Whirlpool WDT970SAHB0, WDTA50SAHZ0, WDTA50SAHW0, WDTA50SAHV0, WDTA50SAHM0 Owner’s Manual

DISHWASHER

USER INSTRUCTIONS

THANK YOU for purchasing this high-quality product. Register your new dishwasher at www.whirlpool.com. In Canada, visit our website at www.whirlpool.ca.

For future reference please make a note of your product model and serial numbers. These can be located near the door on the righthand or left-hand side of the dishwasher interior.

Model Number _____________________________________________	Serial Number _____________________________________________
Table of Contents
DISHWASHER SAFETY..........................................................................	1
WHAT’S NEW IN YOUR DISHWASHER................................................	3
PARTS AND FEATURES.........................................................................	4
QUICK STEPS ........................................................................................	5
DISHWASHER USE ...............................................................................	6
CYCLE AND OPTION DESCRIPTIONS.................................................	8
DISHWASHER FEATURES...................................................................	10
FILTRATION SYSTEM...........................................................................	12
DISHWASHER CARE............................................................................	13
TROUBLESHOOTING...........................................................................	14
WARRANTY..........................................................................................	17

Dishwasher Safety

Your safety and the safety of others are very important.

many important safety messages in this manual and on your appliance. Always read and obey all safety

safety alert symbol.

alerts you to potential hazards that can kill or hurt you and others.

messages will follow the safety alert symbol and either the word “DANGER” or “WARNING.” mean:

DANGER WARNING

You can be killed or seriously injured if you don't immediately follow instructions.

You can be killed or seriously injured if you don't follow instructions.

All safety messages will tell you what the potential hazard is, tell you how to reduce the chance of injury, and tell you what can happen if the instructions are not followed.

W10903644A

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: When using the dishwasher, follow basic precautions, including the following:

■Read all instructions before using the dishwasher.

■Use the dishwasher only for its intended function.

■Use only detergents or rinse agents recommended for use in a dishwasher, 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 touch the heating element during or immediately after use.

■Do not operate the dishwasher unless all enclosure panels are properly in place.

■Do not tamper with controls.

■Do not abuse, sit on, or stand on the door, lid, or dish racks of the dishwasher.

■To reduce the risk of injury, do not allow children to play in or on the dishwasher.

■Under certain conditions, hydrogen gas may be produced in a hot water system that has not been used for two weeks or more. HYDROGEN GAS IS EXPLOSIVE. If the hot water system has not been used for such a period, before using the dishwasher turn on all hot water faucets and let the water flow from each for several minutes. This will release any accumulated hydrogen gas. As the gas is flammable, do not smoke or use an open flame during this time.

■Remove the door or lid to the washing compartment when removing an old dishwasher from service or discarding it.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS

■For a grounded, cord-connected dishwasher:

The dishwasher must be grounded. In the event of a malfunction or breakdown, grounding will reduce the risk of electric shock by providing a path of least resistance for electric current. The dishwasher is equipped with a cord having an equipment-grounding conductor and a grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into an appropriate outlet that is installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances.

WARNING: Improper connection of the equipmentgrounding conductor can result in a risk of electric shock.

Check with a qualified electrician or service representative if you are in 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 the equipment-grounding terminal or lead on the dishwasher.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING

Tip Over Hazard Do not use dishwasher until completely installed.

Do not push down on open door.

Doing so can result in serious injury or cuts.

2

What’s New in Your Dishwasher

Energy

Congratulations on purchasing your water and energy efficient dishwasher! This dishwasher cleans by spraying the dishes with water and pauses to allow the detergent to soak into and release the soils on the dishes. The cycles are longer due to the soak and pauses for exceptional cleaning. Your dishwasher contains an optical water sensor. The optical water sensor is used to determine the optimum water and energy consumption for great cleaning performance. Efficient dishwashers run longer to save water and energy, just as driving a car slower saves on gas. The first cycle using the sensor will run longer to calibrate the optical sensor.

Performance

Rinse Aid

Using rinse aid will optimize your drying and wash performance. This dishwasher is specifically designed to be used with rinse aid for improved drying performance and controlling buildup of hard water deposits. Energy efficient dishwashers use less water and energy, so they depend on the water “sheeting” action of rinse aid for total optimal performance.

SLIDE

Detergent

The United States and Canada have passed regulations limiting the amount of phosphorus (phosphates) in the household dishwasher detergents. Major manufacturers have reformulated their dishwasher detergent for this change in detergents as another step in eco-conscious awareness. With these changes, we recommend quality tablets and packs for convenience and improved performance.

SLIDE

Filtration System

Your dishwasher has the latest technology in dishwasher filtration. This triple filtration system minimizes sound and optimizes water and energy conservation while providing optimal cleaning performance. Maintenance of your filters regularly will sustain peak cleaning performance. We suggest you clean both your upper and lower filters and rinse under running water at least once a month.

		L
	C	O
K

U

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L

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P U S H

D O W N & N R UT

3

Parts and Features

Upper level wash

Water feed tube

Model and serial number label

Water inlet opening

Heating element

Rinse aid dispenser reduces spotting and improves drying.

Detergent dispenser

Total Coverage Spray Arm (on some

models) cleans with twice the jets for more coverage. A smarter sequence of spray patterns from multiple nozzles hits dishes throughout the cycle.

Overfill protection float

Resource Efficient Wash System removes soil from water and improves cleaning action.

THIRD LEVEL RACK (on some models)

Fold-down tines Fold-down tines

Cup shelf	Cup shelf
(on some models)
	Upper spray arm

TOP RACK

Silverware basket

BOTTOM RACK

4

Quick Steps

1 Remove bulk food and load dishwasher.

3 Select a cycle and options (varies by model).

Scrape off excess food into garbage or food disposer.

Load dishes so that water spray will reach every surface.

2 Add detergent and rinse aid.

SLIDE	SLIDE

4	Start dishwasher.
	To start and resume a cycle,
	press the		(Start/resume)
	keypad and close the door
	within 4 seconds. If the
	door is not closed within
	4 seconds, the Start keypad
	LED will flash, an audible tone
	will sound, and the cycle will
	not start.

5	Unload dishwasher and
	clean the filter.

See “Recommended Time Interval to Clean Your Filter” in the “Filtration System” section for the recommended cleaning schedule.

5

Dishwasher Use

STEP 1

Prepare and Load the Dishwasher

IMPORTANT: Remove leftover food, bones, toothpicks, and other hard items from the dishes. Remove labels from containers before washing.

Upper rack

Lower rack

■■ Check that nothing blocks the upper or lower spray arm.

Items in rack can block the spray arms.

STEP 2

Add Detergent

Premeasured Detergents

High-quality premeasured tablets and packs are recommended for improved performance.

Quality tablets and packs have
been proven better than powder,
liquid, or gel detergents at reducing
filming on dishes. Using tablets
and packs over time will start to
reduce or eliminate white film.	SLIDE

They are suitable for all hardness and soil levels. Also, by using a

rinse aid, you can minimize repeat buildup of white film (not all packs and tablets contain rinse aid). Always place premeasured detergents in main compartment and slide lid closed.

NOTE: Follow instructions on the package when using other dishwasher detergent types.

■■ Use automatic dishwasher detergent only. Add detergent just before starting a cycle.

■■ Fresh automatic dishwasher detergent results in better cleaning. Store tightly closed detergent container in a cool dry place.

To close lid

To open lid

■■ Check that when the dishwasher door is closed, no items are blocking the detergent dispenser.

■■ Tough soiled items should be loaded with soiled surfaces facing down and inward to the spray. This will improve cleaning and drying results.

■■ Avoid overlapping items like bowls or plates that may trap food.

■■ Place plastics, small plates, and glasses in the upper rack. Wash only plastic items marked “dishwasher safe.”

