Dishwasher Help Forum

[Stephen99]

Hi,

The red led indicator that illuminates when the salt is low on my zanussi de6965 dishwasher no longer works. How does the dishwasher sense salt levels and how is this likely to have failed? Can it be easily repaired/replaced?

Thanks.

[captaincaveman1]

it works by a ball which passes a reed switch on the side of the tank it can be a while before the light illumites when low on salt though also some versions have a 3 in 1 or multi-tab button if you have have either and you have selected it then neither the salt or rinse aid lights will illuminate

[Stephen99]

Thanks. I don't think it has a 3in1 button because it is an old dishwasher and besides, I've read here so I know to use proper salt

The led has always worked until now but the salt recently ran out and the inside of the dishwasher and the cutlrey took on a stained (scale I presume?) appearance, prompting me to check the salt, which was empty. My other half thinks she saw something floating in there, making me think that whatever senses the salt has fallen off.

[captaincaveman1]

The sensor is on the outside of the salt container its either the float thst has stuck or the reed switch but first try filling it to the top with the salt but if your using combination tablets that contain the salt then you dont need it anyway

[Stephen99]

I refilled the salt and that cured the problem of streaks. I just don't think the sensor is working. Could the float have fallen off? That would explain the UFO - unidentified floating object.

[captaincaveman1]

yes it could do . salt dosent need filling that often so rather than replace the tank just keep it topped up to the top (as long as your not using those combination tablets)

[Stephen99]

Thanks. So the float cannot be repaired or reattached, I would need a new tank? I rpesume that's a big job involving disassembling everything else to get to it? Perhaps like you say, I should just live with it?

[Martin]

That would explain the UFO - unidentified floating object.

Was it rectangular in shape with a magnetic base?

[captaincaveman1]

yes the tanks a sealed unit though