Whirlpool Dishwasher Quiet Partner 1

[technewbie]

won't clean and I'm not sure what the problem is.  I am trying to take it apart to look for stuff stuck in it.  I have taken the lower spinner off and the 3 screws but can't remove the round screen that seems to be covering a food trap.  What do I do next?

Model DU1055XTSQ3

[niobrara]

That screw takes a smaller hex head than the others.Does it fill with water,is the water hot,does the pump work and the arms spin.Also see how much soap has been being used in it.

[technewbie]

what screw are you referring to?  I don't see another one.

No, there is no remaining water.  It appears to cycle normally and the water seems to go in and out but the dishes are dirty.  It has been getting steadily worse until the last load doesn't look like it was washed.  However, the soap is all gone.

I can spin the spinner when I load it but I'm not sure exactly how to see if they spin during the wash.  I put it on rinse only and interrupt the cycle to open the door.  When I do this, I see water coming up through the bottom spinner spot (spinner is out) and water in the bottom of the tub.  Then I shut the door and restart it.  When the cycle finishes, there is no water in the bottom of the tub.

It doesn't look like water is coming out of the top mini-spinner.  Hadn't noticed this before.  Maybe this is the problem.  Any idea how to fix this?