How to replace a dishwasher diverter motor

This DIY repair guide gives step-by-step instructions for replacing the dishwasher diverter motor. The diverter motor moves the diverter disc into position so the disc can direct water through the upper spray arms. If the diverter motor fails, the dishwasher stops and signals an error code. Replace the diverter motor with a manufacturer-approved dishwasher part if the error code indicates that the diverter motor failed.

This procedure is for Kenmore, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Amana, JennAir and Maytag dishwashers.

Instructions

1. Shut off electrical power and water supply to the dishwasher

Unplug the dishwasher or shut off the house circuit breaker for the dishwasher.

To verify that power is disconnected, make sure the control panel doesn’t light up when you press a control button or the power button.

 Find the water supply valve for the dishwasher under the sink (or in the basement). Close the valve to shut off the water supply going to the dishwasher.

2. Remove the diverter disc

Open the dishwasher door and pull out the bottom dishrack.

Release the upper dishrack track stops and pull out the upper dishrack.

Release and remove the bottom spray arm.

If your dishwasher is a Kenmore with the TurboZone sprayer, release and remove the TurboZone manifold.

Release the feed tube clips. Release the feed tube from the pump outlet and pull out the feed tube.

Release the locking tab and slightly rotate the pump outlet left, and then remove it.

Pull the diverter disc off the motor shaft and shut the dishwasher door.

3. Remove the bottom front access panel and toe panel

Using a nut driver, remove the screws that hold the bottom front access panel and toe panel in place.

Pull the access panel and the toe panel forward and remove them.

4. Pull out the dishwasher

Position the dishwasher’s power cord so it moves freely as you pull the dishwasher out from under the counter.  (See Tip if your dishwasher doesn’t have a power cord.)

Place a towel under the water supply line connection. Disconnect the water supply line from the water inlet valve and wipe up spills.

Disconnect the drain line from the garbage disposal or sink drain.

Remove the 2 mounting screws from the brackets that secure the dishwasher in the cabinet opening.

Pull the dishwasher out from under the counter.

5. Remove the diverter motor

Carefully lay the dishwasher on its back to access the diverter motor.

Release and remove the wire harness connections from the diverter motor.

Remove the Torx mounting screws from the diverter motor.

Release the locking tab and pull the diverter motor out.

6. Install the new diverter motor

Push the new diverter motor onto the tub and engage the locking tab.

Install the mounting screws and connect the wire harnesses to the diverter motor.

7. Reinstall the dishwasher

Tilt the dishwasher upright and carefully push the dishwasher under the counter.

Reconnect the drain hose to the garbage disposal or sink drain.

Reconnect the water fill line to the inlet water valve.

Insert the screws into the mounting brackets that secure the dishwasher under the counter and tighten the screws.

Position the toe panel on the dishwasher and then position the access panel in front of the toe panel. Insert and firmly tighten the mounting screws.

Tip: If the dishwasher hardwires into a junction box, push the power cable into the junction box and reinstall the strain relief nut. Reconnect the wires in the junction box and reinstall the junction box cover.

8. Reinstall the diverter disc

Open the dishwasher door and reinstall the diverter disc on the keyed diverter motor shaft.

Line up the pump outlet and push it into the opening. Rotate it slightly right to engage the locking tab and lock the pump outlet into place.

Reinstall the feed tube and snap it into the mounting clips.

If you have a Kenmore dishwasher with a TurboZone sprayer, reinstall the TurboZone manifold.

Reinstall the bottom spray arm.

Push the upper dishrack into the tracks and reinstall the track stops.

Put the lower dishrack into the tub.

9. Restore electrical power and the water supply

Reset the house circuit breaker or plug in the dishwasher to restore electrical power.

Open the water supply valve.