How to Troubleshoot a Maytag Dishwasher MDB 4100

If your Maytag MDB4100 dishwasher quits working, troubleshoot to determine the problem before resorting to hand-washing your dishes.

The Maytag MDB4100 dishwasher features an extended wash option and delay start selection. If the convenience of your automatic dishwasher is overshadowed by a malfunction, troubleshoot the problem yourself before resorting to an expensive service call. Short of failure of a major component, most issues with the MDB4100 can be repaired by the homeowner even if she has little or no repair background.

Things You'll Need

• Fuse, if needed
• Tape measure
• Fresh detergent
• Rinse aid

Instructions

1. Check all settings for the dishwasher to be sure the cycle you expect to run is the cycle you actually set. Additionally, make sure the selected cycle has had the opportunity to finish before determining that a problem exists.

2. Inspect all inlets and drain hoses for sharp bends or obstructions.

3. Open the door and shut it again, making sure it latches properly.

4. Verify that the power supply is active. Check your home's circuit breaker or the fuse box. Reset a tripped breaker; replace a blown fuse.

5. Check your home's water heater temperature. Maytag recommends an incoming temperature of between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit for best results. Change the temperature, if necessary, according to your water heater manufacturer's directions. Run hot water from the faucet nearest the dishwasher before beginning a cycle. This will result in the dishwasher exerting less effort toward heating water and more toward cleaning dishes.

6. Measure the distance from the drain hose to the dishwasher tub if the machine won't drain. The distance should be no less than 32 inches to prevent water flowing back into the dishwasher.

7. Place fresh detergent into the detergent compartment if old detergent remains in the compartment or dishes remain dirty. Old detergent or detergent not made for an automatic dishwasher may cause problems with the unit.

8. Check the rinse aid level if your dishes are not completely dry or if they are spotty. The rinse aid compartment is near the detergent compartment. If the window of the compartment is colored, you have plenty of rinse aid in the machine. If the window is not colored, remove the cap by turning it counterclockwise. Place liquid rinse aid into the compartment. Place the cap back on the rinse aid compartment and turn clockwise to secure it.

References

• Whirlpool: Maytag MDB4100 Manual