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18

HARD WATER 
(WHITE RESIDUE ON 
DISHWASHER INTERIOR OR 
GLASSWARE)

NOTE: Extremely hard water mineral deposits can cause damage to your dishwasher and make it 
difficult to achieve good cleaning. A water softener is strongly recommended if your hardness is 
15 grains or more. If a water softener is not installed, the following steps may help:

Use a commercial cleaner designed for dishwashers once per month.

Clean the upper and lower filters at least once per month. (See “Cleaning Instructions” in the “Filtration 
System” section.)

Always use a rinse aid.

Always use a high-quality, fresh detergent.

Use a detergent booster/water softener additive designed for dishwashers.

ODORS

NOTE: If the dishwasher is not used daily, you can run a rinse cycle with the partial load until a full load 
is ready to run, or use the Top Rack Only option (on some models) for partial loads.

Run a vinegar rinse through the dishwasher by putting 2 cups (500 mL) of white vinegar in an upright 
glass measuring cup in the lower rack. Run a normal cycle with the Heat Dry option turned off. Do not 
use detergent.

The dishwasher may not be draining properly, see “Water Remains In The Tub/Will Not Drain” in the 
“Troubleshooting” section.

NOISY

NOTES:

Surging sounds can occur periodically throughout the cycle while the dishwasher is draining.

Normal water valve hissing may be heard periodically.

A normal snap sound may be heard when the detergent dispenser opens during the cycle and when 
the door is opened at the end of the cycle.

Improper installation will affect noise levels. 

Be sure the filters are properly installed. 

A thumping sound may be heard if items extend beyond the racks and interfere with the wash arms. 
Readjust the dishware and resume the cycle.

FOOD SOILS REMAIN 
ON DISHES

Be sure the dishwasher is loaded correctly. Improper loading can greatly decrease the washing 
performance (see “Dishwasher Use” section).

Check filter to ensure it is properly installed. Clean it if needed. (See “Cleaning Instructions” in the 
“Filtration System” section for details.)

Select the proper cycle and option for the type of soils. The ProWash™ or the Tough cycle with the 
ProScrub

®

 (on some models) option can be used for tougher loads.

Be sure the incoming water temperature is at least 120°F (49°C). 

Use the proper amount of fresh detergent. More detergent is needed for heavier-soiled loads and hard 
water conditions.

Scrape food from dishes prior to loading (do not prerinse).

DISHES DIRTY/SUDS IN 
DISHWASHER/CYCLE NOT 
COMPLETE

If foam or suds are detected by the dishwasher sensing system, the dishwasher may not operate 
properly or may not fill with water.

Suds can come from:

Using the incorrect type of detergent, such as dish detergent for hand washing dishes, laundry 
detergent, or hand soap. 

Not replacing the rinse aid dispenser cap after filling (or refilling) the rinse aid.

Using an excessive amount of dishwasher detergent.

Call for service.

If no water was present in the machine at any time during a heated wash cycle, the cycle will end and 
the Clean LED will not come on. See “Will Not Fill” in the “Troubleshooting” section.

SANITIZED LIGHT BLINKING

If the sanitized light is blinking, the load is NOT sanitized. The cycle was interrupted in the final rinse, or 
the temperature for your water heater is set too low. Set your water heater to 120ºF (49°C).

DAMAGE TO DISHWARE

Improper loading can cause dishes to become chipped or damaged. (See specific loading instructions 
within this guide.)

BLINKING LIGHTS

Blinking LED's will occur when the cycle is paused or when the cycle has been interrupted by opening 
the door. In this case, the Start/Resume button LED, the Cycle Status Indicator LED(s), and the 
countdown bars on the Cycle Status Display all blink together to indicate that attention is needed. See 
“Start or Resume a Cycle” in the “Dishwasher Use” section. 

Blinking LED's can also occur when certain errors have been detected. In this case, the Clean/
Complete LED will blink 4 times in a row with a pause in between each set of blinks. When this error 
occurs, the controls will lock out and not allow another cycle to be started. 

Call for service. 

PROBLEM

SOLUTION

Summary of Contents for KDFE104DSS

Page 1: ...w kitchenaid com If you need further assistance using your KitchenAid dishwasher please contact us at 1 800 422 1230 In Canada visit www kitchenaid ca or call 1 800 807 6777 Have your complete model and serial number ready You can find your model and serial number on the label located near the door on the right hand or left hand side of the dishwasher interior DISHWASHER USER INSTRUCTIONS Table of...

Page 2: ...her and keep them out of the reach of children When loading items to be washed 1 Locate sharp items so that they are not likely to damage the door seal and 2 Load sharp knives with the handles up to reduce the risk of cut type injuries Do not wash plastic items unless they are marked dishwasher safe or the equivalent For plastic items not so marked check the manufacturer s recommendations Do not t...

Page 3: ... doubt whether the dishwasher is properly grounded Do not modify the plug provided with the dishwasher if it will not fit the outlet have a proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician For a permanently connected dishwasher The dishwasher must be connected to a grounded metal permanent wiring system or an equipment grounding conductor must be run with the circuit conductors and connected to ...

Page 4: ...ul jets target water toward pots pans or casserole dishes loaded in the back of the dishwasher to clean stubborn messes Rack handle Premium top rack adjusters Culinary tool rack 3rd level rack on some models Flexible fold down tines Silverware basket Culinary Caddy utensil basket on some models Sliding bowl tines on some models ProScrub Trio on some models two spray zones in the upper rack corners...

