How to Troubleshoot Your Dishwasher

Before you spend a lot of money having a repair person come to you, check these things. You may be able to fix it yourself.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dishwashing Detergent
• Scrub Brushes
• Steel Wool
• Steel Wool
• Screwdriver Sets

1. Make sure the cord is plugged in and that the breaker hasn't tripped.

2. Be certain that the door is completely closed and latched.

3. Check that the cycle button is pushed in all the way.

4. Check the sprayer arm and filter screen at the bottom. Are they obstructed by a loose piece of silverware or a plastic lid?

5. Unscrew the cap holding the sprayer arm on; pull it and the screen beneath it out. Use a wire to poke obstructions out of the sprayer arm holes. (Don't use a toothpick because it could break off in the hole.) Scrub the screen with a scrub brush and a little bit of dishwasher detergent.

6. Eliminate the following as sources of noise: low water pressure keeping the dishwasher from filling, dishes rattling against the sprayer arm or other dishes, loose items tumbling around or trapped in the bottom of the unit.

7. Take apart the front door panel according to the manufacturer's instructions if the detergent dispenser isn't opening. It may be corroded or have a broken timer lever. If this is the case, rub the corrosion off with steel wool or replace the lever according to the owner's manual.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't work on the dishwasher without turning off the power at the breaker or fuse box first.

[pegasys]

on 7/12/2009 Just moved in. Dishwasher as been sitting for 16 months. City water and softened. after running, everything has this whitish film that does not seem to come off. Any thoughts?

[judrayton]

on 5/18/2009 my dishlex starts fine but then pauses beeps and has a small line flashing on the control panel it does this till i press program then it restarts it will do the several times in a cycle please help i cant stand that bloody beeping any more. thanks!

[tropixman]

on 11/30/2008 I have a Whirlpool Gold Quiet Partner III and it is ANYTHING but quiet. It sounds like a bomb every time it starts. It seems to work well, getting the dishes clean and water flows fine, however it's just super-noisy. Any comments out there? Oh yes, I also just use regular Cascade and Jet-Dry.

[dthompson]

on 10/6/2008 HI, my child graciouly loaded the dishwasher and used the correct detergent but for an added boost, thought he'd add some regular dishwashing dawn liquid. The thing is frozen; any comments or ideas?

[jilickliter]

on 9/19/2008 my diswasher is brand new and used maybe for 10 washes. when the cycle buttons are pressed they light like it might start then go out. it does not run.