How to replace a Whirlpool dishwasher water level switch bracket

Is your dishwasher refusing to fill with water, leaving your dishes high and dry? The unsung hero, the water level switch bracket, might be to blame. Fear not, because with just a few simple tools and the step-by-step guidance in our exclusive video, you’ll have your dishwasher back to its sparkling best in no time!

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Have issues with your dishwasher not filling up with water properly? The culprit could be a faulty water level switch bracket. Replacing this part is an easy DIY project that you can knock out in just a few minutes. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the entire water level switch bracket replacement process step-by-step.

Watch the full repair here

If you need any replacement parts for your appliances, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to locate and order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have tons of great information in our repair help section and YouTube videos to help you troubleshoot.

What you’ll need

Before you start, make sure you have the following tools:

• Flat blade screwdriver  
• Torx 15 driver  
• Large adjustable wrench 
• Replacement water level switch bracket – (W10873429).

Safety first

Your safety should always be the top priority when performing any appliance repair.

• Always turn off the power by unplugging the appliance or switching off the circuit breaker before starting. This protects you from the risk of electric shock.
• Wear insulated gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges, pinching hazards, or debris.
• Take your time and work at a steady pace to avoid accidents or injuries.
• Make sure your workspace is well-lit so you can clearly see and access the parts you’re working on.
• Keep your area organized and free of clutter, and ensure children and pets are kept away from the workspace.
• Never handle internal parts with wet hands. Make sure both your hands and the work area are completely dry.
• Check your appliance’s user manual for specific instructions or safety guidelines related to your repair.
• Handle parts gently to prevent damaging the appliance or injuring yourself by using too much force.
• Wear safety glasses if you’re dealing with chemicals, dust, or large debris to protect your eyes.
• If the appliance was recently used, give it time to cool down before working on any heated components.
• Take photos or notes of wiring connections before disconnecting anything. This makes reassembly much easier.
• Avoid touching exposed wires or terminals. If you need to handle wires, use non-conductive tools or wear insulated gloves to reduce the risk of electrical shock.

Step 1: Remove the front door panel

The first step is to take off the front door panel to gain access to the switch.

1. Open the dishwasher door fully.
2. Use the Torx 15 driver to remove the three screws on each side of the inner door panel.
3. Once the screws are out, close the dishwasher door. The panel will drop down out of the control console area.
4. Carefully pull the door panel completely off and set it aside.

Read more: Reduce Water Usage In Your Dishwasher

Step 2: Remove the access panel

With the door panel removed, you now have access to the components behind it. Next, you need to take off the access panel:

1. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to remove the plastic retainers that hold the access panel in place. Turn each retainer 90 degrees and then pull it out.
2. Carefully pull the access panel off. Note that insulation is glued to it, so pull slowly.

Step 3: Disconnect the switch and float

Before removing the old bracket, you need to disconnect a few components:

1. Locate the locking tabs on the switch/float covers.
2. Pull gently to release the tension and then press the tabs inwards to detach the covers.
3. Remove the switch lever by pulling it off the center pin. Set it aside.
4. For the switch, push up on the wiring harness tab and disconnect the harness.
5. Remove the switch by pulling it off its mounting pins.
6. To detach the float, flex it carefully over the retaining lip and then pull it upwards from the top.

Step 4: Remove the old bracket

Now you’re ready to remove the old water level switch bracket:

1. Open the dishwasher door again and pull out the bottom rack. This gives you room to work.
2. Lift the float out from the tub and set it aside.
3. Use the large adjustable wrench to loosen and unscrew the nut holding the standpipe and bracket in place.
4. Once the nut is off, close the door again.
5. Reach underneath the dishwasher and carefully pull the old bracket down and off, making sure the gasket comes off with it.

Step 5: Install the new bracket

Installation of the new water level switch bracket is straightforward:

1. Make sure to place the gasket from the old bracket onto the new one.
2. Push it over the threads until fully seated.
3. Lift the new bracket up into position through the hole in the tub. The insulation will hold it steady.
4. Open the dishwasher door again and replace the nut by hand, then tighten it down securely with the wrench.

Step 6: Reassemble the dishwasher

With the new bracket installed, you can now reassemble all the components:

1. Replace the float by lining up the shaft and dropping it into the tub. Make sure it snaps fully into place.
2. Set the bottom rack back in the tub.
3. Push the switch back into place, seating the terminals in their slots.
4.  Reconnect the wiring harness.
5. Replace the switch lever by pushing it onto the center pin.
6. Snap the switch/float covers back on until they click into place.
7. Push the access panel back on, making sure the insulation fits into place.
8.  Turn the retainers 90 degrees to lock.
9. Set the front door panel back on, making sure the tabs fit behind the door hinge on each side.
10. Lift the dishwasher door up and re-insert the screws with the Torx 15 driver to secure the panel.
11. Plug the dishwasher back in or turn the circuit breaker back on.
12. Run a test cycle to make sure it fills properly with water and is functioning normally.

And that’s it! You’ve just successfully replaced the water level switch bracket in your dishwasher. Following these steps carefully and taking your time, you can knock this repair out yourself and save on service fees.

Read more: Surprising Things That Can & Can’t Go in the Dishwasher

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the water level switch bracket in your Whirlpool dishwasher.

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over 2 million parts and most orders arrive in 2-3 business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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