Things You'll Need:
- Bottle Brush
- Masking Tape And Pen
- Scrub Brush
- Replacement Float Switch
- Needle-nose Pliers
- Needle-nose Pliers
- Nut Driver And Socket
- Screwdriver
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Step 1
Open the dishwasher door and locate the float switch. It should be a cylinder-shaped piece of plastic and may be set to one side along the front of the cabinet or near the sprayer head in the middle of the machine.
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Step 2
Check the float to make sure it moves freely up and down on its shaft. (You may have to unscrew and remove a protective cap to get to the float.) If the float sticks, you'll need to clean away any debris or mineral deposits that are causing it to jam.
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Step 3
Pull the float off the shaft, then clean the inside of the float with a bottle brush. Clean the shaft with a scrub brush.
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Step 4
Reinstall the float and check that it moves smoothly.
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Step 5
Set the dishwasher to fill, and check to see if it overflows. If it still malfunctions, you need to replace the float switch.
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Step 1
Turn off power to the dishwasher by unplugging it or turning off the circuit breaker.
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Step 2
Remove the service panel that runs along the bottom front edge of the dishwasher. If it is screwed to the dishwasher, remove the screws with a screwdriver. If the panel hangs on hooks, pull the panel out and swing it up to get it off the hooks.
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Step 3
Locate the float switch. Wrap each wire with masking tape and label each so you can reinstall them correctly on the new switch. Then remove the wires with needle-nose pliers.
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Step 4
Remove the old switch, using a screwdriver or a nut driver and socket to loosen the fasteners.
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Step 5
Take the switch to an appliance store and purchase an exact replacement.
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Step 6
Install the new switch and attach the wires.
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Step 7
Replace the service panel, turn on the power and test the machine.
Comments
remington said
on 3/16/2009 This article was spot on. My dishwasher overflowed the other day. I got online and found this article, followed the instructions, and found the problem. It was a broken float switch. The next day I went down to the appliance store and bought a new one. thanks to this article, I was able to fix it myself and save alot of money on repair bills. Thanks!
Sostrata said
on 8/30/2008 This was very helpful! A piece of broken glass had wedged under the float switch housing and was preventing the float switch from doing its job. Thank you eHow!
lakemisty said
on 6/16/2007 Is it safe to open door after "overflow" of suds?
cvbike3 said
on 2/18/2007 my dishwasher water waste tube runs into my sink dosposer which was clogged causing my dishwasher to also be clogged. Check and make sure your dishwasher water waste tube isn't clogged and if it runs into your sink disposer, make sure it too is unclogged.
Anonymous said
on 8/9/2006 First, stop the dishwasher. Then, protect your cabinetry! Stop the spreading pool of suds with towels and a mop. Once the spillage is slowed down, place bowls or shallow pans beneath the hinge of the door. This will help catch the surge of water that will come when you open the dishwasher. Remove the bottom rack and set it aside. You may need to remove the dishes first if they're very heavy or fragile. Use a cup or a pitcher to bail the water out of the bottom of the dishwasher and into the sink. Clear away any residual detergent or liquid soap from the floor of the machine, being mindful of the coils around the base. These might be very hot. Once most of the water and any visible undissolved soap are cleared away, replace the bottom rack. Set the machine to the "Rinse" cycle and allow it to run its course. Place a towel beneath the hinge to absorb any minor additional overflow. Finally, to remove the excess soap from your dishes and the dishwasher parts, you may want to run a full cycle again, without any soap.