Chosen Solution

KitchenAid KDFE104DSS5 stopped draining recently and I took the following steps: A. Blockage in Drain Hose:

  1. I used the “Cancel/Drain” option successfully once and then this option stopped working too.

  2. I found the drain hose clogged at the end connecting to the garbage disposal (there is no air gap). I cleaned the guck and tested it end to end for clear movement of water.

  3. When I ran the Dishwasher, it still wouldn’t drain (and pressing the “Cancel/Drain” button produced a soft vibration hum, likely due to the drain pump motor trying to run?) B. Drain Pump Running Intermittently: I pulled out the dishwater and extracted the drain pump out (Part #W10724439). I fond nothing impeding the movement of the impeller.

  4. While holding the drain pump, when I pressed the “Cancel/Drain” button, the impeller worked for about 15 sec and stopped. However, I could feel the vibration from the motor unit. When I nudged the impeller wings, it would start running again. I tested it a few times using the “Cancel/Drain” button and found the behavior inconsistent. Sometimes, it would run continuously and sometimes, stop (and start running again if I nudged it).

  5. I unplugged the drain pump from the dishwasher and pried open the back plate of the impeller and found a very thin dry residue (looked like soap scum) around the circumference. I cleaned it (attached pic)

  6. I then hooked it up directly to a 120V source. Every time I switch on the power, it runs continuously without any interruption. I am now stuck and unsure what to look for next. Would appreciate some pointers.

Hi @mruder Here’s the tech sheet for the dishwasher that may help. It details how to run the diagnostic test mode and also it has strip wiring diagrams for most of the main functions (see p.8 for the drain motor circuit) If the problem turns out to be on the control board rather than a loose connection or a fractured wire somewhere (in harness where it leaves the door?) between the board and the drain motor then unfortunately there are no schematics for the board or at least none that I can find anyway. Be safety aware if “live testing” in situ when searching for the power when the motor is not operating when it should be. The motor operates at 120V AC!