Common Dishwasher Problems & Solutions
- Dishes dirty or spotted after washing
- Dishwasher doesn’t fill with water
- Dishwasher drains during fill
- Water doesn’t shut off
- Motor doesn’t run
- Motor hums but doesn’t run
- Poor water drainage
- Dishwasher leaks around door
- Dishwasher leak from bottom
- Dishwasher doesn’t turn off
- Dishwasher noisy
- Door drops hard when opened
- Door difficult to close
Dishes dirty or spotted after washing
Possible cause | Procedure |
---|---|
Dishes loaded incorrectly | Rearrange dishes following manufacturer’s instructions |
Water not hot enough | Test water temperature. If lower than 140F, raise temperature at water heater |
Water pressure too low | Check water pressure. If low, try to minimize water usage while the dishwasher is running |
Detergent ineffective | Make sure detergent is made for dishwashers. Try different brands to find one effective for local water conditions |
Detergent dispenser faulty | Check for binding or broken parts |
Rinse agent dispenser empty | Refill dispenser |
Spray arm stuck or clogged | Look for obstructions such as measuring spoons which fall under racks and block sprayer. Check and clean spray arm |
Rinse agent leaking | Tighten loose fill cap, check rinse agent dispenser washers and gaskets, replace cracked dispenser |
Rinse agent dispenser faulty | Test bimetal terminals on rinse agent dispenser |
Heating element faulty | Test heating element |
Selector switch or timer faulty | Test selector switch |
Pump clogged or impeller corroded, worn, or chipped | Call for service |
Dishwasher doesn’t fill with water
Possible cause | Procedure |
---|---|
Water supply line turned off | Open shutoff valve to dishwasher, faucet, and main water supply |
Shutoff valve faulty | Replace dishwasher shutoff valve |
Water inlet valve faulty or vale screen clogged | Test water inlet valve solenoid and inspect filter screen |
Float or float switch jammed or faulty | Inspect float and test float switch |
Door switch faulty | Adjust door catch and test door switch |
With a low buzzing sound: Filter under spray arm clogged | Remove filter and clean it under running water |
Faucet coupler clogged | Clean or replace screen in coupler |
Dishwasher drains during fill
Possible cause | Procedure |
---|---|
Drain valve stuck open | Inspect drain valve, test-drain dishwasher with valve solenoid open, and replace if necessary |
Water doesn’t shut off
Possible cause | Procedure |
---|---|
Float or float switch jammed or faulty | Inspect float and test float switch |
Water inlet valve solenoid faulty | Test water inlet valve solenoid Replace valve |
Water inlet valve screen clogged | Remove water inlet valve, clean or replace screen |
Timer faulty | Test timer |
Motor doesn’t run
Possible cause | Procedure |
---|---|
No power to dishwasher | Check for blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker |
Door switch faulty | Adjust door catch, test door switch |
Timer faulty | Test timer |
Motor faulty | Call for service |
Motor hums but doesn’t run
Possible cause | Procedure |
---|---|
Door switch faulty | Adjust door catch, test door switch |
Timer faulty | Test timer |
Motor faulty | Call for service |
Impeller jammed | Call for service |
Poor water drainage
Possible cause | Procedure |
---|---|
Air gap clogged | Clean air gap: remove cover, unscrew cap, and use tweezers to remove obstructions in tube |
Spray arm or filter screen clogged | Clean spray arm, inspect and clean filter screen |
Drain hose blocked | Inspect and clean drain hose |
Drain valve solenoid faulty | Test drain valve solenoid |
Timer faulty | Test timer |
Pump impeller clogged or broken | Call for service |
Reversing motor doesn’t reverse | Check motor for number of wires. Only motors with four wires are reversible. Call for service |
Dishwasher leaks around door
Possible cause | Procedure |
---|---|
Use of wrong detergent | Use detergent recommended for dishwashers Do not prewash dishes with liquid detergent |
Dishes reflecting water through door vent | Reposition dishes in racks |
Door not closing tightly on gasket | Adjust door catch |
Door gasket hardened or damaged | Replace door gasket |
Dishwasher leak from bottom
Possible cause | Procedure |
---|---|
Tub cracked | Seal crack with silicone rubber sealant or waterproof epoxy glue |
Water inlet valve connection loose | Tighten inlet valve connection |
Hose split; hose clamp loose | Inspect hoses; adjust or replace clamps |
Spray arm broken | Check spray arm |
Pump seal faulty | Call for service |
Dishwasher doesn’t turn off
Possible cause | Procedure |
---|---|
Timer faulty | Test timer |
Cycle extender switch faulty | Test cycle extender switch |
Dishwasher noisy
Possible cause | Procedure |
---|---|
Dishes loaded improperly | Reposition dishes according to manufacturer’s recommendations |
Water pressure too low | Check water pressure; if low, avoid using house water supply while dishwasher is running |
Water inlet valve screen clogged | Check water inlet valve screen |
With a knocking sound during fill: Water inlet valve faulty | Test water inlet valve solenoid |
Door drops hard when opened
Possible cause | Procedure |
---|---|
Door springs worn or broken | Replace door springs |
Door difficult to close
Possible cause | Procedure |
---|---|
Door catch not closing properly | Adjust door catch |
Door catch bent or broken | Replace door catch |