American Dish Service Dishwasher Troubleshooting

American Dish Service units are built to last. Even though these machines are known for their dependability, issues can still occur from time to time. If your unit isn’t working like it should, this American Dish Service dishwasher troubleshooting guide will help you identify and resolve problems so you can keep your piece of equipment working properly and efficiently. 

This information is for upright dishwashers, such as the AF-3D-S.

Machine Won’t Turn On

• Unit is unplugged - Plug in the unit.
• No voltage between black and white wires at junction box - Contact an authorized technician to remedy the issue.
• Master switch is faulty - Make an appointment with a licensed technician to address the issue.
• Start switch is defective - Call an authorized technician to correct the problem.
• Wire connections are loose - Schedule a service appointment with a licensed technician.
• Circuit breaker is off or tripped/fuse is blown - Turn the circuit breaker on. If issues persist, contact a licensed electrician for assistance.

Unit Won’t Stop

• Timer doesn’t stop at the end of the cycle - Reach out to an authorized technician for help.
• Instant start relay is defective - Call a licensed technician to address the issue.
• Start switch is faulty - Schedule a service appointment with a licensed technician.
• #1 micro switch is malfunctioning - Seek an authorized technician to resolve the issue.

Dishwasher Runs But Doesn’t Clean

• No detergent - Add detergent.
• Spray arms don’t rotate at 40-60 RPM, causing detergent to not flow - Contact an authorized technician to remedy the issue.
• Detergent pump doesn’t operate, causing detergent to not flow - Make an appointment with an authorized technician to service the unit.
• Cam isn’t adjusted properly - Adjust the cam.
• Squeeze tube is worn - Replace the squeeze tube.

Spray Arms Don’t Spin Properly

• Spray arms are dirty - Clean the spray arms.
• Bearings aren’t moving freely - Clean the spray arms. If issues persist, contact an authorized technician to correct the issue.
• Water level is almost overflowing - Adjust the water level. If the problem continues, seek an authorized technician to address the issue.

Pump Pressure is Low or Unsteady

• Spray jets are worn - Replace the spray jets.
• Impeller is dirty - Clean the impeller; if the pump pressure continues to fluctuate, call a licensed technician to remedy the issue.
• Water level is too low - Add water to the unit.
• Air is leaking through the anti-foam check valve - Call an authorized technician to address the issue.

Recirculating Pump Won’t Stop

• Timer doesn’t advance - Schedule a service appointment with a licensed technician.
• Timer doesn’t stop at end of cycle - Seek a licensed technician for assistance.
• #1 timer switch is faulty - Call an authorized technician to address the issue.
• Instant start relay is defective - Contact an authorized technician to remedy the problem.
• Mercury relay is malfunctioning - Reach out to a licensed technician to service the unit.

Recirculating Pump Operates, Unit Runs Normally

• Wire connections are loose - Contact a licensed technician to address the issue.
• Relay is faulty - Schedule a service appointment with an authorized technician to correct the issue. 
• Pump motor is defective - Reach out to a licensed technician for help.

Recirculating Pump Operates, Dishwasher Won’t Cycle

• Timer motor is defective - Schedule a service call with a licensed technician.
• Wire connections are loose - Seek the assistance of an authorized technician to remedy the issue.
• #1 timer switch is faulty - Reach out to a licensed technician to address the problem.

Recirculating Pump Is Noisy

• Movement of bearings seems rough when the motor shaft is turned - Clean the impeller; if the noise continues, contact an authorized technician to solve the issue.

Recirculating Pump Leaks

• Shaft is leaking - Replace the seal.
• Gasket between front and rear housing is leaking - Replace the gasket.
• A fitting or bolt is defective, causing a leak - Use sealant or tape to stop the leak temporarily. For a more permanent solution, reach out to an authorized technician to service the unit.

Dishwasher Starts, Then Motor Stops

• Wiring at junction box is incorrect - Call a licensed technician to correct the problem.

Fill Water Won’t Stop

• Solenoid valve diaphragm is defective - Schedule an appointment with a licensed technician to service the unit.
• Timer switch is faulty - Call an authorized technician to remedy the issue.
• Fill switch is malfunctioning - Contact a licensed technician for assistance.

Manual Fill Doesn’t Work, But Unit Fills Normally During Cycle

• Fill switch is defective - Reach out to an authorized technician to address the issue.
• Wire connections are loose - Make an appointment with an authorized technician to resolve the problem.

Manual Fill Does Work, But Unit Won’t Fill During Cycle

• Timer switch is faulty - Call a licensed technician to remedy the issue.
• Wire connections are loose - Contact an authorized technician to address the problem.

Dishwasher Operates Normally, But Won’t Fill With Water

• Water pressure is low - Seek a licensed technician for help.
• Not all of the valves are on - Turn on the valve(s).
• Strainer is dirty - Clean the inlet strainer. 
• Fill switch is faulty - Call an authorized technician for assistance.
• Wire connections are loose - Make an appointment with a licensed technician to service the unit.
• Solenoid coil is faulty - Reach out to an authorized technician to solve the issue.

Solenoid Valve Is Making a Buzzing Noise

• Solenoid coil is defective - Schedule a service appointment with an authorized technician.
• Diaphragm isn’t working properly - Call a licensed technician to address the issue.

