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  1. Repair
  2. KitchenAid
  3. KitchenAid Dishwasher
  4. Dishwasher not washing

KitchenAid dishwasher not washing

Common reasons your KitchenAid dishwasher is not washing

The most common reasons your KitchenAid dishwasher is not washing are a faulty pump and motor assembly, defective electronic control board or a clogged spray arm.

  • 49%

    49% of the time it's the
    Pump and Motor Assembly

  • 13%

    13% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 9%

    9% of the time it's the
    Spray Arm

  • 29%

    29% of the time it's the
    Something else

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    Most common repairs needed to fix a KitchenAid dishwasher

    Pump and Motor Assembly Replacement

    A faulty pump and motor assembly is often causing the problem when your dishwasher is not washing the dishes. The pump sends water up through the spray arms to clean dishes during the cycle. When a broken pump impeller or failed motor prevents the pump from working, dishes won’t get sprayed clean. You may hear unusual noises from the pump and motor assembly such as buzzing or grinding when it isn’t working and dishes don’t get clean. Schedule in-home repair through Sears Home Services to have a technician visit your home and fix the dishwasher when a faulty pump is apparent.


    Electronic Control Board Replacement

    A dishwasher that is not washing could have a defective electronic control board. The control board will freeze up and fail to send current to the wash motor when its internal memory and logic is corrupted. A failed internal electronic relay or bad electronic part on the circuit board could be causing the control board to freeze up and not continue working properly. Determining whether a control board is defective is difficult. Have a Sears Home Services technician diagnose and repair your dishwasher when it won’t wash.

    Spray Arm Replacement

    A clogged spray arm can prevent water from reaching dishes when the dishwasher is not washing dishes properly. Hard water deposits or debris can build up around the spray arm holes so water won’t spray out of the spray arm properly. The spray arm also won’t spin properly if spray holes are clogged. When your dishwasher won’t wash the dishes properly, have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert visit you home and examine the dishwasher. The technician will clear clogs in the spray arms to fix the cleaning problem.

    What to expect when you experience a KitchenAid dishwasher not washing issue

    How is the not washing problem fixed?

    Correcting most not washing problems usually involves replacing the pump and motor assembly, electronic control board or spray arm. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

    Sears Home Services recommendations for a dishwasher that is not washing

    When the dishwasher is not washing it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dishwasher failures.

    What to look out for with a dishwasher not washing diagnosis

    Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dishwasher problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

    Troubleshooting a Kitchen Aid Dishwasher Not Washing

    When your Kitchen Aid dishwasher is not washing, check for clogged filters in the sump of the dishwasher. The dishwasher filters in the sump filter out food and debris during the dishwashing cycle. If those filters are clogged, water won’t circulate well through the spray arms to clean the dishes. Remove the filters and clean them thoroughly according to the guidelines in the owner’s manual for your Kitchen Aid dishwasher.

    If the water filters are okay, check the water fill level. Start a cycle and wait until you hear the dishwasher stop filling. Crack the dishwasher door open to stop the dishwasher and then open the door fully. Look at the water level at the bottom of the dishwasher tub. The water level should be just below or barely touching the bottom of the heating element. If the dishwasher isn’t filling properly, follow these troubleshooting tips:

    • Check the water supply cut-off valve to make sure it is fully open. Open that valve fully if you find it partially shut.
    • Check the water fill line for a kink and reposition the water line to remove the kink if necessary.
    • Unplug the dishwasher and check the water inlet fill valve for debris or deposits in the inlet screen. Have the water inlet fill valve replaced it the inlet screen is clogged. Cleaning that screen can allow debris to enter the valve body which can cause the valve to stick partially open and flood your kitchen. Replacing the entire valve assembly is the best way to resolve a clogged inlet screen on the water inlet fill valve.

    If these basic troubleshooting tips don’t help you resolve the problem with your Kitchen Aid dishwasher not washing, schedule dishwasher repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician visit your home and fix the washing problem.

    How to Fix a KitchenAid Dishwasher Not Washing the Top Rack

    In many KitchenAid dishwashers, a diverter assembly shifts circulation pump water flow from the bottom spray arm to the upper spray arm during the washing cycle. A small motor rotates a disc to uncover the path of water through the tube going to the top spray arm. If the motor fails, the top spray arm will never get water to wash dishes in top rack. Switches attached to the diverter assembly monitor the position of the diverter disc so the control can detect the position of the diverter disc.

    When the diverter stops working, the electronic control board will signal an error code on the control panel. You’ll see the F9E2 or F9E3 error code on the control panel when the diverter fails. When you see the F9E2 code, the electronic control board is not likely sending electrical current to the diverter so a service technician will typically need to replace the electronic control board. The disc on the diverter will often need replacing when you see the F9E3 error code.

    Clogged spray arm holes in the upper spray arm can also prevent the dishes in the top rack from getting clean. Check the upper spray arm holes for deposit or debris. Clean the spray arm holes using a bamboo skewer or similar tool so water flows through the holes properly.

    When you need KitchenAid dishwasher repair, trust the pros at Sears Home Services to fix the problem.

    What our customers say about us

    With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it

    Thorough

    James called to give an estimated arrival time. He was professional and personable. He had 2 professional ideas of the problem and found 1 was correct, but he didn't stop there. He did a thorough check of the appliance. 1 small part was needed. He ordered the part to my house. Fortunately, he was able to schedule for the next week, just before Thanksgiving. As before, he called ahead, arrived and quickly fixed the problem. My appliance is working perfectly.


    Kirsten A, Oxford, PA

    Service Call

    Luke was great. Polite and knowledgeable even though the dishwasher was older than he!


    James G, Hillsboro, MO

    Daniel

    Daniel went above and beyond to fix my dish washer. Very pleasant to deal with.


    Paul F, Hghlnds Ranch, CO

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    Glossary Terms

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    A furnace door is a crucial component of a home heating system, providing access to the interior of the furnace for maintenance, repairs, and inspections. It helps in maintaining the system's efficiency and safety.

    A furnace fan, also known as a blower, is an integral component of your HVAC system that circulates air throughout your home, ensuring consistent temperature and air quality.

    Additional possible KitchenAid dishwasher symptoms you may experience