Electrolux EIDW1805KS – i30 error (drain timeout) Repair Guide

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Model: Electrolux EIDW1805KS
Brand: Electrolux
Model Number: EIDW1805KS

🔍 Problem Description

Clean filter and drain path; check for kinked hose; test drain pump

📋 What You’ll Need

  • Drain pump
  • Cleaning tools

    • 🔧 Step-by-Step Repair Instructions

      🔧 Step 1: Remove and clean filter assembly

      1. Open the dishwasher door fully until it rests in the horizontal position.
      2. Pull out the lower dish rack completely and set it aside on your counter or floor.
      3. Locate the circular filter assembly at the bottom center of the dishwasher tub, positioned approximately 12 inches from the front door edge and centered left-to-right.
      4. Identify the cylindrical fine filter (the inner mesh cylinder, approximately 4 inches tall) inside the larger outer filter cup.
      5. Grasp the fine filter at its top rim and rotate it counterclockwise one-quarter turn (90 degrees) until it stops.
      6. Lift the fine filter straight up and out of the filter cup.
      7. Grasp the outer filter cup assembly (includes the flat circular filter plate) and lift it straight up to remove it from the sump area.
      8. Examine both filter components for accumulated food debris, grease buildup, hard water deposits, and any visible blockages in the mesh openings.
      9. Run both filter pieces under hot tap water (120-140°F works best) while using your fingers to dislodge loose debris.
      10. For stubborn residue, use a soft-bristled brush (like a dish brush or old toothbrush) to scrub the mesh surfaces, moving in circular motions on the fine filter and back-and-forth on the flat filter plate.
      11. For grease buildup, soak both filters in a sink with hot water mixed with 2 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid for 15 minutes, then scrub again.
      12. Rinse both filter components thoroughly under running water until water runs clear through all mesh openings with no soap residue remaining.
      13. Shake excess water from both filters.
      14. Inspect the sump opening (the hole where the filter assembly sits) and use a damp cloth to wipe away any visible debris or buildup around the edges.

      🛠️ Step 2: Clean drain path thoroughly

      1. Locate the drain filter assembly at the bottom center of the dishwasher tub – it’s a cylindrical component approximately 4 inches in diameter.
      2. Twist the cylindrical filter counterclockwise 1/4 turn and lift straight up to remove it from the sump housing.
      3. Remove the fine mesh filter screen that sits beneath the cylindrical filter by pulling it straight up – this is a flat circular piece about 5 inches across.
      4. Look into the exposed sump opening and remove any visible food debris, broken glass, or objects using your fingers or needle-nose pliers.
      5. Insert a flashlight into the sump cavity and inspect the drain impeller below – it looks like a small white or gray plastic propeller with 4-6 blades.
      6. Spin the impeller with your finger to verify it rotates freely without grinding or resistance – it should turn smoothly in both directions.
      7. Mix 2 cups of warm water with 1 tablespoon of dish soap in a bowl.
      8. Dip a bottle brush (8-10 inches long) into the soapy water and scrub the inside walls of the sump cavity, moving in circular motions for 30 seconds.
      9. Scrub both filter components under running tap water using the bottle brush, paying attention to the mesh openings – run your finger across the mesh to confirm no debris remains.
      10. Pour 1 cup of white vinegar directly into the empty sump cavity and let it sit for 5 minutes to dissolve mineral deposits.
      11. Use a turkey baster to suction out the vinegar and loosened debris from the sump.
      12. Wipe the sump opening with a clean cloth until no residue transfers to the cloth.
      13. Reinstall the flat mesh filter first, seating it flush against the bottom.
      14. Place the cylindrical filter over the mesh filter and twist clockwise 1/4 turn until it locks – you’ll feel resistance when fully seated.

