Viking dishwasher repair by tier and model
The entry Viking dishwasher, the VDWU324, has no drying heater and no fan. Its cool stainless tub pulls moisture off the load by condensation. That one design choice explains plenty of damp-dish calls, so we check the model before anything else.
Viking dishwasher behavior, normal or not
Some of what owners report on a Viking dishwasher is the machine doing what it was built to do. Others point to a part. Here is how the six most common ones split. For general cleaning trouble, see dishes coming out dirty.
Damp load, 3 tier
Condensation drying on the VDWU324 uses no heat. Some moisture left behind is how it works, not a failure.
Door pops open
On the VDWU724, OpenAir drying releases the door at the end of the cycle. That is intended.
Loud through the sink
Viking says to keep the sink drain plug in, because cycle noise travels up the drain line.
Clatter mid-wash
Dishes, pans or lids touching each other or the tub walls rattle. Reload so nothing touches.
Weak spray on china
The Light/China cycle is set to spray softer on purpose. Pots and Pans sprays harder.
Heat or scorch smell
On older units, the heater connector was recalled for overheating. Stop using it and check the build date.
Viking dishwasher models and how they dry
Viking builds its 24 inch dishwashers in 3, 5 and 7 tiers, and the drying method changes with each step up.
| Model | Tier | Drying | Rated noise | Extra feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VDWU324 | 3 | Condensation, no heater or fan | 45 dB | Three-position upper rack |
| VDWU524WS | 5 | Turbo Fan Dry | 42 dB | Panel-ready twin is the FDWU524WS |
| VDWU724 | 7 | OpenAir, door opens at cycle end | 39 dB | CornerClean lower arm on a moving axis |
Inside a Viking dishwasher
Sources: vikingrange.com VDWU324, VDWU524WS and VDWU724 product pages; Viking support FAQs; CPSC 2012 and 2015 recall notices
Is my older Viking dishwasher in the connector recall?
It may be, if it is a Model 200, 325 or 450 built before April 1, 2011. Viking names the failing part as the electrical connector to the dishwasher heater. The first recall, in April 2012, covered about 2,000 units built May through September 2010, after 21 incidents, five with fire damage. In August 2015 CPSC added about 17,300 more, plus about 1,300 in Canada, after 136 further overheating reports. The remedy was an in-home repair at no charge. The ID plate sits on the left side of the door opening.