Cause 1

Float Switch

The float switch actuates in order to prevent the dishwasher from overflowing. If the float switch is defective or stuck, it might not stop the dishwasher from overflowing. If the float switch is defective, replace it.

Cause 2

Water Inlet Valve

The water inlet valve is an electrically-controlled valve that opens to allow water to enter the dishwasher. Depending on the model, the valve stays open either for a set length of time or until the dishwasher has enough water. However, if the water inlet valve doesn’t shut off after the dishwasher has enough water, the dishwasher will overflow. If water drips into the dishwasher when the door is open, or if water collects at the bottom of the dishwasher while it is not use, you may need to replace the water inlet valve.

Cause 1

Drain Solenoid Kit

The drain solenoid opens the drain valve to allow the water to exit the dishwasher. If the drain solenoid fails the valve will not open causing the dishwasher not to drain.

Cause 2

Drain Impeller

The drain impeller pushes water through the drain hose and into the garbage disposer or drain line. If the impeller is broken, replace it.

Cause 3

Drain Pump

The drain pump uses an impeller to force water through the drain hose. If the drain pump motor is not working, the dishwasher won’t drain. To determine if the drain pump is defective, check the pump motor for continuity using a multimeter. If the motor does not have continuity, or if is getting power but won’t run, replace the drain pump. Drain pumps are not repairable—if the drain pump is defective, you must replace it.

Cause 1

Heating Element

Some dishwashers use a heating element to heat the dishwasher during the drying cycle. If the heating element has failed, the dishwasher won’t dry dishes properly. To determine if the heating element has burned out, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the heating element does not have continuity, replace it.

Cause 2

Vent Fan Motor

Some dishwashers use a vent fan motor to help dry the dishes at the end of the cycle. If the fan motor is not working, the dishwasher won’t dry the dishes properly. To determine if the fan motor has failed, test the motor for continuity. Also, try turning the fan blade by hand to ensure that it spins freely. If the fan motor has burned out or the fan blade won’t turn smoothly, replace the vent fan motor.

Cause 3

Vent

The vent might not be opening properly. As the dishes are drying, many dishwashers use a vent to let out the hot, steamy air generated during the rinse cycle. If the vent does not open properly, the dishwasher will leave moisture on the dishes. Check the vent to ensure that it is opening properly.

Cause 1

Center Wash Arm Assembly

The center wash arm circulates water to the dishes in the upper rack. If water can’t flow properly through the center wash arm, the dishes in the upper rack won’t be cleaned properly. Over time, food particles can get trapped in the tiny holes in the wash arm. If your dishes are coming out dirty, the wash arm might be clogged. To unclog the center wash arm, remove the wash arm and dislodge any debris from the holes. If the wash arm is extremely clogged, replace it. In addition, make sure that the center wash arm assembly is mating properly with the water supply nozzle.

Cause 2

Water Inlet Valve

The water inlet valve opens to allow water to enter the dishwasher. If the valve is clogged or defective, the dishwasher won’t get enough water to clean dishes properly. If the water inlet valve is clogged, replace it. Do not attempt to clean the water inlet valve—cleaning the valve could make it more likely to fail.

Cause 3

Water Pump Belt

The water pump belt might be worn or broken. However, few dishwashers have a water pump belt, you should search for your model number to determine if it has a water pump belt. To access the water pump belt, remove the lower panel. The water pump belt is located on the bottom of the motor. If the water pump belt is broken or worn, replace it.

Cause 1

Drain Impeller

The drain impeller pushes water through the drain hose and into the garbage disposer or drain line. If the impeller is broken, replace it.

Cause 2

Circulation Pump

The circulation pump motor has bearings that wear out over time. When the motor bearings fail, they generate a continuous drone. If the motor bearings have failed, you must replace the entire circulation pump.

Cause 3

Drain Pump

First, check the drain pump to ensure that it is clear of debris. If the drain pump is clean but it is still noisy, replace it.

Cause 1

Main Control Board

The main control board regulates nearly every function in the dishwasher. If there is a problem with the main control board, it might not send voltage to the dishwasher touchpad, causing the touchpad buttons not to work. Control boards are often misdiagnosed; make sure you test more commonly defective parts before replacing the main control board.

Cause 2

Touchpad

First, confirm that the dishwasher display is working. If the display is still working, try pressing some of the touchpad buttons. If some of the buttons respond correctly but others don’t, it is likely that the touchpad is at fault. (Some manufacturers sell the touchpad separately from the control panel. Other manufacturers require that you purchase the touchpad and control panel together. If you cannot replace the touchpad individually, replace the touchpad and control panel.)

Cause 3

Touchpad and Control Panel

First, ensure that the display works. If the dishwasher display is working but the some of the button don’t respond correctly, the touchpad and control panel might need to be replaced. (Some manufacturers sell the touchpad separately from the control panel. Other manufacturers require that you purchase the touchpad and control panel together. If you cannot replace the touchpad individually, replace the touchpad and control panel.)

Cause 1

Water Supply Problem

Over time, calcium deposits can build up in the water supply valve or in the small filter screen inside the water inlet valve. If the water inlet valve is clogged with sediments, the dishwasher won’t fill properly. Before working on the water line, first shut off the water supply. Inspect the valve to determine if is clogged. In addition, check the water pressure to the valve. The water inlet valve requires at least 20 psi to function properly.

