How to Diagnose Dishwasher Problems

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Dishwashers are a part of our everyday life. We count on them to clean our dishes. There are many ways a dishwasher can malfunction. Sometimes, one broken component can cause several problems. Knowing various symptoms can help you know how to diagnose dishwasher problems.

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Method 1
Method 1 of 8:

Dishwasher does not Work at All

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  1. You should also make sure the dishwasher is firmly plugged into the outlet. [1]
  2. The electrical cord should be replaced if you find any damage.
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  3. In this case, inspect the door latch to ensure it is working properly.
  4. You should also test the timer, motor and motor relay inside your dishwasher. [2]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 8:

Motor Whines but Dishwasher does not Start

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  1. Clear the jams as necessary. You should also check the drive belt for damage or wear. [3]
    • If there are no jams or damage, test the dishwasher motor and start relay for continuity.
Method 3
Method 3 of 8:

Dishwasher does not Fill or Drains During Filling

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  1. [4]
  2. Check the door latch, float assembly, inlet and drain valves. Check the screens of valves for blockages. [5]
  3. You should do the same for the inlet valve if visual inspection does not show anything.
  4. There are two parts to the drain valve, the gate arm and the solenoid.
    • Grasp the valve arm and try to move it up and down. The arm should move smoothly. If it is difficult to move, ensure the springs of the arm are not damaged or missing.
    • If the arm is undamaged but doesn't move properly, you will need to replace the solenoid. Remove the connecting wires with needle-nosed pliers and label them. Use a screwdriver to take out the screws and change the bad solenoid.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 8:

Water does not Drain

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  1. Other damage should also be visible. You should also check the motor and pump for any obstructions. [6]
  2. Test the resistance of the drain valve and the continuity of the timer motor. [7]
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Method 5
Method 5 of 8:

Water or Soap is Leaking Out

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  1. The detergent must be rated for dishwashers. Ensure the washer is not overfilling with water. [8]
  2. [9] You should also check the seals around the tub, float, heater and diffuser. [10]
  3. [11]
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Method 6
Method 6 of 8:

Noisy Dishwasher

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  1. The inlet valve may need to be tested as well.
  2. You should also check the fan motor and blades for damage. [12]
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Method 7
Method 7 of 8:

Wash Cycle does not Complete or Takes Too Long

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Method 8
Method 8 of 8:

Dishes are not Clean

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  1. Clean the fine particle filter and water inlet filters. [13]
  2. Make sure none of the valves or hoses have blockages. [14]
    • You should also inspect the selector switch, timer motor and heating element for the correct continuity. Test the bimetal terminal assembly last.
    • Check the spray arm outlet holes to see if they are full of debris (e.g. plastic container labels etc). You may need to remove these and use a garden hose and/or a high pressure washer to force the debris out of them. Also check that your debris filters at the bottom of the unit are seated properly. Some may warp due to a heating coil close by. You may need to replace any that have warped. [15]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you check if your dishwasher is clogged?
    Gevorg Grigorian
    Appliance Repair Expert
    Gevorg Grigorian is an Appliance Repair Specialist and the Owner of G and R Appliance Repair in Los Angeles, California. With over 15 years of experience, Gevorg specializes in residential and commercial appliance repairs as well as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) services. Gevorg holds a BS in Business Administration and Management from California State University-Northridge.
    Gevorg Grigorian
    Appliance Repair Expert
    Expert Answer
    Remove the filter and rinse it under the sink to make sure there's no build up or anything like that there. Before you put the filter back in, shine a flashlight into the hole where the filter was, and make sure there's no debris in there. Sometimes obstructing objects can get inside there, including broken glass and seeds.
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  • Question
    Why is my dishwasher leaking?
    Gevorg Grigorian
    Appliance Repair Expert
    Gevorg Grigorian is an Appliance Repair Specialist and the Owner of G and R Appliance Repair in Los Angeles, California. With over 15 years of experience, Gevorg specializes in residential and commercial appliance repairs as well as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) services. Gevorg holds a BS in Business Administration and Management from California State University-Northridge.
    Gevorg Grigorian
    Appliance Repair Expert
    Expert Answer
    Dishwashers tend to leak from the left or right side of the door or even simultaneously on both sides due to a worn out gasket. It's also possible that the rubber tubing and hoses of the dishwasher have been punctured by a piece of glass or rodents chewing the tubing.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      Tips

      • You will need screwdrivers and pliers to remove panels and connectors. You should also have electrical testing devices such as a multimeter or continuity reader.
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      • Broken or malfunctioning parts can cause various problems. Testing multiple parts for one or two symptoms is not unusual. This article is intended to help you narrow down possible diagnoses.
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      Warnings

      • Always turn off the power to the device before testing components. Call a qualified repair technician if you are unsure on how to test them correctly.
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      • Wear shoes with rubber soles and avoid working in wet areas. You should also use insulated tools while working on electrical devices. Proper shoes and tools can help prevent electrocution.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Basic Tool Kit
      • Continuity reader or multimeter tool

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      References

      1. ↑ https://todayshomeowner.com/kitchen/guides/dishwasher-wont-start/
      2. ↑ https://todayshomeowner.com/kitchen/guides/dishwasher-wont-start/
      3. ↑ https://www.digitaltrends.com/home/common-dishwasher-problems-solutions/
      4. ↑ https://removeandreplace.com/2017/01/28/dishwasher-will-not-fill-with-water-during-wash-cycle-what-parts-to-check/
      5. ↑ https://removeandreplace.com/2017/01/28/dishwasher-will-not-fill-with-water-during-wash-cycle-what-parts-to-check/
      6. ↑ https://www.choicehomewarranty.com/troubleshooting-dishwasher-problems/
      7. ↑ https://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/dishwasher.htm
      8. ↑ https://removeandreplace.com/2014/12/06/how-to-repair-a-dishwasher-leaking-water/
      9. ↑ Gevorg Grigorian. Appliance Repair Expert. Expert Interview. 30 July 2020.
      1. ↑ https://removeandreplace.com/2014/12/06/how-to-repair-a-dishwasher-leaking-water/
      2. ↑ Gevorg Grigorian. Appliance Repair Expert. Expert Interview. 30 July 2020.
      3. ↑ https://removeandreplace.com/2014/04/11/dishwasher-making-loud-grinding-noise-during-wash-cycle-how-to-fix/
      4. ↑ https://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/dishwasher.htm
      5. ↑ https://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/dishwasher.htm
      6. ↑ https://www.digitaltrends.com/home/common-dishwasher-problems-solutions/

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