Consumer Question: Dishwasher Stuck on Normal

Hi, Joe,


My seven-year old GE dishwasher is stuck on the normal setting. It makes a buzzing sound and that is it. Do I have to call a technician?

Thank you,
Marjorie

A: Hi Marjorie,

Thanks for your note. 

I have fixed many GE dishwashers just by doing the following: Remove the lower kick panel (2 screws). You will see the motor and the cooling fins on the motor. Take a ruler and move the fins using the ruler to do. Move them around a few times. (Make sure the dishwasher is not operating while doing this.) After moving the fins, turn the dishwasher on and see what happens. If it starts to operate, you should shut it off and pour a third cup of vegetable oil inside the bottom of the dishwasher and let it sit for 24 hours. It may run just fine after that. You have what we call a dry bearing in the motor. 

Regards,

Joe Gagnon