Cause 2

Float Switch

The float switch actuates in order to prevent the dishwasher from overflowing. If the float switch is defective or stuck, it might not stop the dishwasher from overflowing. If the float switch is defective, replace it.

Cause 3

Water Inlet Valve

The water inlet valve opens to allow water to enter the dishwasher. If the water valve is clogged or defective, water will not flow into the dishwasher. Water inlet valves are not repairable—if the valve is defective, you must replace it.

Cause 1

Check Fault Codes

If the dishwasher lights are flashing or blinking, and there is an error code in the display window, consult the wiring diagram, tech sheet, and dishwasher manual to find out more information about the error.

Cause 2

Heating Element Assembly

The heating element assembly heats up the water to operating temperature. If the water doesn’t reach the correct temperature after a set amount of time, a light on the control panel might start flashing. To determine if the heating element assembly has burned out, use a multimeter to test the heating element for continuity.

Cause 3

Heating Element

The heating element heats up the water to operating temperature. If the water doesn’t reach the proper temperature after a set amount of time, a light on the control panel might start flashing. To determine if the heating element has burned out, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the heating element does not have continuity, replace it.

Cause 1

Detergent Container

Inspect the dishwasher detergent container for damage. If the detergent container is broken or damaged, replace it.

Cause 2

Detergent Dispenser Cover

Inspect the dispenser cover for damage. If the dispenser cover is broken, replace it.

Cause 3

Dispenser Lever

If the dishwasher dispenser lever is broken, it can cause the dispenser not to open or close properly. Inspect the dispenser lever for damage. If the lever is broken, replace it.

Cause 1

Lower Wash Arm Assembly

If the wash arm is cracked, it can force water to spray directly toward the lower part of the dishwasher door. The water can then be forced under the door and onto the floor, causing a leak. Remove the wash arm and inspect it for cracks. If the wash arm is cracked, replace it. Do not attempt to seal the crack with glue—the glue will break down in the dishwasher. If the wash arm is intact, make sure the screws in the wash arm support are tight. If the wash arm support is loose, water can spray out between the wash arm support and the lower pump housing, causing waves. These waves can cause water to leak out of the bottom of the door.

Cause 2

Center Wash Arm Assembly

If the wash arm is cracked, it can allow a jet of water to spray toward the door seal, causing a leak. Remove the wash arm and inspect it for cracks. If the wash arm is cracked, replace it. Do not attempt to seal the crack with glue—the glue will break down in the dishwasher. If the wash arm is intact, make sure the screws in the wash arm support are tight. If the wash arm support is loose, water can spray out between the wash arm support and the lower pump housing, causing waves. These waves can cause water to leak out of the bottom of the door.

Cause 3

Water Inlet Valve

The water inlet valve opens to allow water to enter the dishwasher. If the water inlet valve is stuck open, the dishwasher will continue to fill with water until the dishwasher leaks or overflows. If the water inlet valve is at fault, replace it. Water inlet valves are not repairable—if the valve is defective, you must replace it.

Cause 1

Door Lock

Inspect the door strike assembly for damage. If the door strike is broken, replace it. The door strike is not repairable—if it is broken, you must replace it.

Cause 2

Door Catch

If the door catch is not aligned properly, adjust it as necessary. If the door catch is broken, replace it.

Cause 3

Door Hinge

If the door hinges are damaged, the door won’t be able to latch properly. Inspect the door hinges for damage. If a hinge is bent or broken, replace it.

Cause 1

Seal Kit

First, try to determine the source of the leak. If the water is leaking from the motor shaft area, the motor shaft seal is likely defective. If the seal is defective, replace it. (Some manufacturers sell the seal independently of the impeller. Other manufacturers require that you purchase the impeller and seal together. Still other manufacturers require that you purchase the entire pump and motor assembly instead of the impeller and seal. It is more cost effective to replace the seal kit rather than the impeller and seal.)

Cause 2

Impeller and Seal Kit

First, try to determine the source of the leak. If the water is leaking from the motor shaft area, the motor shaft seal is likely defective. If the seal is defective, replace it. (Some manufacturers sell the seal independently of the impeller. Other manufacturers require that you purchase the impeller and seal together. Still other manufacturers require that you purchase the entire pump and motor assembly instead of the impeller and seal. It is usually more cost effective to replace the impeller and seal kit rather than the pump and motor assembly.)

Cause 3

Shaft Seal

First, try to determine the source of the leak. If the water is leaking from the motor shaft area, the motor shaft seal is likely defective. If the seal is defective, replace it. (Some manufacturers sell the seal independently of the impeller. Other manufacturers require that you purchase the impeller and seal together. Still other manufacturers require that you purchase the entire pump and motor assembly instead of the impeller and seal. It is more cost effective to replace the seal kit rather than the impeller and seal.)

Cause 1

Door Latch

The door latch ensures that the dishwasher door latches shut. If the door does not latch properly, the door switch might prevent the dishwasher from running. If the door latch is broken, replace it.

Cause 2

Door Switch

The door switch prevents the dishwasher from running while the door is open. If the door switch is defective, the switch will prevent the dishwasher from running even when the door is closed. To determine if the door switch is at fault, use a multimeter to test the switch for continuity. If the switch does not have continuity, replace it.

Cause 3

Thermal Fuse

The thermal fuse shuts off power to the dishwasher if it overheats. If the thermal fuse blows, it will prevent the dishwasher from starting. To determine if the thermal fuse is defective, use a multimeter to test the fuse for continuity. If the thermal fuse does not have continuity, replace it.