How to Adjust a Maytag Float Switch

If you've opened the door to your Maytag dishwasher to find either too much or not enough water inside, you could have a problem with the float switch. These switches control the level of water inside the dishwasher and cut off the water coming inside the cabinet when it reaches a certain level. A malfunctioning float switch may either cut off too early or too late, causing your Maytag dishwasher to malfunction.

Things You'll Need

• Flat-bladed screwdriver
• Brush
• Bathroom/kitchen cleaner
• Phillips screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers

Instructions

1. Turn off the power for the dishwasher. This can be done in a couple of different ways. If you have access to the dishwasher plug, pull this out of the socket. If the dishwasher is directly wired into the home circuits, locate the switch that controls the dishwasher circuit at the main circuit breaker and set it to the off position.

2. Open the Maytag dishwasher. Remove the lower dishwasher rack.

3. Look for the float switch in the floor of the dishwasher. It will look like a small cylinder surrounded by a ring. It is usually located in the back corners of the dishwasher.

4. Press down on the cylindrical part of the float switch to make sure that it is functioning properly. A properly working float switch will float up and down as it is pressed.

5. Remove the plastic ring for the float switch around the cylinder by inserting the edge of a flat-bladed screwdriver underneath and popping it off.

6. Use a kitchen or bathroom cleaner and a brush to clean off any debris from around the edges of the float valve. This will help adjust it to the original settings, if it has become blocked with dishwasher gunk.

7. Remove the kick panel from underneath the dishwasher door with the Phillips screwdriver. The panel is usually held in place with screws on the sides. Set the panel aside.

8. Locate the bottom part of the float switch on the underside of the dishwasher. It usually has a cover protecting the switch assembly with two wires leading into it. Use a screwdriver to remove the cover.

9. Make a note of where the wires on the switch are connected. Pull the wires off by the terminals with a pair of needle-nose pliers. Loosen the screws holding the switch in place and pull it out of the switch case.

10. Bend the switch arm upwards in order to raise the water level in the dishwasher. Bend the arm downwards to lower the water level. Take care not to bend the arm too much.

11. Replace the float back inside the case and secure with the screws. Reattach the terminal wires. Replace the cover and secure with a screw.

12. Replace the kick panel on the dishwasher and secure.

13. Press the collar back into place around the float cylinder.

14. Replace the dishwasher rack. Shut the dishwasher door. Restore the power for the dishwasher and check that it is now operating properly.

References

• Appliance Aid: Dishwasher Repair
• Renovation Headquarters: Dishwasher Float Switch
• Part Select: Float Switch Repair

Resources

• Maytag: Dishwashers