Hotpoint Ultima Dishwasher FDW80 Not Draining

[imemine]

Hello,

I’m a total newbie on here….so please be patient 🙂

Our dishwasher is not draining and shows code AL03 at the end of any cycle…..and I’ve looked into a few things already. It’s not a blockage, I’ve cleaned the filters, taken the drain pump apart…cleaned and reinstalled, checked the drain pipe….I even tested the pump motor off the machine and it was running fine. I’m really stumped now and can only think it must be an electrical/switch/sensor problem that is stopping the pump from receiving the message to pump! ?

I wouldn’t really know what to check on the electrical circuitry side of things….any advice greatly appreciated.

Glen 🙂

[iadom]

Re: Hotpoint Ultima Dishwasher FDW80 Not Draining

If the drain pump is totally clear then sadly it points to an electrical fault. If you don’t have the means to check the machine electrically then it really is time to let someone who does have a look at it.

If you could give us all of the details from the sticker on the side of the door, serial number and commercial code etc that would help.

On certain models the drain pump circuit is routed through the main wash pump, an open circuit or overheating wash pump will cause the drain pump to fail. The wiring circuits from the control PCB to the pump need testing and if they are fine then it points towards the control PCB. 😥

[imemine]

Re: Hotpoint Ultima Dishwasher FDW80 Not Draining

Thank you for your kind reply.

The dishwasher details are:
Hotpoint ultima FDW80
S/N: 705092797
Type Number: LS12-DEA600

The machine works fine for the wash cycle and only shows the AL 03 code at the end when it fails to drain and about an inch of water is left in the bottom 🙁

[iadom]

Re: Hotpoint Ultima Dishwasher FDW80 Not Draining

Your ‘Indesit’ machine has the later (still very unreliable) DEA electronics in it, but the drain pump is wired in parallel with the motor, not in series.

When any programme is selected the drain pump should run for 15 to 20 seconds before it starts to fill. Can you hear the drain pump running when you select a programme then press start?

As I have already said, if you don’t have access to suitable test equipment then you are at great disadvantage. I would certainly be unable to repair any such fault without being able to test the components and wiring connections.

Sadly the PCB in your machine is also the type that needs programming with specialist equipment after fitting.

[imemine]

Re: Hotpoint Ultima Dishwasher FDW80 Not Draining

Just discovered a strange thing (to me anyway..lol)
the plug with two red wires that goes into the drain pump looks a little burnt as if it has shorted, could this be the problem?….see image

[imemine]

Re: Hotpoint Ultima Dishwasher FDW80 Not Draining

Thanks for your last reply iadom. I’m not sure about the filling sound…will have to reassemble and run a program to find out and get back to you.

[iadom]

Re: Hotpoint Ultima Dishwasher FDW80 Not Draining

That’s almost certainly the cause.

[imemine]

Re: Hotpoint Ultima Dishwasher FDW80 Not Draining

Cleaned up the plug and reconnected the wires then run the short (12min) rinse cycle and did hear a running sound for a few seconds before the rotating arm/washing sound started, but still a no drain and AL03 ending 🙁
From what you have said previously re.PCB and specialist programing, do you think it may be time to consider a new machine and do you any particular brand and model?

[iadom]

Re: Hotpoint Ultima Dishwasher FDW80 Not Draining

Not enough to clean up the plug, it needs to be cut off completely and then the wires reconnected using individual, insulated AMP tags.

[imemine]

Re: Hotpoint Ultima Dishwasher FDW80 Not Draining

OK, thank you….will try that next. Does it matter which wire connects to each connector on the motor?

[iadom]

Re: Hotpoint Ultima Dishwasher FDW80 Not Draining

No, that’s why they are both red. 😉

[imemine]

Re: Hotpoint Ultima Dishwasher FDW80 Not Draining

Ahem….yes 🙂

Ok, I’ve secured the connectors with insulated spade connectors but sadly the fault remains.
So it looks as if it is the PCB? There is a used one on Ebay for £30 but I’m guessing you will steer me away from that given that these boards are dodgy anyway and I would still need to have it programmed unless there is a way to program it myself. New boards are expensive and the machine is around 7 years old so would you suggest throwing in the towel and buying a new one?
I hate to give up on things but there comes a point where it is just not economically sensible.

[iadom]

Re: Hotpoint Ultima Dishwasher FDW80 Not Draining

It’s possible that the overheating terminals have damaged the PCB.

If it was exactly the same pcb then it would fit but there are several variants which are not interchangeable. You could programme it your self, you only need a £15/£20 smart card and a £100 card reader. 😥

7 years out of what is basically a cheap Indesit isn’t that bad TBH.

[imemine]

Re: Hotpoint Ultima Dishwasher FDW80 Not Draining

Ok, I’ll bite the bullet and look for a new one in the sales. Any particular make/model that you recommend ?

I’m really very grateful for your help and advice you have given and will certainly look in again if I think it might be worth trying to repair an appliance in future.

Many thanks and kind regards,

Glen 🙂

[iadom]

Re: Hotpoint Ultima Dishwasher FDW80 Not Draining

Bosch are decent mid range stuff.

[Author]

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