Vacuum Breaker Is Leaking

• Vacuum breaker poppet is defective - Contact an authorized technician to correct the issue.
• Seat is dirty or damaged - Schedule a service call with a licensed technician for assistance.
• Check valve is faulty - Call an authorized technician to service the unit.
• Diaphragm is malfunctioning - Seek an authorized technician to address the problem.

Anti-Foam Valve Is Leaking

• Diaphragm is faulty - Schedule a service appointment with a licensed technician.

Dishwasher Is Foaming Excessively

• Chemical intake tubes are dirty - Flush the lines.
• Correct detergent isn’t being used - Use the correct detergent.
• Incorrect amount of detergent is being used - Adjust the amount of detergent.
• Improper rinse-aid is being used - Use the right rinse-aid.
• Wrong amount of rinse-aid is being put into the unit - Change the amount of rinse-aid.
• Water temperature isn’t at least 120 °F (48.89 °C) - Ensure an adequate hot water supply. If there seems to be an issue with your hot water supply, reach out to a licensed plumber for assistance.
• Recirculating pump intake plumbing is leaking - Contact an authorized technician to remedy the issue.

Chemical Doesn’t Flow

• Container is empty - Add cleaning chemical.
• Container is cracked or damaged, causing a leak - Replace the container.
• Intake tube is submerged - Reposition the intake tube.
• Squeeze tube is worn, cracked or brittle - Replace the squeeze tube.
• Intake tube is leaking air - Call a licensed technician to address the issue.
• Pump isn’t working - Contact an authorized technician to correct the problem.

Detergent Pump Won’t Operate

• Cam notch is closed - Adjust the cam.
• Timer switch is defective - Schedule a service appointment with an authorized technician.
• Pump is faulty - Call a licensed technician to remedy the issue.
• Wire connections are loose - Contact a licensed technician to address the problem.

Detergent Pump Won’t Stop

• #2 timer switch is defective - Seek the assistance of a licensed technician to solve the issue.
• Prime switch is faulty - Make an appointment with an authorized technician to correct the problem.

Sanitizer Pump Won’t Operate

• Cam notch is closed - Adjust the cam.
• #5 timer switch is faulty - Call a licensed technician to remedy the issue.
• Pump isn’t working properly - Make an appointment with an authorized technician to service the unit.
• Wire connections are loose - Reach out to an authorized technician for help.

Sanitizer Pump Won’t Stop

• #5 timer switch is malfunctioning - Contact an authorized technician to address the issue.
• Prime switch is defective - Schedule a service appointment with an authorized technician.

Drying Agent Pump Won’t Run

• Cam notch is closed - Reposition the cam.
• #6 timer switch is faulty - Call a licensed technician to correct the problem.
• Pump is malfunctioning - Contact a licensed technician to remedy the issue.
• Wire connections are loose - Make an appointment with an authorized technician for assistance.

Drying Agent Pump Won’t Stop

• #6 timer switch is defective - Seek the assistance of a licensed technician to correct the issue.
• Primer switch is faulty - Schedule an appointment with a licensed technician to remedy the issue.

Drain Tube Won’t Lift

• Lifting mechanism isn’t positioned properly - Adjust the lifting mechanism.
• Lifting mechanism is damaged - Reach out to a licensed technician for help.
• #3 timer switch isn’t working properly - Make an appointment with an authorized technician to address the issue.
• Wire connections are loose - Contact a licensed technician to remedy the issue.
• Solenoid is defective - Schedule a service call with a licensed technician.

Drain Tube Won’t Drop

• An obstruction is under the drainball - Remove the obstruction.
• Chain or linkage is damaged - Contact a licensed technician to remedy the issue.
• #3 timer switch is faulty - Call an authorized technician to address the problem.
• Solenoid is malfunctioning - Seek the assistance of a licensed technician to resolve the issue.

Drain Stopper Won’t Hold Water

• An obstruction is located under the drainball - Clear the obstruction.
• Drainball is grooved, spitted or worn - Call an authorized technician to remedy the issue.
• Seat is pitted or damaged - Schedule an appointment with a licensed technician to service the unit.
• Lifting mechanism isn’t adjusted properly - Contact a licensed technician to address the issue.
• Lifting mechanism is defective - Reach out to a licensed technician to solve the problem.

Drain Solenoid Is Noisy

• Travel limiting bracket isn’t in place - Call a licensed technician to service the unit.
• Linkage doesn’t move freely - Contact an authorized technician for assistance.
• Solenoid is defective - Reach out to a licensed technician to remedy the issue.

Door Doesn’t Work Properly

• Door and actuator mechanism are faulty - Seek a licensed technician to solve the issue.
• Door doesn’t fall freely with the arm attached - Reposition the door guides.
• Actuator mechanism doesn’t move freely, door is unattached - Reach out to an authorized technician for help.
• Spring is defective - Schedule a service appointment with an authorized technician to correct the issue.

For more information on your specific model, see the extensive library of American Dish Service manuals and diagrams on our site.

Please contact a local authorized service agent who can help with these specific units and all your commercial kitchen equipment needs.