■■ To avoid thumping/clattering noises during operation, load dishes so they do not touch one another. Make sure lightweight load items are secured in the racks.

■■ When loading silverware, always place sharp items pointing down. Mix items in each section of the basket with some pointing up and some down to avoid nesting. Spray cannot reach nested items.

■■ Use slots in the covers and suggested loading patterns to keep your silverware separated for optimum wash.

PUSH

NOTE: The AnyWare™ silverware basket will fit on the inner door, on the front of the lower rack, and inside the lower rack.

			SLIDE
				SLIDE
	Place selected detergent in		Push OPEN, as shown,
	the dispenser. Place finger, as		and the lid will slide open.
	shown, and slide lid closed.
	Press firmly until it clicks.
	Powders and Gels
	Water	Soil Level	Prewash	Main Wash
	Hardness		Compartment*	Compartment
	Soft	Light	None	“Soft” fill line
	(0-4 grains	Normal	None	“Soft” fill line
	per U.S.
		Heavy	Full	“Soft” fill line
	gallon)
	Medium	Light	None	“Soft” fill line
	(5-9 grains	Normal	Full	Full**
	per U.S.
		Heavy	Full	Full**
	gallon)
	Hard	Light	Full	Full**
	(10-14 grains	Normal	Full	Full**
	per U.S.
		Heavy	Full	Full**
	gallon)

*The prewash compartment is on top of the sliding door of the dispenser.

**A full main wash compartment contains 2 Tbsp (30 ml).

IMPORTANT: Extremely hard water mineral deposits (15 grains per U.S. gallon or more) can cause damage to your dishwasher and make it difficult to achieve good results. A water softener is recommended to avoid damage and achieve good results.

NOTE: Follow instructions on the package when using other dishwasher detergent types.

6

STEP 3	STEP 4
Rinse Aid	Select a Cycle (varies by model)
	Efficient dishwashers run longer to save water and energy, just
	as driving a car slower saves gas. Cycle times may increase or
	decrease, depending on selections. Estimated cycle times after
	calibration are listed in the “Cycle and Option Descriptions”
	chart in the following section. Select the desired cycle by
	pressing the Cycles keypad. Each time you press the Cycles
	keypad, it will advance to the next available cycle.

SLIDE

IMPORTANT: Your dishwasher is designed to use rinse aid. The use of rinse aids greatly improves drying by allowing water

to drain from the dishes after the final rinse. Rinse aid also keeps water from forming droplets that can dry as spots or streaks.

Filling the dispenser

The dispenser holds 5 oz (150 mL) of rinse aid. Under most conditions, this will last

1 to 3 months.

NOTE: Indicator reads correct fill level when door is completely opened.

1.To add rinse aid, open the rinse dispenser lid by gently pushing in the center of the lid with your thumb and pulling up on the edge.

	2. Pour rinse aid into the		W	ash
	opening until the dispenser	Pre
	is full. Do not overfill.

Full

Add

OPEN

SLIDE

3. Clean up any spilled rinse aid. Spilled rinse aid can create excessive suds.

4. Close the dispenser by pushing down gently on the lid.

Rinse Aid Setting

Your rinse aid dispenser is adjustable. For most water conditions, the factory setting will give good results. If you have hard water and notice calcium buildup on your dishware, you may want to try a higher setting. If you notice foam in your dishwasher, use a lower setting.

To adjust the setting:

Turn the arrow adjuster to a higher number to increase the amount of rinse aid.

Select Options (varies by model)

See the “Cycle and Option Descriptions” chart in the following section.

You can customize the cycles by selecting the options desired and pressing the (Start/Resume) keypad.

STEP 5

Start or Resume a Cycle

■■ If needed, run hot water at the sink nearest your dishwasher until the water is hot. Turn off water.

■■ For best dishwashing results, water should be 120ºF (49ºC) as it enters the dishwasher.

■■ Select the wash cycle and options desired. To repeat the same cycle and options used previously, press the START/RESUME

keypad twice. Within 4 seconds of pressing Start/Resume, you must firmly push the

door closed. If the door is not closed within 4 seconds, the Start/Resume LED will flash, an audible tone will be heard, and the cycle will not start.

