My dishwasher is not draining on 2nd cycle, what could be the issue?

I have a 10-year old, mid-grade GE dishwasher that at times is not fully draining on the 2nd cycle. Again, this issue is sporadic. I noticed this issue after using those new Action Pacs dishwashing detergents. What should I check or do?

Public Comments

1. Position the appliance DIRECTLY OVER MOTORCYCLE #2!....Direct hit every time.
2. I had the same problem before I got my new dishwasher. I'd take a plunger to it. It will unclog. Mine kepts spitting the water out onto the floor it was a mess.
3. it would appear to me that somethings going wrong with the timer. just a guess. if that happens again, just start the first cycle over again till the water empties out. now open the door and turn the timer knob PAST the second cycle then close the door and see what happens. 1 st cycle fills, washes, rinses dishes, empties, 2nd cycle, detergent door opens, water fills dishes wash. doesn't empty open door, start cycle 1 again this time water will empty(right) once water empties, open door take timer past 2nd stage then close the door and see if cycle will complete itself and all waters empty. just make sure when you turn back the timer to the first stage that the dishwasher doesn't ADD to much water to the dishwasher water that still in there. best i could think of to try.
4. Depending on the model of your dishwasher, there is probably a sump located on the bottom back part of the machine. You may have a plastic cover with a screen that you can remove with 4 bolts. Take the screen off and clean out all the "gunk" that has accumulated in there. You may also have an anti syphon check valve located under the machine and the rubber flapper may have gotten partially dislodged and is creating a slight blockage. If cleaning out the screen at the back doesn't help, you are going to have to pull the machine out to get to the anti syphon. Take it off and inspect it for damage and debris. Chances are that is where the problem lays. Hope that helps...