April 19, 2023

Dishwasher symptoms

Whether your dishwasher won't start, won't fill or won't drain, we have the DIY troubleshooting tips that can help you fix the problem. When your dishwasher isn't working, use the symptoms and DIY troubleshooting advice to find the cause of the problem. The, order the replacement parts you need and use our convenient dishwasher repair guides to help you install the part and get back to washing dishes.

dishwasher

Symptoms common to all dishwashers

Choose a symptom to see related dishwasher repairs.

Main cause: damaged rack height adjuster
Main causes: water supply problem, stuck overfill float, clogged water inlet valve screen, water inlet valve failure
Main causes: improper loading, low water temperature, improper detergent dosage, detergent dispenser failure, spray arm or pump problems
Main causes: damaged or stuck spray arm, leaking door seal, damaged door hinge, leaky heating element water seal, cracked water supply line
Main causes: broken door latch, tripped circuit breaker, broken heating element, faulty vent fan, sensor failure, control system problem
Main causes: light switch beside the sink turned off, lack of power, bad dishwasher door switch, control system failure, wiring problem
Main causes: clogged kitchen sink drain, clogged drain hose, drain check valve damaged, drain pump failure, control system problem
Main causes: broken door spring, damaged or broken door hinge
Main causes: glass or popcorn kernel stuck in the chopper blade, drain line vibrating against the cabinet, debris in wash pump or drain pump
Main causes: not using rinse aid, rinse aid dispenser failure, broken heating element, malfunctioning vent, drying fan failure

Repair guides common to all dishwashers

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your dishwasher.

How to replace a dishwasher door latch assembly

If the dishwasher door doesn't click shut, a broken door latch is a likely cause. Follow these instructions to replace it yourself.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace a dishwasher user interface control

The user interface control houses the selection buttons and display. If it fails, you can't select the cycle and settings. Follow these instructions to replace it yourself.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace a dishwasher thermal fuse

A completely dead control panel often indicates that the thermal fuse on the electronic control board is blown; follow these steps to replace a blown thermal fuse in your dishwasher.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Articles and videos common to all dishwashers

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your dishwasher.

November 13, 2022

7 Tips to Get Your Dishwasher Ready for the Holidays

7 Tips to Get Your Dishwasher Ready for the Holidays

Find professional tips that can help you get your dishwasher ready for the holidays.

December 23, 2021

How to reset a Whirlpool dishwasher

How to reset a Whirlpool dishwasher

Learn how to reset a Whirlpool dishwasher when its control freezes up.

August 17, 2021

How to read a wiring schematic video

How to read a wiring schematic video

Learn how to decipher symbols so you can buy the right part for your problem.