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Function of cycling switch on GE dishwasher? Drain solenoid problem.

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Posted: Sat Nov 20th, 2010 06:09 pm

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macx
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Timer went bad, drain solenoid stuck on, melted.

Replaced timer w/new oem GE, also replaced drain solenoid.

(Already have new oem GE "quiet" motor/pump, new water valve,
tested float switch shows continuity when "on", & checked to make
sure both interlock switches - hot and neutral - function when the
door latch is closed)

The manual (& wiring diagram?) that's supposed to be under the tub
on the right side is missing, we bought this machine used.

I therefore cannot test, and do not know, the specific function of the
cycling switch and if it has anything to do with the drain solenoid
not getting 120VAC per my digital multi meter (and it doesn't activate
when it should be draining).

Everything BUT the drain solenoid seems to work OK.

Appreciate any ideas / help. Could the new oem GE timer be faulty?
It cycles fine, pump & water valves function when they should.

Thanks!!!

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Posted: Sat Nov 20th, 2010 06:34 pm

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kdog
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Drain solenoid only gets energized for about 20 seconds at the end of each wash increment, please post the MODEL NUMBER of the machine for look-up purposes

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Posted: Sat Nov 20th, 2010 06:50 pm

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macx
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My apologies, I thought I had.
I did have some problems navigating the site and getting
the message posted, not real obvious to a newcomer.

GE dishwasher model GSD640G-02, built circa 1990.

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Posted: Sat Nov 20th, 2010 07:01 pm

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macx
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I'm aware that the drain cycle is short, that's why I let the timer run the cycle
so I wouldn't miss it by turning the knob manually.

I had my multimeter hooked to the wires that bring voltage to the solenoid and
sat on the floor for nearly an hour watching the meter thru the later part of the
wash cycle and clear thru the rinse cycle. No indication of voltage.

Also run it thru a cycle with the solenoid hooked up and it did not activate
a single time.

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Posted: Sat Nov 20th, 2010 07:04 pm

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kdog
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Sorry, I saw your model number posted on the title, having a hard time to locate wiring info for your unit, but sounds like you are on the right track- need to trace solenoid wire to the timer block and see if you get the power there

could only find this

Attachment: 04-DW-13.pdf (Downloaded 2 times)

Last edited on Sat Nov 20th, 2010 07:09 pm by kdog

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Posted: Sat Nov 20th, 2010 08:39 pm

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macx
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Found what apparently was the problem. New timer and drain solenoid but would not drain - would not activate the solenoid.

During trial cycle after installing new timer noted tub was over filling some, so took out the float switch and tested for continuity, was OK.

Had bought the washer used so did not get any manual with it, so didn't know about doing anything with the float switch assembly inside the tub.

Took it apart, had significant buildup which was partly blocking the float from rising all the way, hence the overfill.

Cleaned it and reassembled, tried another full cycle.

Now it fills to a proper level and drains when it should. The float switch & drain control must be somehow tied together.

Learn something every day in spite of myself!

But I'd still like to know how the cycling switch works and what it does in the system for future reference.

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Posted: Sat Nov 20th, 2010 08:47 pm

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BrntToast
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if by cycle switch you mean the big relay in the control panel it is used to extend the wash time during high temp was or pots/pans

it has no drain function

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Posted: Sat Nov 20th, 2010 09:26 pm

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BrntToast
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also... the float has noting to do with the amount of water that fills, it is only a safety, the machine works on a timed fill controlled by the timer

the float on GE dishwasher works one of 2 ways....

older machines the float triggered the drain solenoid if it raised to its flood level(bad design cause if drain plugged, the machine flooded the kitchen)

new machines the float kills power to the water valve when it reaches its flood position

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Posted: Sun Nov 21st, 2010 01:49 am

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macx
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Thanks for verifying that.

I didn't think it would, but until you know, you don't know.

Strange this is that before I cleaned up the float assembly,
the timer wouldn't activate the solenoid. AFterward I cleaned it, now the drain solenoid works. Oh, well.

Thanks for the info on the cycling switch - now I know that
it's for the pot scrubber extended cycle, and can add that bit of info to my growing file on the dishwasher which incl all the part numbers of the "active" parts.

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