Dishwasher drain pump problem

[DiyNutJob]

If it has a flow meter then it doesn't need a float. Flow meter measures the volume of water that gets fed in. If the flow meter is not accurate then the wrong water volume gets fed in. Given the leak, an excessive amount of water has been fed in.

I cannot see a float in this machine.

Open up the flow meter and see if the propeller/impeller is completely stuck. If it is, then the water volume measured is 0. In that case, the water feed doesn't stop until over fed, leading to leaking into the bottom pan. Then triggering the pump to run until dry, and continue beyond that. The pump only pumps water from the washing compartment. Water in the bottom pan has to be removed manually.

The flow meter can also fail electrically, such as broken wires as suggested by assuhors. It can also fail by being electrically worn out.

 

[Steve3502]

Ah yes I see, that makes sense one or the other , I have managed to take off the flow meter, but can’t work out how to open it to check it, not sure it can be opened or not. May just order a new one as appear reasonably cheap and see how that goes.

 

[DiyNutJob]

Looks new. But you have broken the tab. No option but to buy another. There remains the possibility of broken wires.

I think a float based system is better for being simpler.

 

[Steve3502]

I’ve taken front cover off and had a look at the wires no obvious breaks (note to self, remember to turn off at plug when touching the inside!). There’s a load of black grime on the lower wires and the cover but they still appear intact.

Should I replace the flow meter, (it will still connect in place even with the broken tab!)

Or is it time to admit defeat and pay a professional

 

[DiyNutJob]

A non-oem flow meter is £8-£9 on amazon. It's your money to gamble. I have never called out anyone for appliance repair, and don't know if the gamble is justified.

Have you looked through the flow meter to see if anything is preventing the "propeller/water-wheel" turning? Push it lightly with something via the tubes.

 

[Steve3502]

Looks clear and when you blow down it it spins, can’t fully see it but definitely appears to spin without anything in the way

 

[DiyNutJob]

Your flow meter also has an electronic component for generating signals depending on the turn rate. Unless you have the service manual for the machine, there's no way to diagnose it. I suppose, you could throw a dice to decide if to gamble or to go pro.

 

[Steve3502]

I will take a chance and get a new flow meter, for the price of them will be worth checking

 

[Steve3502]

Just thought I would post an update. Got a professional in in the end, turned out to be a broken wire in the door harness. As per assuhors comments above, I had looked here but couldn’t see any obvious broken wires myself. Many thanks for your advice