Symptom-first diagnostic directory
Dishwasher symptoms
Each dishwashers page answers one consumer question, shows what observation separates the likely causes, and stops before unsafe or model-specific repair. Error codes stay in separate manufacturer records.
Browse by platform
642 complete records in this directoryDishwasher air gap overflows onto the sink
Water from the air gap indicates a restriction after the air gap—commonly the hose to the disposal or sink drain—not a reason to remove the air gap.
Open record Dishwashers · spray systemDishwasher bottom rack is not getting clean
Bottom-rack failure often follows a blocked lower arm, filter debris, cookware blocking rotation or weak circulation.
Open record Dishwashers · washDishwasher circulation pump and spray behaves incorrectly or produces the wrong result
A wrong result requires checking inputs, mode, calibration and output separately; a working control path can still be configured for the wrong state. This record isolates dishwasher circulation pump and spray through fill level/filter/spray arms versus circulation motor and diverter.
Open record Dishwashers · washDishwasher circulation pump and spray fails only on one cycle, load or operating condition
An appliance problem limited to one cycle, load, zone or operating condition should be separated from a component that fails every time. This record isolates dishwasher circulation pump and spray through fill level/filter/spray arms versus circulation motor and diverter.
Open record Dishwashers · washDishwasher circulation pump and spray is not working
A complete failure should be separated into power or eligibility, the external path, and the component itself before any reset. This record isolates dishwasher circulation pump and spray through fill level/filter/spray arms versus circulation motor and diverter.
Open record Dishwashers · washDishwasher circulation pump and spray is unusually slow or delayed
A delay can come from capacity, weak signal, background work, protection or a service wait; measuring the exact stage prevents the wrong repair. This record isolates dishwasher circulation pump and spray through fill level/filter/spray arms versus circulation motor and diverter.
Open record Dishwashers · washDishwasher circulation pump and spray keeps disconnecting or working intermittently
Intermittent behavior is diagnosed by the trigger—movement, heat, load, sleep, distance or time—not by repeating broad resets. This record isolates dishwasher circulation pump and spray through fill level/filter/spray arms versus circulation motor and diverter.
Open record Dishwashers · washDishwasher circulation pump and spray stopped working after an update, outage or hardware change
A failure immediately after a known change should be checked for new defaults, stale pairing, power sequencing or compatibility before factory recovery. This record isolates dishwasher circulation pump and spray through fill level/filter/spray arms versus circulation motor and diverter.
Open record Dishwashers · detergentDishwasher detergent dispenser behaves incorrectly or produces the wrong result
A wrong result requires checking inputs, mode, calibration and output separately; a working control path can still be configured for the wrong state. This record isolates dishwasher detergent dispenser through loading obstruction/wet cup versus latch, cycle progress and spray.
Open record Dishwashers · detergentDishwasher detergent dispenser fails only on one cycle, load or operating condition
An appliance problem limited to one cycle, load, zone or operating condition should be separated from a component that fails every time. This record isolates dishwasher detergent dispenser through loading obstruction/wet cup versus latch, cycle progress and spray.
Open record Dishwashers · detergentDishwasher detergent dispenser is not working
A complete failure should be separated into power or eligibility, the external path, and the component itself before any reset. This record isolates dishwasher detergent dispenser through loading obstruction/wet cup versus latch, cycle progress and spray.
Open record Dishwashers · detergentDishwasher detergent dispenser is unusually slow or delayed
A delay can come from capacity, weak signal, background work, protection or a service wait; measuring the exact stage prevents the wrong repair. This record isolates dishwasher detergent dispenser through loading obstruction/wet cup versus latch, cycle progress and spray.
Open record Dishwashers · detergentDishwasher detergent dispenser keeps disconnecting or working intermittently
Intermittent behavior is diagnosed by the trigger—movement, heat, load, sleep, distance or time—not by repeating broad resets. This record isolates dishwasher detergent dispenser through loading obstruction/wet cup versus latch, cycle progress and spray.
Open record Dishwashers · detergentDishwasher detergent dispenser stopped working after an update, outage or hardware change
A failure immediately after a known change should be checked for new defaults, stale pairing, power sequencing or compatibility before factory recovery. This record isolates dishwasher detergent dispenser through loading obstruction/wet cup versus latch, cycle progress and spray.
Open record Dishwashers · dispenserDishwasher detergent door does not open
A detergent door may be blocked by a pan or rack, stuck by damp detergent, or fail because the cycle never reached the release stage.
