How to Troubleshoot & Replace Whirlpool AP5983779 / W10083957V Dishwasher Food Chopper

Replaced food chopper 

Replaced the broken part. Cleaned the spray jets and catch basin. 

Food chopper was broken. Replaced with new part and changed out check valve at the same time. Works like new now. 

Examined the pump first, but it seemed fine, so I took out the drain basket. The food chopper was obviously in bad shape, having ground half the blades off on the screen. The replacement came quick, and the video was quite helpful. Saw there were cheaper replacements available online, but reading the reviews it seems the off brand replacements were prone to early failure. I'd rather not have to do this every year, so I went with the factory part. 

I was uncertain on why my dishes weren’t coming clean, so I began to disassemble the lower part of the machine to gain access to the pump. This is where I found that the “food chopper” was no longer functioning due to the press on retaining clip wearing out enough to no longer hold the “food chopper” blade on its rotating shaft. This lead to the buildup of food debris on the screen just before the pump, preventing adequate water flow to the pump. I went to your website to check for a repair video, and bought the replacement part. I do this because I don’t know what I may run into during a disassembly and repair, and don’t want to break or damage any parts while doing so. You guys do a fantastic job at making to the point repair videos that are invaluable to the DIYer. I was able to repair the machine without issue and it’s back to normal operating condition. Thanks! 

I ordered a new food chopper and impeller assembly. I had to remove the racks, the feed tube assembly and the lower spray arm. Take off the screen housing and replace the broken parts then reassemble. 

This is the 3rd time in 2 years I've had this issue. The first time was a year after buying the house & running 1 full load a day, sometimes 2 if I'm batch cooking or canning. To explain the frequency, we're a family of 10 & pots & pans are washed in the sink. The first time was during covid & I could only get a cheap Chinese replacement. 2 of those arms & the white connector were shredded after 6 months. After a genuine replacement part it's happening again, this time one of the metal o rings snapped in half & ripped a hole in the screen. Some bones & broken glass were discovered in the bottom of the dishwasher, so I'm not going to blame the quality on the part. After cleaning it all out, I'm actually still using the broken part & saving the new one for the inevitable. The shipping was very fast, like later that day or next day. I had it within 3 days. My husband is happy I can handle it, as he hates plumbing, shout out to all of the helpful youtubers. 

Repair simply required replacement of basket and grinder. The grinder replacement was the most challenging. 

The new part was a direct replacement and it fit perfectly. Extremely easy to install. 

Replaced pump and food chopper, cleaned out debris.