Amana DWA22AB, DWA22AW, DWA33AB, DWA33AL, DWA33AW Owner's Manual

Dishwasher

Owner's Manual

English ........................................................................	1
Français ....................................................................	16

Keep these instructions for future reference. Be sure this manual stays with dishwasher.

P/N 154344401 03/98

Contents

Model Identification

Model Identification .....................................................	2
Parts and Accessories ................................................	2
Service .......................................................................	2
Asure™ Extended Service Plan..................................	2
Important Safety Insructions .......................................	3
Dishwasher Features ..................................................	4
Normal Operating Sounds .........................................	5
Preparing and Loading Dishes
Dish Preparation ......................................................	5
Loading the Top Rack ..............................................	5
Loading the Bottom Rack ........................................	6
Fold-down Tines (Some models) ............................	6
Loading the Silverware Basket ................................	6
Adding a Dish ..........................................................	7
Dishwasher Dispenser & Detergents
Filling the Detergent Dispenser ...............................	7
How Much Detergent to Use ...................................	7
Rinse Aid .................................................................	8
Factors Affecting Performance
Water Pressure .......................................................	8
Water Temperature .................................................	8
Dishwasher-Safe Items ...........................................	9
Care and Cleaning
Outside ..................................................................	10
Inside ....................................................................	10
Overfill Protector ...................................................	10
Care of Drain Air Gap ............................................	10
Winterizing ............................................................	10
Changing Color Panels .............................................	12
Customized Wood Panels ........................................	12
Before Calling Service
Food Soils Left on Dishes......................................	13
Dishes not Dry .......................................................	13
Glassware/Flatware Spotted or Cloudy .................	13
Dishware Chipped .................................................	13
Dishware Stained or Discolored ............................	13
Etching ..................................................................	13
Detergent Left in Cups ..........................................	13
Dishwasher Leaks .................................................	14
Normal Sounds You Will Hear ...............................	14
Water in Bottom of Tub .........................................	14
Vapor at Vent .........................................................	14
Dishwasher Won't Run ..........................................	14
Dishwasher Does Not Drain Properly ....................	14
Cycle Takes a Long Time ......................................	14
Dishwasher Won't Fill ............................................	14
Dishwasher Has an Odor ......................................	14
Stains on Tub Interior ............................................	14
Removing Spots and Film .....................................	14
Warranty ...................................................................	15

Thank you for purchasing this Amana dishwasher. Please read this Owner's Manual thoroughly. This manual provides proper maintenance information. Any questions, call the Consumer Affairs Department at

1-800-843-0304 inside U.S.A. and 1-319-622-5511 outside U.S.A.

Complete registration card and promptly return. If registration card is missing, call the Consumer Affairs Department.

When contacting Amana Appliances, provide product information. Product information is on the serial plate, see page 4 for serial plate location. Record the following information:

Model Number:

Manufacturing Number:

S/N or Serial Number:

Date of purchase:

Dealer’s name and address:

Keep a copy of sales receipt for future reference.

Parts and Accessories

Purchase replacement parts and additional accessories (e.g. refrigerator shelves) over the phone. To order accessories for your Amana product, call 1-800-843- 0304 inside U.S.A. or 319-622-5511 outside U.S.A.

Service

Keep a copy of sales receipt for future reference or in case warranty service is required. Any questions or to locate an authorized servicer, call 1-800-NAT-LSVC (1-800-628-5782) inside U.S.A. 319-622-5511 outside U.S.A. Warranty service must be performed by an authorized servicer. Amana, also recommends contacting an authorized servicer if service is required after warranty expires.

Asure™ Extended Service

Plan

Amana offers long-term service protection for this new dishwasher. Asure™ Extended Service Plan is specially designed to supplement Amana’s strong warranty. This plan covers parts, labor, and travel charges. Call 1-800- 528-2682 for information.

