How to Troubleshoot a Maytag MDB4100

Turn on the water valve connected to the Maytag dishwasher, which is usually found underneath the kitchen sink, if the dishwasher does not fill with water. Straighten out the water hose, and clean out the water inlet valve in the bottom of the dishwasher tub. Close the dishwasher door firmly. Turn the dial to the selected cycle and then push “Start.”

Dry out the detergent cup with a clean cloth after the wash cycle if there is residue or detergent left after a wash cycle. Use fresh detergent to help prevent lumps or clumping.

Clean out the kitchen sink, and run the garbage disposal if the dishwasher isn’t draining out water. Measure the drain hose and elevate the hose at least 32 inches up from the floor, and then straighten the hose to prevent bends that can cause obstructions.

Rinse off dishes before loading the dishwasher if the wash cycle seems noisy and if hard objects are being ground up in the internal food disposer on a regular basis.

Start a “Rinse Only” cycle if dishes have been sitting in the dishwasher and there is an odor. Fill both sides of the detergent cup with baking soda if the smell persists or is very strong. Choose “Light Wash” followed by “Start,” and let the washer run for 10 minutes. Unlatch the door and leave the door open overnight before closing the door again and pressing “Start” to finish the cycle.

Increase the water temperature on the hot water heater to at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Select the “AccuTemp” wash feature if the cycle runs for a long time or if the “Heating Delay” light is illuminated. Start the hot water at the sink first before starting the dishwasher.

Measure out detergent according to the product instructions, and close the detergent and rinse aid dispensers firmly before starting the dishwasher if there are leaks. Do not use other types of detergent, as only automatic dishwasher detergent is approved for use in this Maytag dishwasher.

Use hot water cycles and rinse aid detergent if glasses appear spotted. Soak items in white vinegar for 5 minutes and then rinse to remove the cloudy or spotted appearance.

Load the dishwasher so there is room between each dish. Fill the detergent and rinse aid compartments if there is food soil left on dishes. Use hot water temperature cycles, and rinse dishes well before loading the dishwasher.

Try a citric acid-based detergent if items seem stained or discolored after washing. Consider a household water filter if there is constant residue or staining in the dishwasher.