CMA Dishwasher Troubleshooting: Step-by-Step Guide

Posted: January 29, 2025

CMA dishwashers are very popular for their reliability and efficiency in commercial kitchens, providing quick and effective washing solutions. However, just like other appliances, they can sometimes break down, which may cause a disturbance in their performance. Whether it is a drainage problem, temperature malfunction, or electrical problem, knowing how to troubleshoot and resolve common problems can help you get your CMA dishwasher back to running smoothly. This step-by-step guide will discuss common issues along with how they may be fixed and whether seeking expert advice is necessary for their solution.

Table of Contents
Understanding Your CMA Dishwasher’s Common Problems
Tools You Need for CMA Dishwasher Troubleshooting
How to Fix a CMA Dishwasher That’s Not Draining
Addressing Temperature Issues in CMA Dishwashers
Resolving Leaks in Your CMA Dishwasher
Fixing Electrical Problems in CMA Dishwashers
Ensuring Proper Cleaning in Your CMA Dishwasher
When to Call a Professional for CMA Dishwasher Repair

Top Selling Products
  1. Adcraft RX-2-24 Fryer Thermostat RX 3/8"X 6" 24" 200°F-400°F
    Adcraft RX-2-24 Fryer Thermostat RX 3/8"X 6" 24" 200°F-400°F
    Rating:
    100%
    Special Price $108.97 Regular Price $168.70
  2. Wells 22618 Pre-Filter Hood Universal 16" X 20" X 2"
    Wells 22618 Pre-Filter Hood Universal 16" X 20" X 2"
    Rating:
    100%
    Special Price $77.37 Regular Price $152.00
  3. Southbend 1181996 Oven Temperature Probe
    Southbend 1181996 Oven Temperature Probe
    Rating:
    100%
    Special Price $68.16 Regular Price $322.14
  4. Star Mfg 2N-Z5948 Grill Heating Element - 240V/4000W
    Star Mfg 2N-Z5948 Grill Heating Element - 240V/4000W
    Rating:
    100%
    Special Price $64.57 Regular Price $183.76

Understanding Your CMA Dishwasher’s Common Problems

Before starting troubleshooting, it's important to be aware of the most common issues that can arise with your CMA dishwasher. Understanding these typical problems will help you quickly identify the cause of any malfunction. This knowledge makes the troubleshooting process more efficient and effective.

  • Pump Motor Problems: Pump motor problems are often caused by debris or mineral buildup obstructing the motor parts, leading to overheating or failure. Electrical issues, such as incorrect wiring or a damaged capacitor, can also lead to failure in the pump motor, impacting your CMA dish machine’s efficiency.

  • Sustainer Heater Problems: Sustainer heater problems are mostly caused by mineral deposits or scaling that may block its heating efficiency. Electrical problems, including a failure in thermostat errors or broken connections, may also cause failure in the heater, causing issues with your CMA dish machine.

  • Fill and Drain Problems: Fill and drain problems are regularly caused by clogged or kinked hoses that decrease the water flow, preventing proper filling or draining. A malfunctioning water inlet valve or drain pump can also lead to these issues, failing to open and close as required. Always make sure to check CMA dishwasher parts related to drainage.

  • Switch and Control Problems: Switch and control problems are frequently caused by wear and tear on the elements, leading to defective or ruined connections. Electrical issues, such as damaged wiring or a malfunctioning circuit board, can also affect the right working of switches and controls in CMA dishwashers.

  • Temperature and Thermometer Errors: Temperature and thermometer errors are certainly caused by an irregular thermostat or sensor that fails to precisely detect the temperature. Wiring issues or unnecessary measurements can lead to errors in temperature readings and malfunctioning heating elements.

With all this information, you can start the troubleshooting process by following the proper steps for each problem and addressing the CMA dishwasher repair.

Tools You Need for CMA Dishwasher Troubleshooting

You will require some basic equipment for troubleshooting to fix your CMA dishwasher. Let’s discuss the necessary tools required in detail, which help in efficient diagnosis and solving the problems related to your CMA dish machine.

  • Screwdrivers: Phillips and flathead screwdrivers are generally used to remove panels and access internal parts like the pump motor, spray arm, and control panel, which are part of the CMA dishwasher parts.

  • Pliers: Pliers are very important for disconnecting or tightening water hoses, removing stuck parts, or handling clamps. They ensure to have a good grip on parts during dismantling and reassembling, especially when dealing with CMA dish machine parts.

  • Multimeter: A multimeter is important for diagnosing electrical issues in parts like the thermostat and pump motor, ensuring circuits and connections are functioning properly, which is crucial when tackling CMA dishwasher issues.

  • Towels or Rags: Always keep towels or rags on hand to soak up spills and wipe surfaces to prevent water damage during troubleshooting.

  • Replacement Parts: Keep replacement parts like hoses, gaskets, spray arms, and seals on hand for quick repairs and reduced downtime, helping to avoid long-term CMA dishwasher repair issues.

Having your tools ready, let's get into solving some common problems with CMA dishwashers.

How to Fix a CMA Dishwasher That’s Not Draining

If your CMA dishwasher fails to drain properly, start by checking the drain hose for kinks or blockages. Inspect the drain valve for any clogs and ensure that the drain pump motor is functioning properly. Replacing the defective parts will solve the problem and ensure proper draining.

