[spanky]

I have an Electrolux dx302wb that isnt washing properly because basically all the powder is still in the dispenser at the end of cycle.
The dispenser has opened at some stage during the cycle but i think maybe water is getting in there beforehand and thus it just turns the powder into a wet clump so it doesnt spill out normally. Ive tried drying the dispenser thoroughly before putting powder in but it doesnt make a difference. Hopefully this is a common problem in dishwashers and some can tell me what I need to do to fix it!!!

[denman]

Most likely your wash arms are not moving and/or not pumping properly

Could not find specific info on this unit but

Rotate the arms by hand
They should spin easily
Start a wash. If you can at the start of the cycle when the soap dispenser opens
When it starts washing
Does it sound like water is splashing hard inside the tub
Open the door
Does the washer have enough water in it
If not could be a dirty screen in the water valve
Check the position of the arms
Shut the door, let run a couple seconds
Open the door
Sometimes you can see the arms still moving
Arms should have moved
If not you probably have a dirty filter screen in the dishwasher

Othe faults can cause the above problem, I just gave you the easiest to repair

[spanky]

hi thanks for your reply. it appears the top arm is not spinning at all. It spins freely by hand and water runs through it cleanly. the bottom arm is working normally. what should i check to fix this?

[kayakcrzy]

Two things I need you to check. Turn the dishwasher on, and the water should fill up just below the element. The second thing is a hot water issue. When you turn on the dishwasher, and fill it with water, feel the water, and see if it is hot. It should be 140 degrees. That is what the soap manufacturers ask for to get optimum dilusion of the soap. If it is cold, drain the water out, and run the hot water at the sink first, and if it gets real hot, turn on the dishwasher, and fill it up. Run a cycle, and see how it does. If it does fine, you have to run the water at the sink first, so the dishwasher, can start with good hot water. If that doesnt work, I would need you full model #, so I can take a look at the soap dispenser to see if it has a seal. Sometimes the seal goes bad, and water gets in before the cup opens, and the soap gets hard, and will clump up. I can be reached at my web site T. PAONE's APPLIANCE SALES & SERVICE GUIDE Tom

[denman]

Took another look on the internet, could not find any info on your unit
Have you moved anything inside the washer that can block water from the dispenser ( cutlery holder ). Just a thought.

It does sound like you are not getting enough water pressure out of the pump.
The most common cause of this is dirty filters. Check your manual, remove them and clean them. Also most units have a sump of some type. This collects larger particles such as pieces of glass etc., make sure this is empty

Does the unit have a check valve that must close during wash but is open during drain, Many washers have a small rubber flapper at the bottom of the wash tower.
This acts like a valve, it is common for it to fail so a lot of water pressure goes out this hole instead of up to the towers

After filters and check valves the only thing I can think of is low water level
Most washers fill based on time so if the input line has some restriction the washer does get enough water. If the water level is low the pump can suck air reducing your pressure. A common cause of this is a partially plugged filter screen which is part of your water intake valve. Could also be your shut off valve is not wide open.
It is easy to check on the cycle where your soap dispenser opens, open the washer door once the dispenser is open and the unit has finished adding water. Add a couple quarts of hot water just be careful not to over fill it. If it now washes OK then your water input is the culprit. You can usually hear the difference in pump noise. It will get quieter since the pump is not cavitating.

[MikeyNCat]

I have a frigidaire dishwasher model PLDB998AC1 (which has electrolux on the model sticker) that is doing the same thing. I checked the screen, it seems ok, the soil filter cup thing was clean too. The inlet valve stayed open for approx. 90 seconds, water level is a little under the element, seems ok. The soap dispenser latch is releasing OK, when it should in the cycle. The soap cake left in the dispenser does seem to be dissolved around the edges, leading me to think about what was said about the seal. How can I be sure it is the seal? Should I use my squirt bottle to try and force water through the dispenser door to see if I can wet the dry soap?

Here is the link to the exploded diagram of the dispenser and surroundings, notice only the dispenser as a whole unit is available. At a cost of almost 60 bucks, I would like to make sure this is the problem.

Frigidaire PLDB998AC1 Parts List

Thanks

[MikeyNCat]

I am having the same problem and I found this from the frigidaire troubleshooting guide for my dishwasher:

1. Detergent allowed to stand too long in
dispenser.
2. Dispenser wet when detergent was
added.
3. Detergent cover held closed or blocked
by large dishes.
4. Improper incoming water
temperature to properly dissolve
detergent. (120 degrees F minimum)

I run mine at 140 degrees F

The remedies for the above are to instruct the user on proper soap loading/dish loading procedures, none called for replacement of anything.

I have to wait for a new drain hose before I can try these remedies.

Hope this helps.