LG Dishwasher not heating

[Caddy4343]

I'm having trouble finding out why a model LDS5811BB dishwasher isn't heating for the drying cycle.  I checked the element but it's ok.  The wiring diagram mentions a fuse but I can't find it.  Does anyone have any ideas?  I have a 54 mile one way drive to this call and I'd appreciate all the help that I can get.

Thank you,

Don. from A 2 Z Appliance Repair

[AJ]

Hello and welcome,

Did you get a chance to read the Service Manual?

I will see if i can find what fuse you are talking about.

[AJ]

The wiring diagram mentions a fuse but I can't find it.

Is this the fuse you are seeing (see attachment below) on the diagram?

If there is one I would guess its part of the heater assembly as I don't see a fuse listed in the parts list.

Did you check to see if the heater switch is working?

I have not had to work on one of these yet, so I am just going by what I have found in the manual.

Are you able to check for voltage at the heater during the drying cycle?

What is the customers complaint with the dishwasher?

[Caddy4343]

I have a manual but it doesn't say too much about the heater.  The fuse I see in my manual is the same one that you show in the attachment.  Checking for voltage on this dishwasher isn't possible.  The machine has to be completely disconnected, removed from the cabinet and turned up side down to get to the components located on the bottom.  If you get a call on these machines run away far and run away fast!

I checked what appeared to be a thermostat built into the heater [2 small wires attach to it] and it showed open.  I ordered a new heater assembly and rechecked the thermostat.  The new one was the same as the original.  Also, there aren't any screws that hold the heater in.  It just slides into the sump.     

The customer complained that there wasn't any heat.

This is a great web site.  Thank you for the help.

[AJ]

The customer complained that there wasn't any heat.

Are there dishes getting clean?
Are they getting dry?

If you get a call on these machines run away far and run away fast!

We have a few of them out there. The customers that have them love them.

Any warranty left on it?

[Caddy4343]

The dishes are getting clean but only air drying.  They love the machine.  They said that it's super quiet.  Their warranty is an extended warranty that I do work for.  I'm not an authorized servicer for any brand.   

[apptech]

I'm not an authorized servicer for any brand.

I have never worked on any LG, but I am sure the day will come.
Please keep us updated as to what you end up doing to correct the problem.

I have a 54 mile one way drive to this call and I'd appreciate all the help that I can get.

That sucks, to bad it so far away.

It is calls like this were we learn new things on that help us become better techs.

After all what fun would it be if we just replace motor couplers all day, day after day.

Good luck with the repair,

[accapp]

Every LG d/w "not drying" call I ever got was solved by telling the customer to use rinse aid. Energy star requirements have forced the mfgr's to make d/w's that don't dry like the old hybrid d/w-ovens of even 10 years ago. The more massive the wares washed in the unit the better they will dry, you can just about forget about plastic items drying to most people's satisfaction.

[Caddy4343]

Thank you to all who offered answers to my LG heating quandry.  As it turned out; the problem was in the setting.  Once it was set to rinse aid and also to "sani" the problem went away.  I would have gone crazy trying solve that problem without help.  I'll do my best to repay the debt.  I'm still not a fan of LG's.

Hint: To remove the heating element loosen "both" nuts that hold the ground wire.  When reinstalling the element into the sump tightening the first nut will cause the rubber bushing to bulge and create a water tight seal.   

Don.

[AJ]

Glad to hear you got it.
Thanks you for the update.

[Caddy4343]

OK, so I'm not a fan of LG's but, in my area no one is.  Does anyone have any information on becoming an LG service tech.?  If I can't beat them as may as well join them.

Thanks,

Don.

[accapp]

I find with LG products it is either a catastrophic failure, an incorrect installation or a user problem (What do you mean I have to read the manual? I just paid $XXXX.XX to not have to read manuals.)

To get the ball rolling to become an authorized servicer call the ASC hotline at 800-847-7597.

[Caddy4343]

Thanks for the 800#. 

[Joe Foe from Buf]

Is it possible to turn the dry cycle off when or if wanted on this model?

I'm a end user (not a Dish Washer Tech. with formal training) However, I do fix just about any thing that handles paper for a living (copiers,printers,folding mash's....) and have no problem fixing any thing that I need to fix like a dishwasher or modifying in it that may make it possible, so please have mercy on explaining how to if possible.

[Al Capone]

Hi Joe Foe from Buf,

Please take the time to read, Topic: Posting Basics - Starting a New Topic

Note towards the bottom it say's,

Please do not ask your own question in a topic.
In other words, please don't hijack the topic and make it yours.
Start your own topic and reference the other topic related to your issue.

Thanks,