  • Check the Drain Filter and Screen: Clean the filter and screen inside the drain in case debris might be blocking it from draining properly, a common issue with CMA dishwashers.

  • Inspect the Drain Hose: Make sure that there are no kinks, blockages, and flush out if necessary.

  • Check the Drain Pump: Pay attention to unusual noises, inspect it, and replace it if needed. Make sure to inspect the CMA dish machine parts carefully.

  • Inspect the Check Valve: Clean and replace it to stop the water from flowing back into your CMA dishwasher.

By following all the steps given above, you will be able to solve most of the problems relating to drainage dishwasher issues.

Addressing Temperature Issues in CMA Dishwashers

Accurate water temperature is a necessity when cleaning in your CMA dishwasher. When the water fails to reach an accurate temperature, begin by checking the heating element for damage or malfunction. Check the thermostat, temperature sensors, then replace the damaged parts to get heating properly again.

  • Test the Heater Element: Check the heater element for burns and replace it if it has burnt out. This is one of the most common problems in CMA dish machines.

  • Test the Thermostat: Check the thermostat with a multimeter and replace it if necessary.

  • Inspect the Water Inlet Valve: Check the water inlet valve for blockages and replace it if it is not allowing hot water to enter.

  • Double-Check Water Supply: Check that the water temperature entering the dishwasher is between 120°F and 140°F and adjust the water heater if necessary.

By checking these parts, you should be able to restore your CMA dishwasher's temperature function and avoid common CMA dishwasher issues.

Resolving Leaks in Your CMA Dishwasher

Leaks in your CMA dishwasher can damage your kitchen and hinder cleaning, so check for issues like damaged door seals, loose hose connections, or a faulty drain valve, and replace any defective parts.

  • Check Door Seals: Look for damaged door gaskets and replace them.

  • Inspect the Door Latch: Check if the door latch is broken and replace it if necessary.

  • Look at Spray Arms: Check for cracks and misalignment, clean, and realign your spray arms, ensuring they are in good working condition.

  • Check All Hoses and Connections: If the hoses are damaged, replace them to eliminate the possibility of leaks. Pay special attention to CMA dish machine parts for leaks.

If all these parts are checked, you can avoid leaks and repair your CMA dishwasher.

Fixing Electrical Problems in CMA Dishwashers

If your CMA dishwasher has starting issues due to infrequent power, check your power supply, inspect your door latch, and test your fill/start switch and timer assembly for defects.

  • Inspect the Power Supply: Make sure the dishwasher is properly plugged in safely while using another device to verify the outlet.

  • Inspect the Circuit Breaker: Check for any tripped breakers in the circuit box and reset them if needed.

  • Test the Door Switch: If the door switch isn't working properly, replace it after testing it with a multimeter.

  • Check the Control Board: Inspect for any noticeable burn marks or damage on the control board, and replace it if needed.

Most of the electrical problems regarding your CMA dishwasher can easily be fixed by following the above steps.

Ensuring Proper Cleaning in Your CMA Dishwasher

If your CMA dishwasher has issues with cleaning your dishes properly, check for issues such as clogged spray arms, inaccurate water temperature, or damaged detergent pumps and replace the defective part.

  • Clean the Spray Arms: To get rid of the cluster and improve cleaning efficiency, remove the upper and lower spray arms and brush thoroughly to clean them.

  • Check the Filter: Clean or replace it if clogged to improve water flow and prevent CMA dishwasher detergent build-up.

  • Proper Loading: Go through our manufacturer's guidelines for loading the right number of dishes effectively to ensure water and detergents are properly distributed throughout the load.

  • Check the Detergent Dispenser: Check if the dispenser is working properly and replace it if it dispenses the CMA dishwasher detergent poorly.

By considering these parts, you can make sure that your CMA dishwasher gives the best cleaning performance.

When to Call a Professional for CMA Dishwasher Repair

Some issues might be too complex or technical for a layman. If the issue hasn't changed following the above steps, you'll need a professional to fix it. Consider calling a professional when:

  • Electrical Problems: If the electrical problems are beyond your understanding.

  • Specialized Parts: If you suspect a malfunction requiring specialized parts, like CMA dish machine parts.

  • Warranty Issues: If the dishwasher is still under warranty, repair by a qualified professional is necessary to avoid losing the warranty.

Always prioritize safety and expertise when handling such complex matters.

Also read on: 9 Essential Commercial Dishwasher Maintenance Tips

You can solve many common problems on your CMA dishwasher with these troubleshooting steps. Whether the problem is related to draining, temperature, leakage, or electrical problems, knowing the cause of the problem and using the right tools can save your precious time and money in repairs. If anything goes wrong or you face any dishwasher issues and difficulties with your appliance, call the experts as soon as possible to resolve the issue.

FAQs

Why is my CMA dishwasher not filling with water?

A CMA dishwasher may not fill with water due to problems such as a clogged water supply line, a stuck float switch, malfunctioning drain solenoid, broken overfill protection float, or a clogged water inlet valve, and it should be checked for damage, blockages, and obstructions in these parts

How to delime a CMA dishwasher?

To delime a CMA dishwasher, drain it, include a deliming solution and run the deliming cycle, repeat if needed then flush thoroughly with normal cycles to remove all solution.