2

Important Safety

Instructions

		!	Recognize this symbol		! DANGER
				To avoid death, severe personal injury, fire or
	as a safety precaution.			electrical shock when using dishwasher observe the
				following:
	•	Read all instructions before using your dishwasher.		•	Disconnect electrical power to dishwasher before
	•	Use your dishwasher only as instructed in this
					servicing.
		Owner's Manual.
				•	Connect dishwasher to a grounded metal,
	•	This Manual does not cover every possible condition
					permanent wiring system.
		or situation that may occur. Use common sense and
				•	This dishwasher is designed to operate on regular
		caution when installing, operating and maintaining any
					house current (120 V, 60 Hz). Use a circuit equipped
		appliance.
					with a 15 ampere fuse or circuit breaker. Use a 20
	•	Do not operate dishwasher unless all enclosure
					ampere fuse if dishwasher is connected with a food
		panels are in their proper place.
					waste disposer. Read Installation Instructions for
	•	Dispose of discarded appliance and shipping or
					details.
		packing material properly.
				•	Under certain conditions, hydrogen gas may be
	•	Do not allow children to play in or on dishwasher.
					produced in a hot water system that has not been
	•	Do not abuse, sit, stand or play on door or racks of a
					used for 2 weeks or more. HYDROGEN GAS IS
		dishwasher.
					EXPLOSIVE. If hot water system has not been
	• Use only detergents and rinse agents recommended
					used for such a period, before using dishwasher,
		for use in a dishwasher.
					turn on all hot water faucets and let water flow from
	•	Store dishwasher detergent and rinse agents out of
					each for several minutes. This will release any
		the reach of children.
					accumulated hydrogen gas. HYDROGEN GAS IS
	•	If the dishwasher drains into a food disposer, make
					FLAMMABLE. Do not smoke or use an open flame
		sure disposer is completely empty before running
					during this time.
		dishwasher.
				•	Do not store or use combustible materials, gasoline
	•	Repairs should be done by a qualified technician.
					or other flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity
	•	Do not tamper with controls.
					of this or any other appliance.
	•	Do not touch the heating element during or
				•	Do not wash plastic items unless marked
		immediately after use.
					"dishwasher safe" or the equivalent. Check with
	•	Load sharp knives with the handles up to reduce the
					manufacturer for recommendations, if not marked.
		risk of cut-type injuries or damaging seal.
					Items that are not dishwasher safe may melt and
					create a potential fire hazard.
				•	To avoid entrapment and/or suffocation, remove
					door or door latch mechanism from any dishwasher
					that is discarded or not in use.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

3

Dishwasher Features

Your dishwasher cleans by spraying a mixture of hot water and detergent through the spray arms against soiled surfaces. Each cycle begins with a pre-drain. Next, the dishwasher fills with water covering the filter area. Water is then pumped through the filter and spray arms. Soil particles go down the drain as the water is pumped out and replaced with clean water. The number of water fills will vary with the cycle being used.

	Funnel	Nozzle	and Upper Spray
		(Some Models)
	Tub		Top Rack
	Gasket
	Middle Spray		Serial Label
	Arm
	Lower Spray		Bottom Rack
	Arm
	Overfill		Glass Trap
	Protector
	Prewash		Self-Cleaning Filter
	Detergent
	Cup
	Detergent		Heating Element
	Dispenser

Rinse Aid

Dispenser

Vent

4

Normal Operating Sounds

Important Read before operating your dishwasher. This dishwasher is quieter than comparable dishwashers.

The new wash system uses energy efficient motors for the wash and drain portions of the cycle you select. Each cycle has a series of water fills and drains for washing and rinsing dishes.

You will hear splashing water as it enters the tub. Then the lower arm rotates and circulates water. This is followed by a pause and a slightly different sound as the upper arm sprays water. You can hear a change in sound as the wash action switches from one arm to the other.

•Load racks so large items do not prevent detergent dispenser from opening.

•Check manufacturer's recommendations before washing items in question.

•If the dishwasher drains into a food disposer, be sure disposer is completely empty before starting dishwasher.

Loading the Top Rack (Racks may vary from

model to model.)

Important: Do not cover the funnel when loading.

Preparing and Loading

Dishes

Dish Preparation

Scrape away large pieces of food, bones, pits, toothpicks, etc. The continuous filtered wash system will remove remaining food particles. Burned-on foods should be loosened before loading. Empty liquids from glasses and cups.

Dish preparation

Foods such as mustard, mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon juice and tomato based products may cause discoloration of stainless steel and plastics if allowed to sit for a long period of time. Unless the dishwasher is to be operated at once, it is best to rinse off these food soils.

Do not cover funnel

Loading top rack

•Top rack is designed for cups, glasses, small plates, saucers and bowls. Load glasses in top rack. Damage may occur if these items are placed in bottom rack.

•Load plastic items in top rack only. Melting may occur if placed in bottom rack.

•Load items with open ends facing down for better cleaning and draining.

•Damage may occur if delicate items touch each other during dishwasher operation.

