I have a Bosch SH43R dishwasher. It has started not always filling enough on a cycle, leading to poor wash performance (often it can't even get the soap out of the dispenser).
Frustratingly, it's not every cycle.
Awkwardly, adding 2-3 cups of water sets things right (the water level then comes up a few cm above the drain mesh). So I've been running it each night by listening for a lack of enough sloshing, then adding water by hand. Ugh.
I've removed the integral filter and fill solenoid (Bosch part #00622058). The filter was a little dirty, but not bad. I measured 4.1 gallons per minute out of the inlet hose: seems like plenty. But the problem persists.
I know this model is a "timed fill" meaning the dishwasher computer has no idea how full the tub is.
How can I run a diagnostic cycle, as this particular model has no display (other than a useless red LED that shines on the floor)?
What could be the low fill cause? Can a weak solenoid do this?
Best Answer
It was the fill solenoid, Bosch part #00622058. My kids and I ran a bucket test, operating the valve into a bucket and timing flow over one minute:
Don't do this at home (ahem), note the bare wires from the scavenged extension cord: it's a 120V solenoid.
Test runs produced 5,8 and then 6 cups of water in one minute with the filter completely removed. This explains the inconsistent behavior. The new solenoid from the local parts store produced 12 cups in the same condition.
The hose was grotty also, and is going back to FluidMaster under Warranty: