to top rack have thumb keeper brackets, if you just try to pull them off more than likes break the bracket rivets. press the tab and pull, save you from busting your dish washer. NEVER use a Dewalt or any power tool, these large thread plastic screws and strip in a second, use a hand tool.

Another Tip: One of my viewers indicated that he cleaned out the upper and lower spray components and he says it helped make it work even better. Perhaps his tip will help you too. He says: I don't think you talked about cleaning out the spray arm on the upper rack. I took that arm apart to some extent and flushed some nasties out of it. Tested by running water strongly from the bath tap into it to make sure all the holes were clear. This was a good trick with the lower arms as well. If someone doesn't have a turkey baster an ear syringe is also a good way to get rid of water (thereafter retired from ear duty!)

The large gray disc part that is removed at 6:16 actually come apart and there can be more gunk inside it. The round part with the mesh screen can be pulled apart from the larger piece with the gear-like edge. I used a small screwdriver to pry it back moving around the edge a little at a time. Then it just snaps back together after cleaning. It only goes on one way (which is nice).

Good luck.