      ⚙️ Step 3: Check drain hose for kinks or blockages

      1. Pull the dishwasher forward approximately 12-18 inches from the cabinet opening to access the rear connections.
      2. Locate the drain hose on the left rear side of the unit – it’s a corrugated gray or black hose, approximately 1 inch in diameter, running from the drain pump upward.
      3. Trace the drain hose from its connection point at the pump (bottom left corner) up to where it loops under the countertop, then follows to your sink drain or garbage disposal connection.
      4. Examine the entire visible length of the hose for compression or sharp bends – the hose should maintain a gradual curve without any pinch points narrower than 3/4 inch in diameter.
      5. Press along the hose length with your fingers at 6-inch intervals, feeling for hard obstructions inside – food debris will feel like solid lumps that don’t compress.
      6. Locate the hose clamp at the pump connection – this is a circular metal band with a screw head, typically 7/16 inch or flathead screwdriver width.
      7. Turn the clamp screw counterclockwise 3-4 full rotations using a flathead screwdriver to loosen it without complete removal.
      8. Twist and pull the hose off the pump outlet – the outlet is a ribbed plastic tube approximately 3/4 inch diameter.
      9. Hold the disconnected end over a shallow pan or bucket and flush water through from the upper end at the sink connection to clear any debris.
      10. Shine a flashlight into both ends of the hose – you should see clear through with no dark spots indicating blockages.
      11. Remove any visible debris by running a plumber’s snake or straightened wire coat hanger through the hose length.
      12. Reattach the hose to the pump outlet, sliding it on until it covers all ribbed sections (approximately 1.5 inches of overlap).
      13. Tighten the hose clamp by turning the screw clockwise until snug – the hose should not rotate when twisted by hand.

      🔩 Step 4: Test drain pump operation

      1. Locate the drain pump at the bottom center of the dishwasher tub, directly below the filter assembly you removed in previous steps.
      2. Find the wire harness connector on the drain pump body – it’s a white rectangular connector approximately 1 inch wide with 2 wires (black and white).
      3. Grasp the connector body (not the wires) and pull straight out to disconnect it from the pump motor terminals.
      4. Set your multimeter to the ohms (Ω) setting at 200 ohms range.
      5. Touch one multimeter probe to each of the two metal terminals inside the pump’s connector socket.
      6. Read the resistance value – you should see between 40-60 ohms. If you read infinite resistance (OL) or less than 10 ohms, the pump motor is faulty and requires replacement (part number 5304506525).
      7. Switch your multimeter to AC voltage setting at 120V range.
      8. Reconnect the white wire harness to the pump motor terminals – push until you hear a distinct click.
      9. Restore power to the dishwasher at the circuit breaker.
      10. Start a drain cycle by pressing and holding the “Cancel/Drain” button for 3 seconds.
      11. Insert the multimeter probes into the back of the white connector where the wires enter – use the probe tips to pierce through the wire insulation slightly or access the connector from the rear.
      12. Verify the pump receives 120V AC during the drain cycle. The voltage should remain constant for 60-90 seconds.
      13. Listen for the pump motor humming sound. Place your hand on the pump body to feel for vibration indicating motor operation.
      14. If voltage is present but the pump doesn’t run or hum, the pump motor is seized and needs replacement.
      15. Turn off power at the circuit breaker before proceeding to Step 5.

      Step 5.

    đź“‹ Step 5: Replace drain pump if not operating properly

    1. Unplug the dishwasher from the electrical outlet or turn off the circuit breaker dedicated to the dishwasher.
    2. Remove the lower dish rack by lifting it straight up and out of the tub.
    3. Unscrew the spray arm retaining nut at the center of the lower spray arm by turning it counterclockwise, then lift off the spray arm.
    4. Remove the filter assembly by turning the cylindrical filter counterclockwise and lifting the entire filter system out of the sump area.
    5. Remove the 3 Torx T20 screws securing the pump cover plate located at the bottom of the tub where the filter was seated.
    6. Lift the pump cover straight up to expose the drain pump assembly directly beneath it.
    7. Disconnect the drain pump wire harness by squeezing the locking tab on the 3-wire connector (white connector with white, black, and red wires) and pulling straight away from the pump.
    8. Loosen the hose clamp on the drain hose connection at the top rear of the pump by turning the screw counterclockwise with a 1/4-inch flat-head screwdriver.
    9. Pull the drain hose off the pump outlet nipple.
    10. Rotate the entire pump assembly counterclockwise approximately 1/4 turn and lift straight up to remove it from the sump housing—the pump uses a bayonet-style mounting system.
    11. Position the new drain pump (part number 5304506523) into the sump housing opening and rotate clockwise 1/4 turn until it locks into place—you’ll feel it seat firmly.
    12. Slide the drain hose onto the pump outlet nipple and tighten the hose clamp until snug.
    13. Reconnect the 3-wire electrical connector to the pump until you hear an audible click indicating it’s fully seated.
    14. Replace the pump cover plate and secure with the 3 Torx T20 screws, tightening in a star pattern.
    15. Reinstall the filter assembly, lower spray arm, and retaining nut.
    16. Restore power and run a short rinse cycle—the i30 error should clear if the pump operates correctly.

    đź›’ Recommended Products

    Here are the recommended products for this repair: