GE GDP665SYNFS (Profile Series) – Upper rack adjuster failure Repair Guide

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Model: GE GDP665SYNFS (Profile Series)
Brand: GE
Model Number: GDP665SYNFS

🔍 Problem Description

Replace rack adjuster mechanism; lubricate slides

📋 What You’ll Need

  • Upper rack adjuster mechanism

    • 🔧 Step-by-Step Repair Instructions

      🔧 Step 1: Inspect upper rack adjuster mechanism

      1. Open the dishwasher door fully until it rests horizontally at approximately 90 degrees from the closed position.
      2. Pull the upper rack completely out of the dishwasher until it stops at the forward position, approximately 18-20 inches from the tub opening.
      3. Locate the two rack adjuster mechanisms—one positioned on each side of the upper rack at the front corners where the rack meets the roller assembly.
      4. Examine the left adjuster first: identify the gray plastic lever measuring approximately 2 inches long, positioned vertically along the side of the rack rail.
      5. Pull the gray lever upward while simultaneously lifting the left front corner of the rack to test if the adjustment mechanism engages and releases smoothly. The rack should lift approximately 2 inches when properly functioning.
      6. Lower the rack back to its original position and verify the adjuster locks with an audible click sound.
      7. Repeat the test on the right side adjuster mechanism using the same upward lever pull and lift motion.
      8. Inspect both adjuster levers for visible cracks, missing tabs, or white stress marks on the gray plastic, which indicate wear or failure.
      9. Check the metal rack rails at each adjuster location for corrosion, particularly look for brown or white deposits within 3 inches of the adjuster mounting point.
      10. Examine the roller wheels located at the rear of each rail assembly—these are white plastic wheels approximately 1 inch in diameter. Spin each wheel with your finger to confirm they rotate freely without binding or rough grinding sounds.
      11. Look for the metal stop clips on both rails, positioned approximately 4 inches from the front edge of the rack. Verify these L-shaped metal clips remain attached and are not bent outward.
      12. Push the rack back into the dishwasher and pull it forward three times to confirm smooth gliding motion throughout the full range of travel.

      🛠️ Step 2: Check rack slides for wear

      1. Pull the lower dish rack completely out of the dishwasher until it stops at the forward position.
      2. Locate the white or gray plastic rack wheels on both sides of the lower rack—you’ll find 4 wheels total, 2 on each side, positioned at the front corners and rear corners of the rack assembly.
      3. Spin each wheel with your finger, checking for smooth rotation. A worn wheel will feel rough, wobbly, or will not spin freely.
      4. Examine each wheel for cracks, flat spots, or pieces missing from the wheel edge. Run your finger along the wheel circumference to feel for rough patches or indentations.
      5. Inspect the metal track rails mounted inside the dishwasher tub where the wheels ride—these run horizontally along both side walls, approximately 3 inches up from the tub bottom.
      6. Look for rust spots, deep scratches, or bent sections in the metal tracks. Slide your finger along each track’s length to detect rough areas or warping.
      7. Check where the rack assembly connects to the slide mechanism at the rear corners—look for white plastic clips or brackets that may have cracked or broken off.
      8. Pull the upper rack forward to its stop position and repeat the wheel inspection process. The upper rack has 4 wheels positioned similarly to the lower rack.
      9. Examine the upper rack’s metal track rails, located on both side walls approximately 18 inches up from the tub bottom.
      10. Test the rack adjustment mechanism on the upper rack by locating the levers on each side of the rack assembly (typically blue or gray plastic tabs at the front corners).
      11. Press both levers simultaneously and attempt to raise and lower the rack through its adjustment positions—it should move smoothly through 2-3 height settings and lock firmly at each position.

      ⚙️ Step 3: Lubricate rack slides

      1. Pull the lower dish rack completely out of the dishwasher until it stops at the fully extended position.
      2. Locate the four rack slide assemblies – two white plastic slides on each side of the dishwasher cavity, positioned at the bottom where the lower rack sits, approximately 2-3 inches from the floor of the tub.
      3. Examine each slide for the metal roller wheels (typically 2-3 wheels per slide assembly) and the white plastic track channels they ride in.
      4. Wipe each metal roller wheel with a dry cloth to remove any food debris, detergent residue, or existing dried lubricant buildup.
      5. Clean the white plastic track channels by running a damp cloth along the entire length of each channel from front to back, approximately 20 inches deep into the cavity.
      6. Obtain food-grade silicone lubricant spray (such as Superlube 31110 or equivalent) – do not use petroleum-based products or WD-40.
      7. Apply 2-3 short bursts of silicone spray directly onto each metal roller wheel, rotating the wheel manually with your finger between applications to coat the entire circumference.
      8. Spray a thin continuous line of lubricant along the inside of each white plastic track channel, moving from the front opening to the back wall.
      9. Slide the lower rack in and out 5-6 times to distribute the lubricant evenly across the rollers and tracks.
      10. Wipe away excess lubricant drips from the bottom of the tub using a dry cloth.
      11. Test the rack movement – it should glide smoothly without resistance or squeaking sounds when pulled out and pushed back in.
      12. Repeat steps 1-11 for the upper rack assembly, which uses similar white plastic slide rails located approximately 16 inches above the lower rack position on the sidewalls.

      🔩 Step 4: Test rack adjustment operation

      1. Open the dishwasher door fully until it rests horizontally at approximately 90 degrees from the closed position.
      2. Locate the upper rack adjustment levers on both the left and right sides of the upper rack, positioned at the front corners where the rack meets the side rails.
      3. Grip the left adjustment lever (a gray or white plastic tab measuring approximately 1.5 inches long) and pull it forward toward the front of the dishwasher while simultaneously lifting the left side of the rack upward with your other hand.
      4. Raise the left side until you hear and feel a distinct click, indicating the rack has locked into the upper position (approximately 2 inches higher than the starting position).
      5. Repeat this process on the right side: pull the right adjustment lever forward and lift the right side of the rack until it clicks into the matching upper position.
      6. Verify both sides are level by placing a standard 12-inch ruler across the front edge of the rack from left to right—the rack should not tilt more than 1/8 inch in either direction.
      7. Press down firmly on the center of the upper rack with 10-15 pounds of pressure (the weight of a gallon of milk)—the rack should remain locked and not drop.
      8. Lower the rack by pulling both adjustment levers forward simultaneously while pressing down on the rack until you feel it drop and click into the middle position.
      9. Test the lowest position by repeating the lowering process until the rack clicks one final time into its bottom position.
      10. Cycle through all three height positions twice to verify smooth operation—each click should be audible and the rack should lock firmly without wobbling.
      11. Place a 10-inch dinner plate in the lower rack directly beneath the upper rack to confirm adequate clearance (minimum 2.5 inches) when the upper rack is in the highest position.

      đź“‹ Step 5: Replace rack adjuster mechanism if faulty

      1. Pull the affected rack completely out of the dishwasher until it stops at the rail ends.
      2. Locate the rack adjuster mechanism on each side of the rack—these are the white or gray plastic assemblies positioned at the front corners where the rack meets the rails, approximately 2 inches from the front edge.
      3. Identify the release tab on the top surface of each adjuster mechanism; this is a rectangular protrusion measuring roughly 0.5 inches wide.
      4. Press down firmly on the release tab with your thumb while simultaneously lifting the front of the rack upward at a 30-degree angle.
      5. Slide the rack forward 2-3 inches once the adjuster mechanism disengages from the rail channel.
      6. Rotate the rack left or right to angle it for removal through the dishwasher opening.
      7. Place the rack on a flat work surface with the wheels facing upward.
      8. Locate the adjuster mounting points on the rack frame—these are rectangular slots on each side rail, positioned 1-2 inches from the front corners.
      9. Press the locking tabs on the faulty adjuster mechanism inward (one on each side) using flat-head screwdriver to compress the plastic clips.
      10. Pull the old adjuster mechanism straight upward away from the rack frame while maintaining pressure on the tabs.
      11. Align the new adjuster mechanism (GE part number WD12X10348 for upper rack or WD12X10349 for lower rack) with the rectangular mounting slots.
      12. Push the new mechanism straight down into the slots until you hear an audible click, indicating the locking tabs have engaged.
      13. Verify the mechanism moves smoothly up and down through its adjustment positions by pressing the release lever and shifting positions.
      14. Repeat steps 8-13 for the adjuster on the opposite side of the rack.
      15. Reinsert the rack into the dishwasher by angling it through the opening, aligning the adjuster mechanisms with the rail channels, and sliding backward until fully seated.

      đź›’ Recommended Products

      Here are the recommended products for this repair: