Caple DI414 – still got problems

[westy1]

Hi

I posted details of my dishwasher problem a couple of weeks ago, still havn’t fixed it but have made some progress and am looking for advice as to the next move (thanks to those that replied to my original post).

Basic Details – Machine is a Caple DI414 integrated dishwasher. The problem is that when the start button is pressed, the machine drains, then fills for around a minute, and then stops. At this point the start button led flashes a sequence of six flashes,pause, six flashes etc. The start button has to be held down for a few seconds to clear this and restart.

I have taken the sides of the machine to try and locate the problem. The basic design uses an inline heater and a circulation motor similar to the one listed in the shop@ as a replacement for the Askol type. Inside the unit the sump contains a ntc thermistor and a pressure switch behind a black grill. In the sump there is a small hole which leads to a black flexible hose which then attachs to what I think is the water softner (tub with orange stuff in). During the fill cycle, water fills through this hole (observed running with door open), not through the large hole halfway up the side of the cavity which connects to the fill matrix (which was what I had assumed perhaps wrongly). I have cleaned the small hole and hose thoroughly. On the left hand side of the machine is the fill matrix, with a flow meter which uses a reed switch and plastic impeller.

I have tested the motor out of the dishwasher and it runs fine. I have checked the heater element resistance and its within spec. I have checked the pressure switch and it works (shows open circuit when filled with water). I have checked the reed switch and it works, and checked that the impeller in the matrix spins during the fill. I’m at a bit of a crossroads and not sure what to do next. I appreciate this model seems to be rare but does anyone have advice on what to try next? Tempted to skip it if I wasn’t enjoying trying to fix it!

Cheers,

Mark

[Penguin45]

Re: Caple DI414 – still got problems

Much easier if you keep it all in one thread, Mark………..

Anyway, whoever said the machine was a Fagor is wrong, it is a Whirlpool in a skirt. The fault code means that water is not detected as entering the machine in the time allowed. You say that the machine fills (I take it you can hear it?), so the fault is not the inlet valve itself. The other link in the chain is the sensor itself (the black grid in the sump). This has a habit of sludging up with fat deposits and food detritus under the grill and no longer sensing. Remove it and clean it under the hot tap – much shaking and prodding requried (do not use a sharp implement!) and things will probably start working again.

Worth checking the connector at the impellor as well – these have a habit of oxidising on the little PCB. A good clean of the contact areas and the connector itself may get you going.

Power off, of course.

Regards,
Penguin45.

[westy1]

Re: Caple DI414 – still got problems

Hi

An update on this long running problem! Having checked the flow meter and pressure switch thoroughly, I took Penguins advice and cleaned all contacts on the PCB even though I couldn’t see any oxidisation – and I’m happy to report that the machine is now working fine. Thanks to all who helped, special mention to Penguin for identifying the real identity of the machine, providing the fix and helping me understand how it works.

Cheers,

Mark

[westy1]

Re: Caple DI414 – still got problems

This is a thread I hoped I would never have to resurrect! Unfortunately after nearly 4 years since the last problem, the dreaded 6 flashes is back!

Recent history: machine (Caple DI414) stopped mid cycle with 4 audible beeps about a week ago (I believe this is a drain problem). Restarted machine and it carried on through cycle, and did a few more complete cycles.

Then a couple of days later, started cycle, drained, filled for about 100s and…….nothing (apart from the 6 flashes). Stripped machine down. Drain tray was full of water so drained all that away. From memory the 6 flashes indicate a water flow problem, where flow is monitored by the pressure switch in the sump (behind black grill) and the impellor/reed switch on water matrix. Cleaned pressure switch (which was disgusting), and have confirmed that it registers a change in state when water enters the sump. Checked and cleaned all contacts on reed switch PCB, squeezed connectors and verified that the cable from reed switch PCB to main PCB is good. Even replaced the reed switch! I have also verified that the reed switch is registering (although I can’t be sure its sending the right number of pulses to the main PCB). I have also cleaned all the main PCB contacts and connectors.

Problem is the machine still doesn’t work and I’ve run out of ideas. I hate to be beaten by it but its definitely winning. Is there anything I am missing here, or should I just bin it! Only thing I can think left to try is a new flow matrix although having replaced the reed switch I’m skeptical of it making any difference (plus I can’t work out how to release the collar inside the machine).

Thanks,

Mark

[clivejameson]

Re: Caple DI414 – still got problems

The only way to check the flow meter is working is to check it’s continuity from the connector on the pcb…disconnect from the pcb and identify which wires go to the reed switch. Hook a multimeter to them and have a helper ‘waft’ a magnet very close to the reed switch…you should see the circuit make and break.

If you get the knack you can actually make the paddle wheel in the matrix rotate with a magnet 😉

Reconnect having squeezed up the connector block and try again, if still no go then you are looking at the pcb itself 😕

Plug out at all times :zap:

[westy1]

Re: Caple DI414 – still got problems

Thanks for the reply Clive. I’ve managed to get the paddle wheel spinning and checked for continuity at the main PCB connector, it all seems to be fine which is bad news for me!

[Boat]

Re: Caple DI414 – still got problems

Penguin45 wrote:Much easier if you keep it all in one thread, Mark………..

Anyway, whoever said the machine was a Fagor is wrong, it is a Whirlpool in a skirt. The fault code means that water is not detected as entering the machine in the time allowed. You say that the machine fills (I take it you can hear it?), so the fault is not the inlet valve itself. The other link in the chain is the sensor itself (the black grid in the sump). This has a habit of sludging up with fat deposits and food detritus under the grill and no longer sensing. Remove it and clean it under the hot tap – much shaking and prodding requried (do not use a sharp implement!) and things will probably start working again.

Worth checking the connector at the impellor as well – these have a habit of oxidising on the little PCB. A good clean of the contact areas and the connector itself may get you going.

Power off, of course.

Regards,
Penguin45.

[Boat]

Can any one tell me how do you clean the sensor behind the black grill on a caple DI414. Is it under the machine or can you take it out through the filter compartment.

[clivejameson]

Re: Caple DI414 – still got problems

Access is underneath, there is a small locking tang then it bayonets out.

Power off at all times :zap:

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