Dishwasher doesnt drain on wash cycle,ok on rinse cycle

Some dishwashers will now wait before draining final rinse water. This helps the dishes dry. Instead of draining the hot water it will save it for a short time to dry dishes. Wait 20 minutes it should drain after that.

I'm thinking dishwashers is installed in correctly. Too low causing an issue. Have a tech look at it.

Do you hear it go into the drain cycle that is do you hear the drain pump run at some stage. What happens in the rinse program (short cycle)? It is likely the thermostat is not working or the water temperature is too low due to heater problems.

Turned the Dishwasher on then it stopped, so we hit Cancel Drain won't drain or follow thru to the wash cycle?

Hi, I have an older dishwasher also and recently my wife alsocomplained about it not cleaning right... so me being the man I am tried invain to clean the things... Bought new spray arms online and installed them inminutes...now the thing works like new... However I have also found that if theheating element goes bad then that also can mess things up bad... So I wouldbuy new spray arms, and also check out the heating element to make sure it isworking... Here is a tip that will help you with the online buying...
Dishwasher Spray Arms not Spinning

How to Buy Appliance Parts Online

A bad heating element causes many problems in dishwashers...

Dishwasher Problems The Heating Element not Working

Dishwasher Maintenance

heatman101

Asker's Testimonial " explanation very clear. will give it a go and seehowsimple it was. thanks Ronnie " - ronnieshomes

Try adding bicarb of soda/baking soda and vinegar in the detergent dispenser. Bicarb fizzes off hardened particles and vinegar strips off grease and aids rinsing.

I had the same problem after a year of use. All the cycle sounded good except for the drain. I disconnected the drain hose with all turned off and only a small amount of water came out ( the inside pan was full ) I then stuck it to my mouth ( gross ) and nothing but back pressure. Another great heave and POW a wad of grease came out. In short by wife poured some fresh stock down the drain which backed into the drain pipe and cooled. Done.

I had the same problem (water remaining in the bottom) after the rinse cycle. FYI my GE Nautilus is 7-years old.
(1) I disconnected the drain tube at the garbage disposal unit (in the sink) and, using a wire coat hangar freed a 'plug' of sludge located at the spot where the drain tube clamps onto the garbage disposal. I blew into the drainage tube to further clear other 'plugs' I observed but could not reach w/the coat hangar.
(2) I unscrewed the Filter/Strainer on the inside (bottom) of the dishwasher; and further removed the inner filter; cleaned both out.
(3) Re-ran the dishwasher thru complete wash/rinse cycles (to check for leaks. There were none.
Finally, upon completion of the w/r cycles there will always be a small pool of water (residing in the filter area). However my dishes are clean and (after 7-years) checking the drain tube and filters was a breeze.
Hope this helps

Check disposer plug. If a garbage disposer has been recently installed, it is possible the disposer drain plug was not removed. The drain plug is a plastic piece in the disposer that blocks the hole where the dishwasher hose connects. Also check the hose connected to the disposal. Mine apparently had a kink in it. When I straightened the hose the dishwasher drained at full speed (I recently had a plumber re-route a hot waterline. He must has bent the hose). Hope this helps. If not go to the GE website. That's where I found my answer.

I had this same problem. I think its the upper spray arm vibrating during wash cycle. To verify; prevent the upper arm from rotating by putting a long spatula through the top rack or zip tie the arm so it don't rotate. If the noise goes away you found your problem.