Open record Dishwashers · doorDishwasher door pops open during the cycle
A door that opens can be caused by a rack or utensil preventing closure, cabinet misalignment, an unlevel installation or a damaged latch.
Open record Dishwashers · drainDishwasher drain system behaves incorrectly or produces the wrong result
A wrong result requires checking inputs, mode, calibration and output separately; a working control path can still be configured for the wrong state. This record isolates dishwasher drain system through filter/pump cover/hose/air gap versus disposal plug and household drain.
Open record Dishwashers · drainDishwasher drain system fails only on one cycle, load or operating condition
An appliance problem limited to one cycle, load, zone or operating condition should be separated from a component that fails every time. This record isolates dishwasher drain system through filter/pump cover/hose/air gap versus disposal plug and household drain.
Open record Dishwashers · drainDishwasher drain system is not working
A complete failure should be separated into power or eligibility, the external path, and the component itself before any reset. This record isolates dishwasher drain system through filter/pump cover/hose/air gap versus disposal plug and household drain.
Open record Dishwashers · drainDishwasher drain system is unusually slow or delayed
A delay can come from capacity, weak signal, background work, protection or a service wait; measuring the exact stage prevents the wrong repair. This record isolates dishwasher drain system through filter/pump cover/hose/air gap versus disposal plug and household drain.
Open record Dishwashers · drainDishwasher drain system keeps disconnecting or working intermittently
Intermittent behavior is diagnosed by the trigger—movement, heat, load, sleep, distance or time—not by repeating broad resets. This record isolates dishwasher drain system through filter/pump cover/hose/air gap versus disposal plug and household drain.
Open record Dishwashers · drainDishwasher drain system stopped working after an update, outage or hardware change
A failure immediately after a known change should be checked for new defaults, stale pairing, power sequencing or compatibility before factory recovery. This record isolates dishwasher drain system through filter/pump cover/hose/air gap versus disposal plug and household drain.
Open record Dishwashers · dryingDishwasher drying system behaves incorrectly or produces the wrong result
A wrong result requires checking inputs, mode, calibration and output separately; a working control path can still be configured for the wrong state. This record isolates dishwasher drying system through plastic items versus all materials, rinse aid, selected option and heater/fan.
Open record Dishwashers · dryingDishwasher drying system fails only on one cycle, load or operating condition
An appliance problem limited to one cycle, load, zone or operating condition should be separated from a component that fails every time. This record isolates dishwasher drying system through plastic items versus all materials, rinse aid, selected option and heater/fan.
Open record Dishwashers · dryingDishwasher drying system is not working
A complete failure should be separated into power or eligibility, the external path, and the component itself before any reset. This record isolates dishwasher drying system through plastic items versus all materials, rinse aid, selected option and heater/fan.
Open record Dishwashers · dryingDishwasher drying system is unusually slow or delayed
A delay can come from capacity, weak signal, background work, protection or a service wait; measuring the exact stage prevents the wrong repair. This record isolates dishwasher drying system through plastic items versus all materials, rinse aid, selected option and heater/fan.
Open record Dishwashers · dryingDishwasher drying system keeps disconnecting or working intermittently
Intermittent behavior is diagnosed by the trigger—movement, heat, load, sleep, distance or time—not by repeating broad resets. This record isolates dishwasher drying system through plastic items versus all materials, rinse aid, selected option and heater/fan.
Open record Dishwashers · dryingDishwasher drying system stopped working after an update, outage or hardware change
A failure immediately after a known change should be checked for new defaults, stale pairing, power sequencing or compatibility before factory recovery. This record isolates dishwasher drying system through plastic items versus all materials, rinse aid, selected option and heater/fan.
Open record Dishwashers · noiseDishwasher hums but does not wash
A brief hum can be a drain or inlet valve, but continuous humming without water movement can mean a blocked pump, closed supply or seized circulation motor.
Open record Dishwashers · wash qualityDishwasher leaves a white film on dishes
White film can be hard-water mineral, excess detergent or undissolved detergent—not necessarily food soil. Whether vinegar dissolves a sample helps distinguish mineral from etching, but follow material and manufacturer limits.
Open record Dishwashers · wash qualityDishwasher leaves gritty residue on glasses and dishes
Grit usually comes from a dirty or incorrectly seated filter, blocked spray arms, poor loading, low fill or detergent that did not dissolve.
Open record Dishwashers · detergentDishwasher pod remains stuck in the dispenser
A pod can stick when the cup is wet, the lid is blocked, water is too cool or spray cannot reach it after release.
Open record Dishwashers · racksDishwasher rack coating is chipped or rusting
Exposed metal under damaged rack coating can rust and stain the tub or dishes. Cleaning does not restore the protective coating.
Open record Dishwashers · drain plumbingDishwasher smells like sewage
Sewage odor indicates drain backflow, a missing high loop or air gap, a dry/blocked trap or household plumbing problem more than ordinary tub residue.
Open record Dishwashers · odorDishwasher smells like wet dog after a cycle
A wet-dog odor often develops from food residue in the filter, stagnant drain water, dirty seals or dishes drying slowly—not from a need for fragrance.
Open record Dishwashers · spray systemDishwasher top rack is not getting clean
Top-rack-only failure points to loading, a blocked upper spray arm, a disconnected rack water feed or insufficient circulation to that level.
Open record Dishwashers · normal drain stateIs a small amount of water under the dishwasher filter normal?
A small amount of clean water in the sump can protect pump seals, while water covering the tub floor or carrying debris indicates incomplete drainage.
Open record Dishwashers · detergent emergencySoap foam is leaking from the dishwasher door
Foam pouring from the door usually means hand dish soap, excessive detergent or spilled rinse aid. Stop the cycle and remove foam before repeated draining.
Open record Dishwashers · dryingWhy are plastic dishes still wet after the dishwasher?
Plastic stores less heat than ceramic or glass, so condensation and residual droplets are common even when the dishwasher dries normally.
Open record Dishwashers · cycle timingWhy does the dishwasher cycle take much longer than expected?
Modern cycles extend time to compensate for cooler water, soil sensing, energy-saving heat and drying. A sudden increase can also indicate low inlet temperature, excess foam or repeated heating.
Open record Bosch · control lockBosch 100 Series SHE3AEM5N dishwasher controls are locked or buttons do not respond
Bosch 100 Series SHE3AEM5N dishwasher controls are locked or buttons do not respond: control lock, wet panels, active cycles and door state can disable keys without a failed console. Scoped to SHE3AEM5N, with the model boundary and safe stop points made explicit.
Open record Bosch · long cycleBosch 100 Series SHE3AEM5N dishwasher cycle takes too long
Bosch 100 Series SHE3AEM5N dishwasher cycle takes too long: sensor wash, heating delays, water temperature and repeated fill/drain correction can extend time. Scoped to SHE3AEM5N, with the model boundary and safe stop points made explicit.
Open record Bosch · detergent doorBosch 100 Series SHE3AEM5N dishwasher detergent door will not open or detergent remains
Bosch 100 Series SHE3AEM5N dishwasher detergent door will not open or detergent remains: a wet cup, blocked lid, short/prewash cycle or weak circulation can leave detergent even when the latch works. Scoped to SHE3AEM5N, with the model boundary and safe stop points made explicit.
Open record Bosch · not cleaningBosch 100 Series SHE3AEM5N dishwasher does not clean dishes
Bosch 100 Series SHE3AEM5N dishwasher does not clean dishes: fill, circulation, spray-arm movement, loading, detergent and water temperature must all be present. Scoped to SHE3AEM5N, with the model boundary and safe stop points made explicit.
Open record Bosch · not dryingBosch 100 Series SHE3AEM5N dishwasher does not dry dishes
Bosch 100 Series SHE3AEM5N dishwasher does not dry dishes: plastic retention, rinse aid, selected option, final-rinse heat and vent/fan design affect drying. Scoped to SHE3AEM5N, with the model boundary and safe stop points made explicit.
Open record Bosch · leakingBosch 100 Series SHE3AEM5N dishwasher is leaking water
Bosch 100 Series SHE3AEM5N dishwasher is leaking water: locate the first drop during fill, wash and drain instead of diagnosing from the final puddle. Scoped to SHE3AEM5N, with the model boundary and safe stop points made explicit.
Open record Bosch · spotsBosch 100 Series SHE3AEM5N dishwasher leaves spots, film or cloudy glassware
Bosch 100 Series SHE3AEM5N dishwasher leaves spots, film or cloudy glassware: hard water, detergent dose, rinse aid, temperature and permanent glass etching require different corrections. Scoped to SHE3AEM5N, with the model boundary and safe stop points made explicit.
Open record Bosch · grindingBosch 100 Series SHE3AEM5N dishwasher makes grinding, humming, knocking or squealing noises
Bosch 100 Series SHE3AEM5N dishwasher makes grinding, humming, knocking or squealing noises: identify whether the sound occurs during fill, circulation or drain. Scoped to SHE3AEM5N, with the model boundary and safe stop points made explicit.
Open record Bosch · odorBosch 100 Series SHE3AEM5N dishwasher smells bad or musty
Bosch 100 Series SHE3AEM5N dishwasher smells bad or musty: food soil, filter/sump residue, drain backflow and long idle periods should be separated from electrical odor. Scoped to SHE3AEM5N, with the model boundary and safe stop points made explicit.
Open record Bosch · stopsBosch 100 Series SHE3AEM5N dishwasher stops or pauses mid-cycle
Bosch 100 Series SHE3AEM5N dishwasher stops or pauses mid-cycle: record whether the stop occurs during fill, circulation, heat or drain and whether the door/lights changed. Scoped to SHE3AEM5N, with the model boundary and safe stop points made explicit.
Open record Bosch · Wi-FiBosch 100 Series SHE3AEM5N dishwasher will not connect to Wi-Fi or the manufacturer's app
Bosch 100 Series SHE3AEM5N dishwasher will not connect to Wi-Fi or the manufacturer's app: confirm wireless eligibility, account ownership and supported network requirements before resetting. Scoped to SHE3AEM5N, with the model boundary and safe stop points made explicit.
Open record Bosch · not drainingBosch 100 Series SHE3AEM5N dishwasher will not drain or leaves water in the tub
Bosch 100 Series SHE3AEM5N dishwasher will not drain or leaves water in the tub: separate normal sump water from a blocked filter, pump cover, hose, air gap, disposal connection or household drain. Scoped to SHE3AEM5N, with the model boundary and safe stop points made explicit.
Open record Bosch · not fillingBosch 100 Series SHE3AEM5N dishwasher will not fill with water
Bosch 100 Series SHE3AEM5N dishwasher will not fill with water: door latch, supply valve, inlet hose, float and control state should be checked before the inlet valve. Scoped to SHE3AEM5N, with the model boundary and safe stop points made explicit.
Open record Bosch · won't startBosch 100 Series SHE3AEM5N dishwasher will not start or respond
Bosch 100 Series SHE3AEM5N dishwasher will not start or respond: prove power, door latch, control lock, delay and Start/Resume behavior first. Scoped to SHE3AEM5N, with the model boundary and safe stop points made explicit.
Open record Bosch · control lockBosch 100 Series SHXM4AY55N dishwasher controls are locked or buttons do not respond
Bosch 100 Series SHXM4AY55N dishwasher controls are locked or buttons do not respond: control lock, wet panels, active cycles and door state can disable keys without a failed console. Scoped to SHXM4AY55N, with the model boundary and safe stop points made explicit.
Open record Bosch · long cycleBosch 100 Series SHXM4AY55N dishwasher cycle takes too long
Bosch 100 Series SHXM4AY55N dishwasher cycle takes too long: sensor wash, heating delays, water temperature and repeated fill/drain correction can extend time. Scoped to SHXM4AY55N, with the model boundary and safe stop points made explicit.
Open record Bosch · detergent doorBosch 100 Series SHXM4AY55N dishwasher detergent door will not open or detergent remains
Bosch 100 Series SHXM4AY55N dishwasher detergent door will not open or detergent remains: a wet cup, blocked lid, short/prewash cycle or weak circulation can leave detergent even when the latch works. Scoped to SHXM4AY55N, with the model boundary and safe stop points made explicit.
Open record Bosch · not cleaningBosch 100 Series SHXM4AY55N dishwasher does not clean dishes
Bosch 100 Series SHXM4AY55N dishwasher does not clean dishes: fill, circulation, spray-arm movement, loading, detergent and water temperature must all be present. Scoped to SHXM4AY55N, with the model boundary and safe stop points made explicit.
Open record Bosch · not dryingBosch 100 Series SHXM4AY55N dishwasher does not dry dishes
Bosch 100 Series SHXM4AY55N dishwasher does not dry dishes: plastic retention, rinse aid, selected option, final-rinse heat and vent/fan design affect drying. Scoped to SHXM4AY55N, with the model boundary and safe stop points made explicit.
Open record Bosch · leakingBosch 100 Series SHXM4AY55N dishwasher is leaking water
Bosch 100 Series SHXM4AY55N dishwasher is leaking water: locate the first drop during fill, wash and drain instead of diagnosing from the final puddle. Scoped to SHXM4AY55N, with the model boundary and safe stop points made explicit.
Open recordStructured depth, not empty permutations
Every published record carries a direct answer, scope, ordered fixes, risk notes and sources.
Device and manufacturer hubs share a consistent record system, but each answer carries the relevant controls, fault boundaries, consequences and official support entry point for that platform.
See the publication gate