Siemens dishwasher softener not working

[AJLS]

I have an 11yr old Siemens SE65A560GB/42 that leaves a white residue on otherwise clean plates and cutlery which I am assuming is scale. I have replaced the filter inside the machine as the old one was broken/letting dirty water pass. I also replaced the rubber non return/flap accessible under a cover inside the machine. I then ran a descaler through on a hot wash. The plates are still covered in scale.
The water gets hot, the arms rotate alternatively (as they should) and are not blocked. The drain pump is working, and I have checked the water inlet filter and its clear.
I have just pulled the machine out and checked the Regen valve and the Heat exchanger drainage valve with a resistance meter – they both measure approx. 2.45k ohms – does this mean they are ok?
I notice on the plastic heat exchanger that there seems to be a blockage in the top left corner which looks like it may be a breather for the drain out? The drain goes up to the top and then down again presumably to get some otherwise wasted heat out of the water.
I also notice that the Air chamber level and pipe to the pump sump are dirty, a creamy colour?
I’m wondering whether to get this fixed, or just get a new one, it must have done 4000 washes. Do these only last 10 years anyway, or should it go on for 20?
Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Martin]

Re: Siemens dishwasher softener not working

I take it the salt container is full and that the salt doesn’t dissolve through usage? If that is so then the salt regeneration valve needs replacing. Also sounds like you need to remove and thoroughly clean the fill matrix and away you go again a few more years! 😀

[AJLS]

Re: Siemens dishwasher softener not working

Thanks for you reply Martin. Yes the salt container is full and doesn’t get used up. I read somewhere on a forum that if the regen valve reads 2.45k ohm across the terminals, then its ok – do they only fail electrically, or can they also be mechanically caput?

[Martin]

Re: Siemens dishwasher softener not working

They fail mechanically.

[AJLS]

Re: Siemens dishwasher softener not working

Thanks, I’ll order one and let you know.

[Author]

Posts