Kitchenaid dishwasher cleanout.. exotic tools?

[Goldielocks]

I researched what to do to have my dishwasher top jet clear and spraying again.

I had already looked for debris, and the floor was clear.

What I found was that I need to use Torque screwdriver to access the food trap, which is hidden and otherwise inaccessible.  WTF?

We have a huge workshop of tools and this is the first time I needed to use a medium torque, just to access a simple task like cleaning the filter at the bottom.  I have only a small torque for pc use and a wide range of phillips, robertson and flat heads.  Need to go buy one now.

Ranks up there with the new un repairable computer panels they put in appliances today.

Anyone else seeing this problem when they try to fix something?  Mfr making it so that simple repair items are overly difficult?

[MountainBeard]

These are called torx screws, or you'll sometimes hear them referred to as star fasteners.  These are part of most quality driver bit sets (along with square drive), and don't strip as easy as slotted/phillips fasteners..  I'd say this feature makes them much easier to work with.

[zolotiyeruki]

Our low-end Maytag also employs Torx (and, confusingly, also philips) screws for the filter.  I actually have to take apart a fair portion of the dishwasher in order to clean out the pump intake--the baskets, the whole top sprayer assembly and piping, etc.  I've done it enough times now that it only takes me 20 minutes or so, but it's still a hassle.

[Greg]

Yes, T20 torx screws.  I also have a kitchenaid.  Any bit assortment sold today should have what you need.  Keep in mind the screws are stainless and any magnetic bits won't hold them.  The large wing screw that holds the bottom spinner is reverse threaded.

The top spinner is held in by clips, I don't think you need to remove any thing in the lower level to remove it.  I use a 3/4" bottle brush to scrub the gunk out of mine.

You will want to clean out the bottom though, it will be full of foul slime.  Our slime is pink.  If your model is "smart" and adjust cleaning time, this is really important as the optical sensor will be slimed over and cause longer run time.  Check the little chopper thing for debris, I usually find toothpick and olive pits.

[Goldielocks]

Thanks all,  I did check our socket driver set and there are/were indeed at least 2 of these, but it is at least 24 yrs old and not used much, so parts missing never replaced.  Maybe our driver set -Dewalt - was intentionally purchsed to not include them to save money.  Dont know, but I was able to buy a set of bits for $6, and completed the deed the next day.

Broken glass, string from a roast and cherry pits.  Surprisingly minimal fouling after 4 years.  Very easy, other than a bit awkward, and much nicer than the old style dishwashers from the 90's that you would need to clean out every few month.  Either the fancy soap pack and enzymes really work, or this dishwasher is awesome.  My kids do the dishes, so any little help like buying fancy soap that doesnt get on their hands or spill is worth it.

Still need to snake the washer line.  I have been washing pet blankets and I think I created a mess.

[Greg]

Good news. 

I have to clean mine yearly.  Not sure if it's our water, the food we eat or what, but the slime is prevalent.  The first time I cleaned it out I was disturbed, now it's just a thing I do like cleaning gutters.  Luckily the sink sprayer reaches over to the dishwasher and I can use it to hose stuff out, after scraping out the bulk of it, and use the dishwasher's own pump/drain to drain it.