I can not remove the lower spray arm from my Kenmore Ultra Wash dishwasher. There is a plastic knob on the top of the arm that can be turned both left and right--neither way makes any difference. I have pulled up on the spray arm, rocked it back and forth, looked for plastic tabs underneath to push in and release it...nothing works. I am doing this because the machine is not getting dishes clean and I am certain the drain/screen needs to be cleaned. I do NOT want to call a repairperson. Will greatly appreciate any help!

SOURCE: dishes not getting clean

brittgee, there has been a number of service flashes on this model. One that has to do with the upper spray arm assy. Complaint is poor washability; gritty glasses, food redeposited on glasses, especially in the corners. They redesigned the upper spray arm to improve water spray to all corners of the upper rack. The new part number is 8269022. They also redesigned the third level spinner for more consistant rotation and better washability. This was also under a service flash. Part number.8193768. Other reasons for poor wash would be; low water temperature, rinse aid disp. not working, loading etc. Catriver...post back.

SOURCE: Dishwasher not getting water into spray arm, so no clean dishes

two possibilities: open door when in use. check if water is coming out of the spray arms. if it is and at a good rate, then the problem may be the spray arm jets blocked. the spray arms are only rotated by water coming out of the angled jets at their end or is the main circulating pump running ok?

SOURCE: whining noise with Kenmore 16032 dishwasher

I had a similar issue, I removed the lower spray arm (had to hold center plastic tab with pliers and then unscrewed and lifted up the arm). Then I removed the cover with the screen filter(4 screws) and then removed the top half of the stainless chopper housing (1 screw). Found that things like cherry pits, elastic bands, bread plastic ties had blocked the water inlet to the chopper and the area around the chopper blade. Cleaned it all up, reassembled and machine works great! Mine was so blocked that I was hardly getting any water pressure to the upper rack.

Ron Coons

• 2651 Answers
• Posted on Apr 04, 2008

SOURCE: cleaning out debri in pump

if youve acess below the filter screen ther is only 2 more screws holding down 2 more covers giving you acess to the chopper assy, this is where youll find broken glass and stuff hitting against hte chopper try to break up.. the first of 2 covers lifts right off,,, the second will require sorta prying up and off, beyond this no real acess to any more

SOURCE: Kenmore ultra wash III dishwasher

Well, the water is clean. The only thing I can think of is that the pump is just not doing its job. The only way to know is put a meter or a flow meter on the pump but heck, I can buy a new dishwasher for under $300 so I think I will just give up. Hate to do it but it is not worth the time and effort anymore. I really appreciate your involvement in my problem and I hope I have not over loaded you with my questions. New dishwasher, here I come........ bah humbug. Mine was only 13 years old, they just do not make them like they use to.