KDTM384EBS2 KitchenAid Dishwasher - Instructions

Replaced the detergent dispenser module by first unscrewing the front outer cover from the dishwasher and removing it, then by unplugging the old detergent dispenser, then by bending the metal latch clips outward to remove the old detergent dispenser, then by bending the metal latch clips inward before inserting the new detergent dispenser, plugging the new one into the wiring harness then re-securing the front outer cover of the dishwasher door.

This repair could be done in under 15 minutes but my dishwasher is so old that there was a lot of gunk built-up around the screws that hold the front cover on that I wanted to take my time cleaning up real nice.

The detergent dispenser is VITAL for getting dishes clean. Without it working properly, the detergent will be removed from the wash during the pre-wash/soak function and your dishes will not come out clean. I HIGHLY recommend doing this repair if your detergent dispenser is not working, and I had a great experience with www.PartSelect.com

My husband called Part Select and described the problem. After we sent a couple of photos to the technician, she determined the part that we needed...a top rack assembly unit...and it arrived within a few days.
I watched the video that Part Select provided and it made the job so much easier than if the new part had been sent with a booklet of diagrams and written instructions. The video showed exactly how to dismantle the old part and then install the new part. It was also helpful to compare the part I was working with to the same part on the other side of the rack so that I knew for sure that I had it positioned correctly.
The part and shipping cost about $70. It would have cost more than 3 times as much if I had to call a repairman.

removed old gasket, installed new.
No Leaks!!
Saved the cost of a new dishwashers

I watched the YouTube video I found in the link provided but PartSelect and followed the steps shown in the video. I replaced the two broken rack adjusters in about 20 minutes. I especially like the fact that PartSelect helped with the link provided in the email that acknowledged the part order. A great customer service. I’ve passed this fact on to my other friends who routinely DIY repair projects.

Snapped the old one off and snapped the new one on.

You need to pull the unit out to get access to the spring connected to the rear leg frame. Use the everything in the kit. The rollers are upgraded and will guid the cable better.

Purchase 4 roller wheel assemblies and installed them with only a screw driver to open the tangs. quick and easy and rack rolls smoothly inside the dishwasher. Rather expensive $58 per roller assembly and hopefully these last the lifetime of the dishwasher.

A Mouse friend had seen fit to chew through the original drain line. I used my Model Number, and was able to order the correct part . It arrived the next day. The job itself is fairly straight forward. You will need to access the rear of the machine. This may include shutting off, and disconnecting the water supply line. (Adjustable wrench). Mine is under the sink, on the "Hot" side. You may also need to un-plug the unit. (recommended) . A pair of (Pliers) will be needed for the spring clamp.

Following a utube video made it easy. Removed the outer cover of the door to expose latch. Two screws remove the latch, pay attention to how it was positioned and put the new one on and then replace the panel. But first turn off the electricity to the unit at the fuse box.

The repair was easy. First remove the entire rack from the dishwasher. There are three clips that hold the rack adjuster in place. It's relatively easy to see how to loosen the clips to remove the old rack adjuster. I took a couple of photos before I loosened the clips to help remember where they belong. When putting the rack adjuster it's important to move the rack height adjustment release lever up and down until the vertical part of the rack adjuster easily slides into the slot in the upper rack bracket. Once the rack adjuster in in it's proper location replace the three clips removed at the start of the procedure. Place the rack back into the dishwasher.

push the 2 retaining clips back with my fingers and slide off the broken roller piece. Slide the new replacement 2 roller piece into place and push up until the retainer clips click and lock.

Removed old gasket, cleaned track thoroughly, then followed instructions from video on Part Select order form. Instructions very clear and precise. Getting the new gasket was a little tedious at the corners but take your time and work the gasket with your fingers as shown on the video.

It was easy to remove the old parts by using a screwdriver to push in “tabs” that kept retainer clips in place. Once removed, it was a matter of easy assembly in reverse and then re-clip. It became clear that the problem was because a few tabs that click into the sliding track and worn to the point where they no longer retained a tight connection to the track causing the upper rack to tilt with weight to front or back. Sure, the parts are a bit pricey but not when compared to a repair visit or a new KitchenAid which otherwise was functioning perfectly.

1) clear out the dishwasher
2) remove unit securing screws from top or sides of DW and cabinetry near the top or under the counter top
3) gently pull the dishwasher from the cabinetry about 20" is plenty, mind the connecting hoses and electrical connection
4) close the door! pull back the insulation from the area of the hinge and photograph both sides - this will save you the pain of going online
5) you will see the cord, the tensioning wheel assembly and the door balance spring on both sides
6) with the door closed to relieve tension on the cord, remove the cord from the balance spring - this can be done w/o tools at this point
7) remove the 5/16" screw from the plastic tensioning wheels and remove the tensioners, cord - leave the springs in place if not replacing them
8) install the door end of the cord to its hook on the hinge, install the new tensioning wheel assembly, install the old 5/16" self tapping screw through the lower wheel and into the outer hole in the frame
9) thread the cord from the door over the upper wheel and lower wheel. the lower wheel has cord retaining tabs to hold the cord on the assembly
10) hook the eye end of the cord to the balance spring and you are finished with the first side - repeat operations for the other side, reposition the insulation and slide the washer back in its cavity - do not forget to reinstall the stabilizing screws in the upper washer frame
11) you've done it!
12) have a cuppa and do your second washer that hasn't failed yet - it will soon.

Hardest part was figuring out how to release and remove upper rack as mine did not match the instructions. After that is was tricky but not overly difficult. The instructions on-line did not make sense, but it all was fairly intuitive process. Take some before pictures, lol. Dishwaswasher works great.