MY KITCHENAID DISH WASHER TOP SHELF IS NOT CLEANING AT ALL .

Possibly a clogged pump, or not enough water in dishwasher for pump to maintain pressure.

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/jeffrey_634abadf963e31e5

Make sure you're not loading the dishwasher with large items close to the soap dispenser. These can block the action of the dispenser door. Also, be sure the water temperature is 140 degrees for the best cleaning efficiency.
Another thing may be that your spray arm jets are clogged.
Depending on the model, the lower spray arm generally has a nut or thumb/butterfly screw (plastic) that you remove and then lift the spray arm off. I always soak mine in hot soapy water and then flush with hot water. If debris such as pieces of paper, bone, peelings are in there, you'll need to take a tweezer or toothpick to remove them from the jets. The upper spray arm usually has the same apparatus and you can follow the same procedure.
The upper spray arm receives water pressure from a tube that runs up the back of the machine on the inside. If the connection has been knocked out of line, the water can't flow through the tube to the spray arm. My kids used to knock ours loose when they loaded the lower shelf. Pull out the top shelf and see if the plastic connectors are in place. If not, snap them back on the shelf supports and this should align the tubes.
One more thing: the bottom of the door..on the INSIDE of the machine.It's amazing how much "gunk" settles and accumulates under there. I use an old toothbrush, moistened in soapy water to scrub the underside of the door. Then pour hot water on the area. Next run a regular cycle with NO items in washer and use 1/2 cup white vinegar...no detergent.
I hope these suggestions help your problem. If so please come back to Fixya and rate my advice!

Cleaning the dust from the condensor is what I would have done first. the second suspect is the thermostat. When they go out, they either make the refrig freeze up or just go out. the last thing would be the compressor to go out. Cleaning the condensor coil is recomended at least once a year. A good toilet brusk and "Dawn" dish soap works great! The last thing is of corse, a service call. good luck,Lloyd

Hi, the most likely cause of this is the sump is plugged under the screen area, I have put some instructions together to show how to clean out down there. let me know if it helps.

http://www.fixya.com/support/r4628450-poor_cleaning_or_noisy_pump_whirlpool_or

That looks like the Washing powder residue. I am having a similar problem. But I am finding that the heating element isn't working anymore and hence can't rinse with hot water thus appears the soapy residue which dries into a 'sandy' substance as you say. Sorry no solution for you yet, can you check if when it finishes and you open it - its still hot inside?

http://www.kitchenaid.com/assets/pdfs/product/ZUSECARE/8573754.pdf
I know this isnt the same model, they dont carry your manual as of yet. But it does have some suggestions to look at on page 17. I had the same problem and I looked really carefully and found my sprayer arm was blocked. I cleaned it out and havent had a problem with it again. I do check it regular now.

The problem most people encounter with dishwashers is a simple inability to get the dishes clean. There might be stuck-on food or residue from the detergent. A water pressure problem may be the culprit. You may need to replace the water intake valve. Another common problem is mineral build-up. If your house has hard water, the mineral build-up can clog the water jets. Clear each jet with a wire or pin, and run an empty load with some vinegar in the detergent dispenser about once a month.

Sometimes, the dishwasher has problems draining properly. There could be a clog in the drain hose, or a problem with the pump. It's also possible that the dishwater is getting too sudsy, and sensors in the washer aren't detecting the soap foam as water. This causes it to shut down the drain cycle too early. Just use less detergent.

You need to clean the jets on the machine arm with an old toothbrush etc... then clean out the debris filter on the bottom of the tub near the dryer bar. The calcification in the little jet areas causes this problem. This should help.

Is the top sprayer clean and not clogged so that the water can flow through? The top may not be functioning properly.

I had a similar poblem with my Kitchenaid dishwasher( piece of overpriced poop) I had to replace the empeller /chopper unit that chops debris when washing. It was bent to the point where it would not turn & power the pumping to the top sprayer. Once I replaced it it worked, until it broke again. Do yourself a favor & NEVER buy a Kitchenaid. cheers Billy D