Whirlpool GU940SCGQ3 dishwasher Parts

On the Whirlpool GU940SCGQ3 (Quiet Partner 3), the filter area is in the bottom of the tub under the lower rack, typically around the base of the lower spray arm. Pull the lower rack out and look for a screen or filter cover you can lift or twist out.

How to access the filter area

1. Turn the dishwasher off at the control panel.
2. Pull the lower rack straight out.
3. Look at the sump area in the center bottom of the tub, near the lower spray arm.
4. If needed, remove the lower spray arm fastener to get better access.

Common parts you may see in this area include the lower spray arm and its retaining hardware, plus a screen or cover over the pump inlet.

• Remove the lower rack for clear access.
• Check around the lower spray arm base for a screen or cover.
• Rinse debris off the screen with warm water.
• Make sure nothing blocks spray arm rotation.
• Reinstall parts snugly so the spray arm spins freely.

What to check while you are there

Food debris in the sump area can cause poor cleaning, gritty residue, or drainage problems. While the rack is out, inspect these quick items:

What you check	What it affects	What to do
Screen or filter area	Cleaning performance	Rinse and wipe away buildup
Lower spray arm holes	Spray pressure	Clear holes with a toothpick if clogged
Spray arm attachment	Noise, poor wash	Tighten or replace worn hardware
Standing water in tub	Draining	Check for blockage in the drain path

If the lower spray arm is loose or you need to remove it to reach the filter area, the retaining nut is the dishwasher spray arm nut WP8268873.

Why it matters

A restricted filter or sump screen reduces water flow through the wash system. That can leave dishes dirty and can also make the pump work harder than it should.

For more Whirlpool-specific troubleshooting steps (including when a cycle stops or shows a fault), use our Whirlpool dishwasher error codes guide.

Last updated: January 2026

To unlock the controls on your Whirlpool Quiet Partner III dishwasher (model GU940SCGQ3), press and hold Heated Dry for about 3 seconds until the Control Lock light turns off and you hear a beep.

Quick unlock steps

• Make sure the dishwasher has power (display or indicator lights respond)
• Press and hold Heated Dry for 3 seconds
• Listen for a beep (common confirmation)
• Confirm the Control Lock indicator light turns off
• Try pressing Start/Resume to verify the keypad responds

If it still will not unlock

Control lock behavior can vary slightly by control panel style, but these checks solve most “stuck locked” complaints:

• Press and hold longer: hold Heated Dry for 5 to 10 seconds
• Try a reset: turn off the breaker for 1 minute, then restore power and try again (this clears many control glitches)
• Check for a door-latch issue: if the door is not fully latching, some models act like the controls are unresponsive; inspect the latch and strike area
• Look for moisture on the keypad: wipe the console dry and try again

Parts that commonly relate to “won’t start” or “won’t respond” symptoms

If the dishwasher unlocks but still will not run, these model-matched parts are common suspects:

Symptom after unlocking	What to check	Model-matched part example
Buttons respond but cycle will not start	Door not latching securely	Dishwasher door latch WP3380854
Dishwasher fills incorrectly or acts erratic	Water inlet problems	Valve-inlt W10844024
Unit stops mid-cycle or dries poorly	Heating circuit issues	Heater WPW10082896

Why it matters

Control Lock is designed to prevent accidental button presses during a cycle or while cleaning the control panel. Unlocking restores normal keypad operation so you can select cycles, start, and cancel/drain correctly.

Related help: how to reset a Whirlpool dishwasher

Last updated: January 2026

The top part of a Whirlpool GU940SCGQ3 dishwasher is the upper rack area, which is designed to hold lighter items and position them for strong spray coverage; on some dishwashers, this area can also include a shallow third rack for utensils.

What you can load up top

In most Whirlpool dishwashers like the GU940SCGQ3, the upper rack is meant for items that need gentler washing and more clearance below.

• Glasses, mugs, and cups
• Small bowls and plastic containers (top rack only)
• Dishwasher-safe utensils in a small rack (if equipped)
• Long utensils laid flat (if your model has a third rack)
• Lightweight, delicate items that can flip or melt down low

Upper rack vs. third rack (quick comparison)

Some customers call the “top part” the third rack. Here is the difference:

Feature	Upper rack	Third rack (if equipped)
Location	Main rack below the tub ceiling	Very top, shallow sliding tray
Best for	Cups, glasses, small bowls	Flatware, spatulas, measuring spoons
Main benefit	More capacity for dishware	Frees space in the lower rack

If the “top part” is leaking, loose, or not cleaning well

Problems up top are usually caused by a spray issue, a loading issue, or a seal problem.

• Make sure nothing blocks the spray arm from spinning
• Angle cups and bowls downward so water drains
• Avoid nesting bowls or stacking items too tightly
• Check for a worn spray-arm seal such as the dishwasher lower spray arm seal WP3376846
• If you see water at the door edges, inspect the dishwasher door seal WPW10509257

Why it matters

Loading the top section correctly improves cleaning, prevents plastic warping, and helps water reach the lower rack spray zones. It also reduces common complaints like cloudy glasses, standing water in cups, and poor drying.

Last updated: January 2026

The Whirlpool dishwasher model GU940SCGQ3 is a standard 24-inch class built-in unit. The published overall dimensions are 23 7/8 inches wide x 33 7/8 inches high x 24 inches deep (depth is typically measured with the door closed and without accounting for extra handle projection).

Dimensions you can use for planning

Use these measurements when checking cabinet fit, countertop clearance, and door swing:

• Width: 23 7/8 in.
• Height: 33 7/8 in. (final installed height can vary slightly with leveling legs)
• Depth: 24 in. (allow extra space if your door/handle projects)

Measurement	GU940SCGQ3 spec	What to double-check at home
Width	23 7/8 in.	Opening width at front and back
Height	33 7/8 in.	Floor thickness, leveling leg adjustment
Depth	24 in.	Handle/door projection, hose clearance

How we recommend measuring your opening

Accurate measuring prevents installation problems and helps avoid pinched drain or water lines.

• Measure the cabinet opening width at the front and back.
• Measure opening height from the finished floor to the underside of the countertop.
• Measure opening depth to the back wall; note any plumbing, wiring, or shutoff valve that sticks out.
• Confirm the dishwasher can be secured so it does not tip forward; see how to refasten a dishwasher to the cabinet video.

Why it matters

Dishwashers are built around a 24-inch cabinet standard, but small differences in height adjustment and door/handle projection determine whether the unit slides in cleanly and the door opens without rubbing adjacent cabinets.

Last updated: January 2026