■■ You can add an item at the beginning of the cycle. Open the door slowly and add the item. Press the START/RESUME keypad and close the door firmly within 4 seconds. If the door has been open more than 4 seconds, the LED will flash, a tone will sound, and the dishwasher will not resume unless you press Start/Resume again.

IMPORTANT: If the door has been opened after starting a cycle (even during the Delay Hours option), Start/Resume must be pressed again.

7

Cycle and Option Descriptions

Estimated cycle times may increase or decrease, depending on water temperature, soil conditions, dish load size, and options selected. You can customize your cycle by selecting an option.

See option selections. If you change your mind, press the option again to turn off the option or select a different option. You can change an option anytime before the selected option begins. At each stage of the wash cycle, you may hear noises that you are not used to hearing in your previous dishwasher. Each cycle will provide a series of pauses and water sprays throughout the wash cycle. This is normal and will provide optimal cleaning performance.

CYCLE SELECTIONS

This information covers several different models. Your dishwasher may not have all of the cycles and options described.

IMPORTANT: The sensor in your dishwasher monitors the soil level. Cycle time and/or water usage can vary as the sensor adjusts the cycle for the best wash performance. If the incoming water is less than the recommended temperature or food soils are heavy, the cycle will automatically compensate by adding time, heat, and water as needed.

		CYCLES	ESTIMATED	WATER
			WASH TIME	USAGE
			W/O OPTIONS	GALLONS
				(LITERS)
		This cycle senses the load size, soil amount, and toughness of soil, to adjust the	2:10 to 3:15	3.38 to 7.4
		cycle for improved cleaning, using only the amount of water and energy needed.		(12.8 to 28.0)
		The Sensor cycle is automatically selected if you first press the Start/Resume
		keypad.*
		Use for hard-to-clean, heavily soiled pots, pans, casseroles, and tableware.	2:45 to 3:25	7.4 (28.1)
		This cycle is recommended for daily, regular or typical use to completely wash	2:00 to 3:10	2.4 to 7.4
		and dry a full load of normally soiled dishes. This dishwasher’s government		(9.09 to 28)
		energy certifications were based on the Normal cycle with only the Heat Dry
		option selected.**
		For fast results, 1-Hour Wash will clean dishes using slightly more water and	0:55 to 1:05	7.87 (29.8)
		energy. Select the Heat Dry option to provide best dry performance.
		This cycle quietly soaks dishes with an extended prewash, which eliminates the	6:45 to 7:25	7.4 (28.0)
		need to presoak dishes, saving personal time and effort. For optimal cleaning
		results during the Soak & Clean cycle, add prewash detergent. Use this cycle for
		loads with heavy amounts of dried-on or hard to clean baked-on food.

*The government energy certifications are not based on this cycle. See the Normal cycle description for the government energy certification cycle. Using the Sensor cycle may increase your energy usage.

**No other washing and drying temperature options were selected, and it was not subject to truncated testing. Rinse aid was not used, and there was no detergent used in the prewash.

8

OPTION SELECTIONS

OPTIONS	CAN BE	WHAT IT DOES ADDED	ADDED
	SELECTED	TIME TO	WATER
	WITH	CYCLE	GALLONS
			(LITERS)

(varies by model)

Runs dishwasher at a later time. Select a wash cycle	Available with	Delays start of	NA	NA
and options. Each time you press the Delay keypad, it	any cycle	a cycle up to
will display the next available delay time. Press DELAY.		24 hours.
Press the START/RESUME keypad. Close door firmly.
NOTES:
■■ The dishwasher remembers the last Delay you
selected. To reset the delay time to something
other than what is displayed, continue to press
the Delay keypad until the desired delay time
is reached.
■■ Anytime the door is opened (such as, to add a
dish), Start/Resume must be pressed again to
resume delay countdown.

