Maytag MDB6601AWS dishwasher Parts

To take your Maytag MDB6601AWS dishwasher out of Control Lock, press and hold Heated Dry for 3 seconds until the lock indicator light turns off (some versions also flash an “L” on the display while locked). This unlocks the touchpads so you can start a cycle normally.

• Make sure the dishwasher is powered on.
• Press and hold Heated Dry for 3 seconds.
• Watch for the lock indicator light to turn off.
• If your model has a display, confirm the “L” is no longer flashing.
• Press START/Cancel to begin the cycle after selecting your cycle and options.

Control Lock is designed to prevent unwanted button presses. It locks the control touchpads, not the door.

• Press and hold Heated Dry again for a full 3 seconds (a quick tap will not change the lock).
• Try unlocking between cycles (when the dishwasher is idle).
• If the controls seem unresponsive, press START/Cancel once to stop a running cycle (it will drain and shut off), then try the unlock step again.

Control Lock prevents accidental cycle changes, especially after selections “lock in” during operation. Unlocking restores normal operation so you can choose cycles, options, and start the dishwasher.

For the exact button layout and indicator behavior on your control panel, follow the steps in the owner's manual.

Last updated: February 2026

On the Maytag MDB6601AWS dishwasher, the filter is in the bottom of the tub under the lower rack, around the circular sump opening. Pull out the lower rack, then unlock the upper filter assembly with a short counterclockwise turn and lift it out.

1. Turn off the dishwasher and let it cool.
2. Slide the lower rack out.
3. Locate the round filter area in the tub floor.
4. Rotate the upper filter assembly about 1/4 turn counterclockwise.
5. Lift out the upper filter.
6. Grasp the lower filter in the circular opening, lift slightly, and remove.

For diagrams and model-specific details, use the owner's manual.

• Rinse the filter parts under warm running water.
• Use a soft brush to remove grease and food soil from the mesh.
• Check the sump opening for glass, labels, or bones.
• Reinstall the lower filter first, then lock the upper filter by turning clockwise.
• Run a short rinse cycle to confirm normal wash action.

A clean filter keeps water moving through the pump and spray arms, which improves cleaning and helps prevent drain issues. If you are also seeing poor wash performance, checking the filter flow plate WPW10192799 is a smart next step because it affects filtration and water circulation.

Last updated: February 2026

The most common Maytag dishwasher problem we see is a drain-related issue: the dishwasher won’t drain fully, leaves water in the bottom, or drains slowly. On the Maytag MDB6601AWS, clogs in the drain path, a restricted hose, or a worn pump impeller are frequent causes; poor cleaning can also happen when wash arms or filters are blocked. See the owner's manual for model-specific checks and normal operating sounds.

• Standing water after the cycle: drain hose restriction, clogged filter area, or pump issue
• Dishes not clean: blocked spray arms, overloaded racks, or low water temperature
• Wet dishes: rinse aid not used, Heated Dry not selected, or water not hot enough
• Odor: food soil buildup or incomplete draining
• Noisy operation: normal fill and circulation sounds, or a wash arm hitting a tall item

• Confirm incoming hot water is about 120°F (49°C) before starting a cycle.
• Re-load so nothing protrudes into the wash arm path (a thump often means the arm is hitting an item).
• If you have odor, run a cycle with baking soda in the detergent cup as described in the manual.
• If you see leaks, check the dishwasher is level and measure detergent carefully to prevent suds overflow.
• Make sure the rinse-aid cap is tight to prevent dispenser leaks.

Drain and circulation problems often show up together: if water cannot move freely through the filter, pump, and hose, you can get standing water, odor, and poor cleaning in the same week. Fixing the restriction early also helps protect the heater and motor.

Last updated: February 2026

A Maytag dishwasher typically lasts 10 years. With normal household use and basic care (cleaning filters, using the right detergent, and keeping the door seals clean), many units reach 12 years before major repairs become common. For model MDB6601AWS, follow the maintenance guidance in the owner's manual.

Most dishwashers age out due to wear in the wash system (pump, impeller, heater circuit) or door components (latch, handle, seals). If your MDB6601AWS is cleaning and draining well, routine maintenance usually delivers the full expected service life.

• Clean the filter area regularly so food soil does not recirculate.
• Run hot water at the sink before starting a cycle to improve wash performance.
• Use rinse aid and keep the cap sealed; replace a damaged dishwasher rinse-aid dispenser cap WP99002614.
• Avoid overloading; blocked spray patterns strain the pump and reduce cleaning.
• Fix small issues early (loose handle, door not latching) to prevent bigger failures.

If performance drops, these are common wear items for this model:

• Heating and drying issues: heater element W10283681
• Filling problems: dishwasher water inlet valve W11082871
• Poor wash or noise: dishwasher pump impeller WP99002659
• Door won’t close or start: dishwasher door latch WPW10275768

Knowing the expected lifespan helps you decide whether to maintain, repair, or replace. A well-maintained dishwasher near the 10-year mark often benefits most from targeted fixes (like a heater element or inlet valve) rather than repeated troubleshooting.

Last updated: February 2026