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.

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.

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

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.

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.

• 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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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).

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)

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.

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