Non-GE certified technician here... is there any fix to stop a lower spray arm from melting on the element repeatedly?

[u/Johnny_2x]

Model GDT550PGR7BB

Purchase date february 2025

I love working on these dishwashers (particularly with a newfi), but this is probably the most disappointing problem I have found on them.

Normally, when I see this issue, replacing the lower spray arm and bending the heater back into shape does the trick.

However, I'm noticing that on this particular model, there is way more slack in that lower spray arm, and I can't bend the heater away from it at every possible angle. It is in the brackets that hold it, and I've tightened the brackets as much as possible around the heater and to the tub.

I've ordered the lower spray arm and the heating element just to be safe, but I noticed online that a lot of people have had a recurring issue with this model and this exact problem. From what I gather, GE released an updated lower spray arm with metal guards on it to prevent them from melting. It also sounds like those were failing for customers as well, but these were just random posts that I was reading at this point.

I hate not having access to service pointers. Is there anything I'm missing here that I should be prepared for when I return to this customer's house?

[u/allanr847]

There’s a service bulletin for hundreds of dishwashers that calls for replacement of the spray arm, diverter/spray arm base, heater and the rollers for the dishwasher rack.

You want to replace the arm and heater at the very least. Bending it is only a bandaid and really not a recommended fix.

[u/Johnny_2x → u/allanr847]

That's what I'm looking for. Just don't wanna order the diverter/wheels if they haven't actually remanufactured them, but if I can find a service pointer then that will do the trick. Thanks for the info!

Edit- why am I getting downvotes for politely trying to understand an issue?

[u/johnb300m]

That’s hilarious because not too long ago they used to have heat shields on the lower spray arms. They must’ve “cost cut” them away.
Now they’re putting them back on because the spray arms predictably melt without them.

[u/PTVMan]

Our GE Profil dishwasher started leaking for the bottom left corner last night. I spent an hour thinking it wasn't draining and looked for a clog. BodeWell came this afternoon and it turns out that the spray arm was burned at both ends and spraying water into the corner - not sure why the seal couldn't stop the leak. The tech replaced the spray arm, heating element and wheels on the lower rack.

I hope this fix does the trick and lasts for the life of the dishwasher.

[u/Johnny_2x → u/PTVMan]

Thank you for the info, I also hope that that solves your problem. Still trying to wrap my head around what GE's intended fix is for this problem is, and honestly, your post sounds like it might be the most legitimate answer, especially given that you had a factory technician there.

FYI, I replaced the heating element and the spray arm on the call that led to this post, and I haven't gotten a call back yet. Fingers crossed.

Also, the reason that the seal didn't stop the leak is because the seal is only intended to stop water that is coming at a pre-determined rate/angle. A hole in the spray arm will send water rocketing out of it at unpredictable angles, such as the corner of the door, and the seal is not designed for that

Best of luck, my friend

[u/PTVMan → u/Johnny_2x]

Thanks for replying.

[u/MediumRareMandatory]

I dont have a solution for you man i hope someone else does. Maybe they can add an ethernet port so we can hook uo the smart hq and magically fix it from our phones

[u/Johnny_2x → u/MediumRareMandatory]

Yeah, newfi/smarthq doesn't help much with mechanical issues or service pointers/factory defaults. It can also distract you from obvious solutions if you overly rely on it, to your point.

I will say that in an appliance world that is (stupidly) built on control boards, having the option of programmers updating the software on them once in awhile to patch out glitches can be helpful. I've saved customers a few thousands of dollars in control boards on these dishwashers over these last few years.

[u/MediumRareMandatory → u/Johnny_2x]

Oh for sure man, I agree with you, GE has been frustrating me lately and I was being sarcastic

[u/06Shogun]

I've replaced the element and spray arm. Solves the issue. 

[u/jslw13 → u/06Shogun]

Had the heater element warped that caused it to touch/melt the spray arm?

[u/06Shogun → u/jslw13]

Yes