Thanks Jeff. I checked the water temp at the kitchen faucet, and it's about 125 degrees, so that should be ok. How do I go about checking the fill valve entrance screen? It's sad that 5 years is becoming the life span of an appliance like that. Thanks again.

Frank

Closer to 140 is better.
120 is min.

Shut off water tap. You will need to remove the access panels to get at the fill valve. Dishwasher fill valves also have a screen built into the valve entrance, this can also get all clogged up and need to be cleaned.

jeff.

Hello again. I realized that I hadn't come back with the resolution. Everything is working much better now. It looks like it wasn't getting enough water because when we would start the machine, we were clicking past the start spot too far, and that apparently wasn't giving it enough time to get enough water. We were also putting too much detergent in the machine. It's washing well and dishes are coming out a lot cleaner (especially glasses!). Thanks for your help in narrowing this down.

Frank

Thankx for the update

jeff.

I was having a similar problem with my Whirlpool dishwasher not cleaning well anymore, especially the top rack. I opened it up a few times, and it didn't look like the spray arm had moved at all. It didn't look clogged, however. After following this post, I looked to see the water level, and it didn't come up to the heating element. So I took the fill valve off and disassembled it:

[image][/image]
(Sorry - I forgot to resize the image)

The screen was full of sediment! I couldn't get the screen out without damaging it, and I didn't have another handy, so I wound up cleaning it with a Water Pic and a toothbrush. After reassembly (careful not the strip the screw threads!), and reinstallation, the dishwasher cleans like new. Thanks for all the advice.

Nice BIG pic

Good job on the repair!

jeff.

Hi. I just came back to this post because I'm back to having issues with my dishwasher, and I just can't believe it's something I can't fix. The arms aren't clogged and they are spinning, but the water only barely comes up to the heating element. I appreciate this post as I will now look again at the screen.

I've attached a few pics below to show that I'm also looking at cleaning up everything else inside, and I'm trying to figure out how to get things apart. What is the best way to take the upper spray arm off to clean it out (what a pain!)? Also, I've got the lower spray arm off, but how do I get the rest off? I've tried to remove the bolt, but it won't budge. Is it left hand threads (i've tried turning it that way too)? Thanks!!





Thanks!

Frank

I took apart the screen, and it's clean as a whistle. The dishes are still spotting, though, and getting a cloudy film on them (most noticeable with the glasses). Frank

And just as a reminder, this is a Whirlpool DU909PWKTQ. Thanks.

Frank