I have a Hotpoint DWF70 dishwasher about 5 years old. Generally it works fine but recently, although the container is opened the tablet is still in one complete piece in the container. Various tablet types have been used to rule out one type in particular and the same happens nearly 100% of the time now. Very occasionally it will work OK i.e. the tablet has disappeared. The dishwasher run completes OK and I've checked the container opening and closing as much as I can but cannot figure what the problem might be.

Can anyone please help.

Jim Jackson, July 2009

I did get it sorted and it was a blockage in the spray arms which ended up being fixed relatively easily. I managed to find out that the arm was removable and took it off. It rattled amazingly loudly.

As it turned out, the noises came from bits inside the arm which were pieces of glass and bits of broken "china" (or whatever cups, mugs etc. are made from these days!).

After removing those and replacing the arm, it has now run perfectly about 5 or 6 times.

Thanks to John for the tip about where the problem mght lie.

Jim Jackson, August 2009

Thanks, John
The steam effect is there when re-opening the door at the end of the run so it is definitely heating up but obviously, I cannot confirm the exact temperature it is reaching.

I'm pretty certain the water feed is OK - is there any way to definitively check this? I'll see if I can ascertain the door opening timeframe as well.

Jim

Jim Jackson, July 2009

As you are aware, Jim, the dishwasher tablet is dissolved by the water flowing across it. So, a few things to consider. Are there any blockages in the spray arms, causing a loss of water flow? Is the washing water reaching the correct temperature? (Loads of steam when you open the door immediately the wash cycle has finished). Can you hear the release door opening when the machine is on - and can you ascertain that it is opening at the correct time - ie not too late in the cycle?

John, July 2009