Before You Scrap It - Try Fixing It.

I've said this before (see washing machine Jan. 2009) This was me talking about household appliances:
"I wonder how many hundreds of thousands wind up in the dump when $50 could make them like new?"

Before we left to go up to Wood Lake for our visit at MullBain Lodge, the dishwasher quit working. It would fill with water, then just sit there, doing nothing. When we returned home we faced a few days of hand washing the dishes while I diagnosed the problem.

The serial number ends in "WS". This means August 1999.

The best way to figure out what's up is to turn to the Internet. Appliance parts websites often host forums to discuss problems and YouTube can be invaluable in showing how to remove and replace defective parts. Check for your make and model and start your Google search. Appliance repair usually requires only basic tools and a multimeter.

In our case, the ultimate problem was not something that would be diagnosed on line. Suggestions included the door interlock switches, float switch and jammed pump impeller. After testing the motor and finding it worked fine, the trail of wires led back to the "brains" of the machine.

The main circuit board is usually just replaced in this case. This was not my favorite option as the board lists out at RepairClinic at $236 USD. (although eBay has them for much less) As a last resort, I removed the circuit board and examined the connections and solder joints. 

There was the culprit! One of the solder connections was a "cold solder" joint. This would have happened in manufacturing at the time the board was made. It held together for 18 years or so until finally the weak connection gave up. You can see the evidence of a white smoke mark on the board around the bad joint. That would have been caused by arcing and heat as the joint failed and the dishwasher did its last and final load.

Although it took me two days to figure this out, a quick re-solder and the joint was restored to as good as new. NO COST! The dishwasher was saved from a humble banishment to the scrap-heap and could live another 20 years, much to the chagrin of Wendy who was secretly looking forward to a new dishwasher I'm sure. Before you scrap it, give fixing it a try. What have you got to lose?

NOTE: You should disconnect the power before you start. Don't play around with live electrical circuits. Even if you have a good working knowledge of electricity, remember - it gives no warning when it's going to bite. That's why they call it a shock, and one slip-up can kill you!

Don't let that scare you. Every test and repair I am talking about here was able to be safely performed without the power connected. Still, if you are in doubt call a repairman.
.
.
.