How to Troubleshoot a Maytag Dishwasher

Your Maytag dishwasher has a problem and you don't know how to fix it. Before you call the dealer or the repairman, try to find a solution for the problem on your own so you can save yourself some time, aggravation and money. Fortunately, Maytag offers a product support website that provides troubleshooting help for their dishwashers and other appliances.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Multimeter

Instructions

Instructions

1. Consult your owner's manual first. The manuals for Maytag dishwashers have troubleshooting sections that offer help with any problems. If your problem is listed, follow the recommended steps to solve it. If you do not have a manual or if the manual does not help you solve the problem, find the model number of your dishwasher--Maytag dishwashers have the model number located at the upper-left corner of the frame or below the control panel. Next, go to the Maytag support page listed below in "Additional Resources." The support page offers links for downloading product manuals, troubleshooting products, scheduling service, and product recalls.

2. Download your manual if you don't have it, as the manuals offer model-specific troubleshooting help. Click on "Manuals & Literature," and then enter your model number and click on the ">" icon. On the next page, click on the manual name to download and open it. Look for your problem in the "Troubleshooting" section and follow the advice given. If you don't find a solution, click on "Product Help Troubleshooting" from the support page. Select "Dishwasher" from the drop-down list, then select the type of dishwasher you have: portable, standard tub or tall tub. Type your question in the box and click "Search."

3. Check in two places if your Maytag leaks from the door. First, check the lower spray arm for a split that has developed along the plastic. This split causes the arm to spray water where it is not supposed to, such as toward the door edges. Replace the arm if it is split. Second, examine the gasket on the soap door latch. When it wears out, it can start leaking water inside the door panel. Buy a "grommet and latch" kit to replace the gasket.

4. Use a multimeter to test your Maytag when it won't fill with water. Remove the front access panel to get at the fill valve. The fill valve is connected to the bracket that has the copper fitting with the 90 degree bend. The black round top of the fill valve has two flat, pointed terminals--those are where you touch your multimeter probes. If you get 120 volts there, the valve needs to be replaced. Also, there is a screen between the fill valve and the bracket, remove the bracket to check that the screen is clean and unobstructed.

5. Look in the bottom of your dishwasher for a round plastic disc with a round nipple in the middle if you hear a loud grinding noise during the drain cycle. The disc is your upper discharge housing, and it's loose because it broke off--it floats up during the wash cycle and hits the wash impeller during the drain cycle. Buy a replacement.

Tips & Warnings

• Call your dealer to schedule a service appointment if you couldn't solve your problem via the website or manual.

• There is an outstanding recall notice for certain models of Maytag dishwashers. See "Additional Resources" below for the recall website to check if your dishwasher is one of the models affected.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Maytag Product Support
• Maytag Dishwasher Recall