	Raises main wash temperature to improve cleaning	Sensor	Raises the	0:05 to	0 to 3.86
	for loads containing tough, baked-on food.	Heavy	main wash	0:13	(0 to 14.6)
		Normal	temperature to
		Soak & Clean	135°F (57°C).
	Dries dishes with heat. This option, with the use of	Sensor	Uses heating	0:08 to	0
	rinse aid, will provide better drying performance. Plastic	Heavy	element to speed	0:46
	items are less likely to deform when loaded in the top	Normal	drying times.
	rack. Use Heat Dry for optimum dry performance. Turn	Soak & Clean	Heat Dry option
	the Heat Dry option off for air dry.		defaults to On
	Extended Dry lengthens the time that Heat Dry is active.		when any cycle is
			selected, except
	This option with the use of rinse aid will provide better
			for 1-Hour Wash.
	drying performance.
	Sanitizes dishes and glassware in accordance with NSF	Sensor	Raises the	0:05 to	0 to 3.86
	International NSF/ANSI Standard 184 for Residential	Heavy	main wash	1:06	(0 to 14.6)
	Dishwashers. Certified residential dishwashers are	Normal	temperature to
	not intended for licensed food establishments. Only		135°F (57°C) and
(location of	sanitizing cycles have been designed to meet the		the final rinse
“Sanitized”	requirements of the NSF/ANSI 184 performance		temperature to
indicator	standard for soil removal and for sanitization efficacy.		156°F (69°C).
varies by	There is no intention, either directly or indirectly, that
model)	all cycles on a NSF/ANSI 184 certified dishwasher

meet the NSF/ANSI 184 performance standard for soil removal and for sanitization efficacy.

At end of the cycle, the “Sanitized” indicator will glow. If your load did not properly sanitize, the indicator will flash at the end of the cycle. This can happen if the cycle is interrupted or if the water does not reach the required temperature. The light goes off when you open and close the door or press CANCEL.

Avoids unintended use of dishwasher between cycles or cycle and option changes during a cycle.

To turn on Control Lock, press and hold CONTROL LOCK for 3 seconds. Control Lock light will stay on for a short time, indicating that it is activated and all keypads are disabled. If you press any keypad while your dishwasher is locked, the light flashes 3 times. The dishwasher door can still be opened/closed while the controls are locked.

To turn off Control Lock, press and hold CONTROL LOCK for 3 seconds. The light turns off.

9

CONTROLS AND CYCLE STATUS

								Press to start or resume a wash cycle.
								If the door is opened during a cycle or the power is interrupted, the Start/Resume LED flashes. The cycle will
								not resume until the Start/Resume keypad is pressed and the door is closed.
								NOTE: Push door firmly closed within 4 seconds of pressing Start/Resume or the dishwasher will not start.
								If door is not closed within 4 seconds, the Start/Resume LED will flash and an audible tone will sound when
								the door is closed.
								Press to cancel wash cycle.
								Close the door firmly. The dishwasher starts a 2-minute drain (if needed). Let dishwasher drain completely.
								The affresh® indicator glows when it is recommended to clean the interior of the dishwasher. Whirlpool
								recommends using affresh® Dishwasher Cleaner.
								The Add Dish indicator lets you know that you may still open the door and add a dish to the load. If you open
								the door to add a dish, you must press the Start/Resume keypad and close the door within 4 seconds to
								resume the cycle.
		Display varies						The display allows you to follow the progress of the dishwasher cycle.
			by model					Models with a numeric display count down while the cycle is running. If you open the door to view this
								display, you must resume the cycle by pressing the Start/Resume keypad and closing the door within
								4 seconds.
								Models without a numeric display have indicators that glow for Washing, Drying, Clean, and Sanitized.
								If you select Sani Rinse option, when cycle is finished, the “Sanitized” indicator glows. If your dishwasher
								did not properly sanitize your dishes, the light flashes at the end of the cycle. This can happen if the cycle
								is interrupted or water could not be heated to required temperature. The light goes off when you open and
								close door or press Cancel.

The exterior status light on the front of the door panel will glow blue when washing, red while it is drying, and white when the cycle is complete.

Dishwasher Features

AnyWare™ Silverware Basket

The AnyWare™ silverware basket can be hung on the door, the bottom rack, or placed inside the bottom rack.

Door position

Rack position

Rack position side

To open the AnyWare™ silverware basket:

To unlock, grasp the front panel, pull up, and rotate 90° as shown. Make sure the front panel is up all the way before rotating. To unlock and rotate the front panel, grasp the front panel as shown and pull it up and out.

NOTE: Be sure the front panel of the silverware basket is completely locked into place before pulling out the bottom rack and before closing the dishwasher door.

To remove the basket from the door:

1.Grasp the silverware basket by the handle. Slide it toward the top of the door.

2.Lift the basket off the holding buttons.

To replace the basket in the door:

1.Set the silverware basket on the holding buttons.

2.Slide the basket toward the bottom of the door until it locks into place.

Cup Shelves

Fold down the extra shelf on the left-hand or right-hand side of the top rack to hold additional cups, stemware, or long items such as utensils and spatulas. For best results on cups, stagger the spacing so that the cups on the shelf are not directly above the cups below.

PUSH

10

Fold-Down Tines

The row of tines on the left-hand and right-hand sides of the upper, or in the back of the lower rack, can be adjusted to make room for a variety of dishes.

To adjust the fold-down tines:

1. Grasp the tip of the tine that is in the tine holder.

2. Gently push the tine out of the holder.

3. Lay the tines down, toward the center of the rack.

EZ-2-Lift™ Top Rack Adjuster

You can raise or lower the top rack to fit tall items in either the top or bottom rack. Adjusters are located on each side of the top rack.

To raise the rack:

Press both rack adjuster

thumb levers and lift the rack until it is in the up position and level.

To lower the rack:

Press both rack adjuster thumb levers and slide the

rack to its down position and level.

NOTE: The top rack must be level.

Easy-to-Remove Third Level Rack (on some models)

If additional space is needed in the upper rack, the third level rack can easily be removed.

To remove, fully extend rack until it stops. Then, open the

track stops on each	A. Track stop	B. Track
side and slide the rack
out to remove.

Low profile items such as serving utensils and silverware, may be loaded on the third level rack.

Removable Top Rack

The removable top rack allows you to wash larger items such as pots, roasters, and cookie sheets in the bottom rack.

IMPORTANT: Remove dishes prior to removing the top rack from dishwasher.

To remove the rack:

1.To gain access to the track stops, pull the upper rack forward about halfway out of the tub.

2.Press on the edge of the ridged area on the track stop while tipping the track stop toward the center of the dishwasher. This action releases a small retaining tab that locks the track stop to the track (see Track stop - left).

NOTE: It is helpful to use 2 hands. Take special note of the orientation of the track stops.

Track stop - left

3.With the retaining tab released, pull the track stop straight toward the opposite track to remove it.

4.After removing both track stops, gently pull the top rack out of the tracks by rolling it toward you.

5.Replace the track stops by coming up from under the track and slipping the lower tab of the track stop into the lower slot of the track (see Track stop - right) and rotate the track stop into place. Then press on the edge of the ridged area while pushing the track stop straight toward the track. This action locks the retaining tab back into place.

Track stop - right

6.Test the track stop by pulling it toward the opposite track to ensure that it is locked in place.

To replace the rack:

1.Gently pull the tracks forward in dishwasher until they stop. Remove track stops. See steps 1 though 3 above.

2.Place the back wheels on each side of the rack into the track and roll the rack into the tracks, but do not push the rack all the way into the tub.

3.Insert front rack wheels on each side of the rack into the track.

4.Slide the rack into the dishwasher.

5.Replace the track stops. See steps 5 and 6 above.

IMPORTANT: Be sure that the track stops are locked in place and cannot be easily removed. They keep the rack from coming out of the track.

11