•Long-handled knives and utensils can be placed in top rack.

•Be sure nothing protrudes through the bottom of the rack to block rotation of middle spray arm.

5

Some models feature a cup shelf or stemware holder in top rack. Cup shelf/stemware holders can be used for two layers of short items or to hold stemware in place. When using two layers, alternate items in top layer with lower layer so water can reach all items.

Cup holder

Stemware holder

Cup rack/Stemware holder

Loading the Bottom Rack

•Make sure tall items do not block spray arm rotation.

•Place plates and platters so they do not touch.

•Place bowls, casseroles and sauce pans with the soiled surface facing down or toward the center. Tilt slightly for better drainage.

•Be sure pan handles do not protrude through the bottom of the rack and block spray arm rotation.

Loading bottom rack

Fold-down Tines (Some models)

Fold-down tines in lower rack make easy loading of those extra large and hard to fit items. Fold-down tines may be left up for normal use or folded down for more flexible loading.

Fold-down tines

Loading the Silverware Basket

Mix spoons, forks and knives to prevent nesting. Mixing items gives better cleaning and drying. Small plastic dishware such as measuring spoons and lids are not recommeded for automatic dishwashing.

Silverware mixing

! WARNING

To avoid personal injury or property damage, load sharp knives and forks with handles up in silverware basket.

6

Dishwasher Dispenser &

Detergents

Be sure nothing protrudes through bottom of basket or rack to block spray arm. (Some models feature a silverware basket with a handle.)

•Use only fresh automatic dishwashing detergent. Other types will cause oversudsing.

•Add detergent just before starting cycle.

•Store detergent in a cool, dry location. Moist or caked detergent will not dissolve properly.

Silverware basket

Do not mix silver and stainless to avoid damaging the silver finish.

If silverware basket is positioned on side of rack, orient silverware so they lean towards center of dishwasher. This will prevent silverware from damaging the dishwasher tub.

Adding a Dish

To add or remove items after wash cycle starts:

•Unlatch door and wait a few seconds until wash action stops before opening.

•Add the item and wait a few seconds to allow cold air to slowly expand inside dishwasher.

•Close door firmly to latch and resume cycle. (Press Start/Cancel pad if available on your model.)

Filling the Detergent Dispenser

The detergent dispenser has one covered and one uncovered cup. Detergent in the uncovered cup falls into the dishwasher when the door is closed. The covered cup opens automatically in the main wash.

A

E

D B

C

A.Fill to second line when using standard dishwashing detergent

B.Fill to first line when using ultra or concentrated detergent.

C.Cover

D.Fill covered cup only for Light Wash and Saver Cycle.

E.Fill both cups for Normal and Pots & Pans

Detergent Dispenser

How Much Detergent to Use

The amount of detergent to use depends on the water hardness. Water hardness is measured in grains per gallon. Using too little detergent can result in poor cleaning and hard water filming or spotting. Using too much detergent in soft water can cause permanent etching on glassware. Your local water company, water softener company or county extension agent can tell you the water hardness in your area.

More detergent may be needed if the phosphorus content is 8.7% or less. The phosphorus content is shown on the detergent label. Phosphorous detergents are not available in some areas.

7

Factors Affecting

Performance

Detergent Chart

Water Hardness	Amount per cup
Soft (0-3 grains)	2 Teaspoons
Medium (4-8 grains)	5 Teaspoons
Hard (9+ grains*)	10 Teaspoons (fill level
	with top)

*12 grains and higher is extremely hard water. Detergent alone may not be enough. A water softener is recommended to improve water quality and dishwashing performance.

Rinse Aid

Rinse aid greatly improves drying and reduces water spots and filming. Water "sheets" off dishes rather than forming water droplets that cling and leave spots.

A dispenser, located next to the detergent cup, automatically releases a measured amount of rinse aid during the last rinse. If spotting and poor drying are problems, increase the amount of rinse aid dispensed by rotating the dial to a higher number. The dial is located under the dispenser cap. The indicator will be dark when full and will show clear when it is time to refill.

To add liquid rinse aid, turn dispenser cap 1/4 turn counterclockwise and lift out. Pour in rinse aid until liquid touches the indicated fill level. Replace cap.

Water Pressure

Dishwasher hot water line must provide water pressure between 20 and 120 psi.

Low water pressure may occur when laundry or showers are in operation. Wait until water use is reduced before starting dishwasher.

