ChatGPT 4 making stuff up, maybe hallucinating

Here at 114 Warren, our nearly twenty-year-old Bosch dishwasher has begun to leak water out of the bottom of the door chronically. So, investigations of the gaskets and repairs on the web have led to numerous posts and videos. The symptoms are somewhat mysterious. The leak only appears about 10 to 15 minutes into the 35 minute cycle. In the end, it appears that I will have to undertake replacing the gaskets.

Then I thought, this would be an interesting question to pose to ChatGPT4 – the more advanced paid version of the now infamous ChatGPT 3. I provided a very detailed description of the dishwasher and the mystery. Should be right in the hitting zone for ChtGPT4.

You

Bosch dishwasher model SHE43F05UC/48 leaks from below door towards end of the cycle. What is causing this?

ChatGPT

A Bosch dishwasher model SHE43F05UC/48 leaking from below the door towards the end of the cycle can be caused by several issues:

    1. Door Seal Damage: Check the door seal for any signs of damage, wear, or debris that might prevent it from sealing properly. A damaged or dirty seal can allow water to escape.
    2. Overfilling: If the dishwasher is overfilling, it might cause leaks. This can be due to a malfunctioning float switch or a problem with the water inlet valve.
    3. Detergent Usage: Excessive or the wrong type of detergent can cause too much foam, leading to leaks. Ensure you’re using the correct amount and type of detergent recommended for this model.
    4. Spray Arm Issue: If the spray arm is blocked or damaged, it can direct water towards the door seal, causing leaks. Check for any blockages or damage and clean or replace the spray arm if necessary.
    5. Hose Connections: Loose or damaged hoses can also be a source of leaks. Check all internal hoses, especially those near the door, for any signs of looseness or wear.
    6. Leveling: If the dishwasher is not level, it might cause water to pool and leak at the front. Ensure the dishwasher is properly leveled.
    7. Pump Seals: Worn or damaged pump seals can lead to water leaking underneath the dishwasher.
    8. Dispenser Issues: A malfunctioning detergent dispenser can sometimes cause leaks if it allows too much water to enter the tub at once.

To accurately diagnose and fix the issue, it may be necessary to inspect these components. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, consider contacting a professional technician for assistance. Remember to disconnect the dishwasher from power before attempting any inspection or repair.

On the surface, much of this makes sense.

But, this model has no “float switch.” There is simply no way that a malfunctioning spray arm could “direct water towards the door seal, causing leaks“. Further this machine has two spray arms. And, “A malfunctioning detergent dispenser can sometimes cause leaks if it allows too much water to enter the tub at once” makes no sense since the dispenser is simply a little lid in the door that pops open to release the detergent pellet. No connection with the water system.

Since ChatGPT4 can search the web, I observed it signaling that it was doing exactly that. This is not the problem frequently noted by ChatGPT3 that its latest “training” was in 2020. This kind of question seems like just the thing for an AI to address simply by searching for existing answers on the web.

Clearly ChatGPT4 is making things up. Or, as suggested by another, maybe it is hallucinating?