Common Dishwasher Problems & Troubleshooting

Common Dishwasher Problems & Solutions

1. Dishes dirty or spotted after washing
2. Dishwasher doesn’t fill with water
3. Dishwasher drains during fill
4. Water doesn’t shut off
5. Motor doesn’t run
6. Motor hums but doesn’t run
7. Poor water drainage
8. Dishwasher leaks around door
9. Dishwasher leak from bottom
10. Dishwasher doesn’t turn off
11. Dishwasher noisy
12. Door drops hard when opened
13. 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