Water Temperature

Hot water is needed for best dishwashing and drying results. Water entering dishwasher should be at least 120°F (49°C) to give satisfactory results.

To check water temperature entering dishwasher:

•Turn on hot water faucet nearest dishwasher for several minutes to clear cool water from pipes.

•Hold a candy or meat thermometer in stream of water to check the temperature.

•If temperature is below 120°F (49°C), have a qualified person raise the thermostat setting on household water heater.

Important: Before starting a cycle, run hot water to clear cool water from pipe.

B

A

D

C

A. Dispenser opening	B. Indicator
C. Adjustable setting	D. Dispenser cap
Rinse Aid Dispenser

Do not overfill since this can cause oversudsing. Wipe up any spills with a damp cloth.

The dispenser holds enough for 35 to 140 washes, depending on setting.

8

Dishwasher-Safe Items

Material	Usually Safe	Exceptions	Special
			Instructions
Aluminum	Yes	Some colored anodized	Some darkening or
		aluminum can fade.	spotting possible.
			Remove by scouring
			with soap-filled steel
			wool pads.
China/Stoneware	Yes	Antique, metal trimmed,	Load securely to
		hand painted or over the	prevent movement.
		glaze patterns fade. Gold	Check crystal
		leaf will discolor.	manufacturer’s
			instructions
Crystal	Yes	Antique, metal trimmed,	Load securely to
		hand-painted or over-the-	prevent movement.
		glaze patterns fade. Gold	Check crystal
		leaf will discolor.	manufacturer’s
			instructions.
Glass	Yes	Milk glass may yellow.
Iron	No
Non-dishware such as	No		Damage to dishwasher
filters, etc.			and discoloration or
			staining of dishwasher
			may result.
Non-stick coatings	Yes		After washing, wipe
			non-stick coating with
			vegetable oil to keep
			coating from losing non-
			stick quality.
Pewter	No
Plastics	Yes		If plastic does not say
			“dishwasher-safe”, test
			one piece before
			washing entire set.
Stainless Steel	Yes		Rinse if not washing
			immediately. Salty or
			acid foods can stain if
			left on.
Sterling silver and silver	Yes	Contact with stainless	Rinse if not washing
plate		steel can damage silver.	immediately. Salty or
		Washing with copper can	acid foods can stain if
		leave a brown film.	left on. Powder
			detergent can cause
			black spots. Avoid
			placing under detergent
			dispenser.
Tin	No
Wood	No

9

Care and Cleaning

! WARNING

To avoid risk of burns, allow heating element to cool before cleaning the interior.

Outside

Occasionally wipe with a mild nonabrasive detergent and water. Rinse and dry.

Overfill Protector

Overfill protector keeps dishwasher from overfilling and is located in the left front corner of the tub.

•Clean occasionally with household cleaner containing vinegar or bleach to dissolve any buildup.

•Overfill Protector should move up and down freely about one inch. If it does not move, lift and clean underneath.

Inside

The inside of the dishwasher is self-cleaning with normal use. If needed, clean around the tub gasket area with a damp cloth.

The filter is self-cleaning. A glass trap located in the center of the filter is designed to collect pieces of broken glass, straws, bones and pits. To remove items in glass trap, grasp handle, lift out, empty and replace.

Glass trap

Do not use the following items to clean interior:

•Abrasive or harsh cleaners, ammonia, chlorine bleach etc.

•Concentrated detergents

•Solvents

•Metal scouring pads

These items can scratch, crack and discolor surfaces.

Note: Hard water may cause lime deposit buildup on the interior of the dishwasher. For cleaning instructions see

Removing Spots and Film, in Before Calling For Service section.

Overfill protector

Care of Drain Air Gap

If a drain air gap was installed for your built-in dishwasher, check to make sure it is clean so the dishwasher will drain properly. A drain air gap is usually mounted on countertop and can be inspected by removing the cover. This is not part of your dishwasher and is not covered by warranty.

!CAUTION

To avoid property damage all supply lines to and circulating within dishwasher must be protected. Freezing temperatures may cause water lines to rupture.

Winterizing

A dishwasher left in an unheated place should be protected from freezing. Have a qualified person do the following:

To Disconnect Service:

1.Turn off electrical power to the dishwasher at the supply source by removing fuses or tripping circuit breaker.

2.Shut off water supply.

3.Place a pan under the inlet valve. Disconnect water line from inlet valve and drain into pan.

4.Disconnect drain line from pump and drain water into pan.

10