How long is the Maytag dishwasher warranty?
Maytag covers the MDB9979SKZ0 dishwasher with a 10-year limited parts warranty (coverage is for specific parts and conditions). For the exact terms, what’s included, and what’s excluded, match your serial number details to the warranty section in the MDB9979SKZ0 owner's manual.
A limited parts warranty usually focuses on certain major components and does not automatically include every part or all labor.
- Coverage is limited to specific parts listed by Maytag
- Labor, service calls, and installation are often not included
- Proof of purchase and model/serial identification may be required
- Coverage can vary by component and year of ownership
- Damage from misuse, improper installation, or freezing conditions is commonly excluded
Use this checklist before ordering parts or scheduling service:
- Confirm your model number is MDB9979SKZ0
- Locate the serial number on the dishwasher
- Note the purchase date (or installation date for new construction)
- Identify the failed component (leak, no fill, no drain, not cleaning)
- Compare symptoms to troubleshooting guidance in the manual
| Item type | Example on this model | Often covered under limited parts? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wear/maintenance items | Filter | Usually no | Regular cleaning helps performance |
| Water supply components | Fill valve | Sometimes | Depends on the specific warranty terms |
| Seals and gaskets | Door/tub seals | Sometimes | Leaks can also be loading or alignment related |
| Electronics | Control board | Sometimes | Confirm error codes first |
If you’re troubleshooting a fill problem while checking warranty coverage, the fill valve assembly W11434044 is one of the key components involved.
Knowing whether your issue falls under the 10-year limited parts warranty helps you decide whether to pursue warranty service first or move straight to a DIY repair using the correct Maytag dishwasher parts for MDB9979SKZ0.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the parts of a Maytag dishwasher?
A Maytag dishwasher like model MDB9979SKZ0 is built around a water-fill system, wash and spray system, filtration, and a drain system, plus door and control components. Knowing the main assemblies helps you match symptoms (leaks, no fill, poor cleaning) to the right repair.
- Water inlet and fill valve: brings household water into the tub at the right time.
- Wash system (sump, circulation pump, spray arms): moves water through the manifold and spray arms to clean.
- Filtration: traps food soil so it does not redeposit on dishes.
- Drain system (drain hose, drain path): pumps used water out to the disposer or drain line.
- Door system (latch, seals, handle): keeps the door closed and prevents leaks.
- Controls and sensors: manage cycle timing, water heating, and wash performance.
| System | Example part on this model | What a failure often looks like |
|---|---|---|
| Fill | Fill valve assembly W11434044 | Not filling, slow fill, fill-related errors |
| Filtration | Dishwasher filter W11568785 | Grit on dishes, poor cleaning, odors |
| Wash/spray | Dishwasher manifold and spray arm assembly W11545334 | Weak spray, dirty upper/lower racks |
| Drain | Hose-drain,e W11414944 | Not draining, leaks under unit |
| Door/starting | Latch assembly (includes switch) W11412299 | Won’t start, stops mid-cycle, door won’t latch |
Dishwashers are “systems” machines: a small issue in the filter, spray arm, or fill valve can look like a bigger problem. Identifying the system first helps you avoid replacing the wrong part and shortens troubleshooting time.
Use the MDB9979SKZ0 owner’s manual to match component names to your dishwasher’s features and to follow safety guidance (grounding, water supply precautions) before servicing.
Last updated: February 2026
What if I can't find my part on Sears PartsDirect?
If you can’t find a part for your Maytag dishwasher model MDB9979SKZ0, we can still get you to the right replacement by confirming the exact model/serial information and identifying the part by its location in the parts diagram. Start with the MDB9979SKZ0 owner's manual to verify model details and installation-specific hardware.
- Confirm the full model number is MDB9979SKZ0 (match every character).
- Use the appliance serial number to confirm the correct production version.
- Identify the part by where it sits (door, tub, sump, drain path, inlet).
- Search by the part ID if you have it (example: W11434044), not only by description.
- Check for shortened names in listings (example: “Hose-drain,e” instead of “drain hose”).
- Compare your part to common assemblies for this model, such as the fill valve assembly W11434044 or the dishwasher filter W11568785.
Use this workflow so you don’t order the wrong component:
| What you have | What to do | What you’ll get |
|---|---|---|
| Only a symptom (leak, no fill, no drain) | Match the symptom to a system (inlet, drain, wash) | A short list of likely parts |
| A photo of the part | Match shape, ports, and mounting points | Correct part family (valve, hose, seal, pump) |
| Numbers on the part label | Search the exact printed number | Fastest match to a part listing |
| Location in the dishwasher | Use the diagram section for that area | Correct part name and ID |
Dishwasher parts often look similar across Maytag models, but small differences (hose length, electrical connector style, seal profile) can prevent a proper fit or cause leaks. Verifying by model/serial and diagram position helps ensure the replacement works the first time.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most common problem with a Maytag dishwasher?
The most common Maytag dishwasher complaints (including model MDB9979SKZ0) are poor cleaning, not draining, and leaking. In many homes, the root cause is maintenance or loading related (dirty filter, blocked spray arms, detergent issues), but water-inlet and drain components can also be involved.
- Poor cleaning: clogged filter, blocked spray arm holes, old detergent, hard-water film
- Not draining: clogged filter area, blocked air gap (if installed), kinked drain hose
- Leaking: damaged door seals, items poking the seal, loose clamps or hoses
- Poor drying: rinse aid empty, plastic items holding water, cycle selection
- Won’t start or stops: door not latching, control lock or cycle not fully selected
Use the steps and care schedule in the MDB9979SKZ0 owner's manual. Then focus on these high-impact checks:
- Clean the filter and sump area; remove labels, glass, and food debris
- Inspect and rinse spray arms; clear any plugged jets
- Use fresh automatic dishwasher detergent; add detergent right before starting
- Use rinse aid consistently (many units need refilling about every 1 to 3 months depending on use)
- Avoid overloading; keep tall items from blocking the spray path
- If draining is weak, check and clean the countertop air gap (when present)
If the quick checks do not fix the issue, these model-matched parts are common suspects:
| Symptom | What to inspect | Model-matched part example |
|---|---|---|
| Not filling or fills slowly | Water supply, inlet screen, valve operation | Fill valve assembly W11434044 |
| Not draining | Drain hose routing, clogs, pump performance | Hose-drain,e W11414944 |
| Poor cleaning | Filter condition, circulation performance | Dishwasher filter W11568785 |
| Leaking at door | Door seal condition, sharp items damaging seal | Dishwasher door seal, lower W11664713 |
Most “dishwasher problems” start as restricted water flow (in or out) or reduced spray action. Keeping the filter clean, using rinse aid, and loading correctly helps the MDB9979SKZ0 wash better, drain reliably, and avoid leaks that can lead to bigger repairs.
Last updated: February 2026