Page 5: ...xpress Wash cycle or ProWash cycle for optimal cleaning The most advanced and versatile cycle ProWash cycle senses the load size soil amount and toughness of soil to adjust the cycle for optimal cleaning using only the amount of water and energy needed The ProWash and Tough cycles are recommended for tough soil No need to prerinse dishes just scrape and load ProScrub Option to clean baked on food ...

Page 6: ...f door push door firmly closed within 3 seconds of pressing START RESUME STEP 1 10 place load upper rack 10 place load lower rack 12 place load upper rack 12 place load lower rack 10 place load silverware basket 12 place load silverware basket 1 Teaspoon 2 Salad fork 3 Dinner fork 4 Knife 5 Tablespoon large serving spoon 6 Large serving fork 5 1 1 5 1 5 2 1 2 3 5 4 4 3 4 3 3 4 4 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 ...

Page 7: ...typical water softener water and some city water Medium to Hard Water 7 12 grains per U S gallon well water and some city water Depending on your water hardness fill the Main Wash section of the dispenser as shown Fill the Pre Wash section to the level shown if needed NOTE Fill amounts shown are for standard powdered detergent Follow instructions on the package when using other dishwasher detergen...

Page 8: ...ime If the Start Resume button is located on top of door push door firmly closed within 3 seconds of pressing START RESUME If the door is not closed within 3 seconds the Start Resume button LED will flash an audible tone will be heard and the cycle will not start Cycle and Option Descriptions This information covers several different models Your dishwasher may not have all of the cycles and option...

Page 9: ...bbing of dirty baked on dishes The upper rack has two spray zones in the front corners to reach into deeper or oddly shaped items Tough Normal ProWash Top Rack Only Activates the ProScrub spray jets to provide intensified cleaning power to specific wash areas 53 73 0 3 0 0 11 2 Raises the main wash temperature to improve cleaning for loads containing tough baked on food Tough Normal Raises the mai...

Page 10: ...sher between cycles or cycle and option changes during a cycle To turn on Lock press and hold CONTROL LOCK or 4 HOUR DELAY depending on model for 3 seconds The Control Lock light will stay on for a short time indicating that it is activated and all buttons are disabled If you press any button while your dishwasher is locked the light flashes 3 times The dishwasher door can still be opened closed w...

Page 11: ...ble tones such as indicating a cycle has been interrupted cannot be deactivated CONTROLS AND CYCLE STATUS CONTROL PURPOSE COMMENTS or or The Cycle Status Indicator Lights are used to follow the progress of the dishwasher cycle Located on the front of the dishwasher for front control models and located on the top of the door for hidden control models Clean indicator glows when a cycle is finished I...

Page 12: ...verware types to keep them separated Load knives down forks up and alternate spoons for best cleaning results NOTE If your silverware does not fit into the designated slots lift and slide the covers off of the silverware basket CULINARY CADDY Utensil Basket Use the utensil basket to hold specialty cooking utensils serving spoons spatulas and similar items or overflow silverware items The basket ha...

Page 13: ... side to completely remove the front end of the rack Then remove the back end of the rack by pulling the back end out with a slightly forward and then upward motion To replace the rack Pull the tracks forward about halfway out of the tub Along the sides of the racks are round attachment tabs Align the rack s back end attachment tabs with the cutout in the track Push down into place Pull the tracks...

Page 14: ...as the latest technology in dishwasher filtration This triple filtration system minimizes sound and optimizes water and energy conservation while providing superior cleaning performance Throughout the life of your dishwasher the filter will require maintenance to sustain peak cleaning performance Up position Down position The triple filter system consists of 2 parts an upper filter assembly and a ...

Page 15: ...ce per month 8 12 Once per year Twice per year Every three months Every two weeks 13 14 Once per year Twice per year Every three months Once per week Filter Removal Instructions 1 Turn the Upper Filter Assembly turn counterclockwise and lift out 2 Grasp the Lower Filter in the circular opening lift slightly and pull forward to remove 3 Clean the filters as shown below To remove Upper Filter Assemb...

Page 16: ... wash compartment of detergent dispenser Select cycle option best for heavily soiled dishes and start dishwasher NOTE Recommended to use a premeasured detergent tablet or pack for regular daily use Some state or local plumbing codes require the addition of a drain air gap between a built in dishwasher and the home drain system Check the drain air gap when your dishwasher is not draining well The d...

Page 17: ... is fresh and lump free Be sure the cycle has completed the Clean light is on If it has not completed you will need to resume the cycle by closing the door and pressing START RESUME CYCLE RUNS TOO LONG NOTES To use less water and reduce energy consumption you will encounter cycles that typically run for up to 3 hours A water heater setting of 120 F 49 C is best the dishwasher will delay longer whi...

Page 18: ...ee Cleaning Instructions in the Filtration System section for details Select the proper cycle and option for the type of soils The ProWash or the Tough cycle with the ProScrub on some models option can be used for tougher loads Be sure the incoming water temperature is at least 120 F 49 C Use the proper amount of fresh detergent More detergent is needed for heavier soiled loads and hard water cond...

Page 19: ...ff No detergent is needed ETCHING PERMANENT CLOUDINESS This is an erosion of the surface of the glassware and can be caused by a combination of water that is too hot from using too much detergent with soft water or by pre washing Detergent needs food soil to act upon If etching has occurred the glassware is permanently damaged To avoid further etching adjust the detergent amount to match the water...

Page 20: ... States or Canada and applies only when the major appliance is used in the country in which it was purchased This limited warranty is effective from the date of original consumer purchase Proof of original purchase date is required to obtain service under this limited warranty 1 Commercial non residential or multiple family use or use inconsistent with published user operator or installation instr...

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