Dishwasher won't fill: Common Causes & How to Fix

Repair Instructions:

The water inlet valve is responsible for allowing water to enter the dishwasher. If the valve gets clogged or is defective, water will not flow into the dishwasher as intended. You can test for power at the water valve when it should be filling. If you have power there and no water comes in then you will need to replace the valve.

How to Replace Dishwasher Water Inlet Valve

1. Disconnect power to dishwasher at circuit breaker and shut off water supply. Shut off for safety.

2. Disconnect water supply line from existing valve inside dishwasher. May need adjustable wrench.

3. Note wire connections at valve terminals for reconnecting later. Take clear photos if needed.

4. Remove wires from inlet valve terminals one at a time. Carefully detach each wire.

5. Remove mounting screws securing valve in place. Lift valve straight up once detached.

6. Clean area where new inlet valve will mount. Remove any debris from surface.

7. Mount replacement valve using screws removed earlier. Align holes securely.

8. Reconnect wires individually matching positions noted earlier. Refer to photos.

9. Connect water supply line to new valve and tighten securely. Open water shut-off valve.

10. Replace any access panels and reconnect power. Perform test run and check for leaks.

11. Inspect installation and make adjustments as needed.

Repair Instructions:

The main control board of a dishwasher is responsible for providing power to almost all of its electrical components. If the control board is defective, it may not be able to supply power to the water inlet valve, which can prevent it from opening and allowing the necessary water to fill the dishwasher's tank. You will need to test for power coming from the control board with a multimeter. Refer to your tech sheet or service manual for guidance.

How to Replace Dishwasher Main Control Board

1. Disconnect power at circuit breaker. Turn off power to dishwasher before servicing.

2. Remove lower dishwasher panel. Find securing screws along bottom of dishwasher cavity.

3. Note wire connections to board. Take photos of positions for reconnection later.

4. Disconnect all wires from board. Gently detach each wire connection point by point.

5. Remove mounting screws from board. Typically 2-3 screws hold board securely in place.

6. Detach old board from mounting posts. Carefully lift out once fully disconnected.

7. Clean mounting area of any debris. Wipe surface where new control board will install.

8. Mount replacement control board. Set into position and start securing screws.

9. Reconnect wires one by one. Reference photos to precisely match wires and connectors.

10. Replace lower access panel removed earlier. Secure with screws.

11. Reconnect power and test functions. Run cycle while checking for proper operations.

Repair Instructions:

The float switch in a dishwasher is a safety feature that stops the water inlet valve from filling the dishwasher if it is overfilling. If the float switch is not working properly or gets stuck, it may prevent the dishwasher from filling correctly. You can check the float switch for continuity with a multimeter. If you find that the float switch is defective, it should be replaced with a new one.

How to Replace Dishwasher Float Switch:

1. Safety First:

   • Before starting any work on your dishwasher, make sure to unplug it from the power source or shut off the circuit breaker to prevent electrical accidents.

2. Prepare the Workspace:

   • Empty the dishwasher and remove any items from the bottom rack.

3. Locate the Float Switch:

   • The float switch is typically found in the bottom of the dishwasher, usually beneath the lower rack. It resembles a small, round or rectangular device.

4. Access the Float Switch:

   • Carefully pull out the lower rack and set it aside to access the float switch easily.

5. Remove the Float Switch:

   • The float switch is often secured by a retaining clip or screws. Remove any fasteners that hold it in place.

6. Disconnect Wiring:

   • The float switch is connected to wiring. Take note of how these wires are connected before you disconnect them.

7. Replace with a New Float Switch:

   • Take your new float switch and attach it to the dishwasher in the same position and orientation as the old one.

8. Reconnect Wiring:

   • Reattach the wires to the new float switch. Make sure they are connected exactly as they were on the old switch.

9. Test the Float Switch:

   • Before reassembling the dishwasher, plug it back in or turn on the circuit breaker.
   • Fill the dishwasher with a small amount of water and observe the float switch's function. It should stop the water from filling when it reaches the correct level.

10. Reassemble the Dishwasher:

    • If the float switch works correctly, you can start reassembling the dishwasher.
    • Secure the float switch in its mounting position with the retaining clip or screws.

11. Test the Dishwasher:

    • Run a short dishwasher cycle with no dishes to verify that the float switch controls the water level properly and doesn't trigger any error codes.

12. Final Checks:

    • Listen for any unusual noises or vibrations during the cycle.
    • Make sure there are no leaks around the float switch area.
    • If everything looks and sounds good, you've successfully replaced the dishwasher float switch.

Repair Instructions:

The control board of a dishwasher is responsible for providing power to almost all of its electrical components. If the control board is defective, it may not be able to supply power to the water inlet valve, which can prevent it from opening and allowing the necessary water to fill the dishwasher's tank. You will need to test for power coming from the control board with a multimeter. Refer to your tech sheet or service manual for guidance.

How to Replace Dishwasher Control Board

1. Disconnect power at circuit breaker. Turn off power to dishwasher before servicing.

2. Remove lower access panel or kick panel. Find and remove securing screws along bottom.

3. Note positions of all wire connections to board. Take photos to reference during reconnection.

4. Disconnect all wires from old control board. Gently detach each wire one at a time.

5. Remove mounting screws from board enclosure. Usually 2-4 screws secure electronic board assembly.

6. Detach old control board from enclosure base. Carefully lift board out once fully disconnected.

7. Clean mounting area inside enclosure base. Wipe away any debris from new board mounting area.

8. Mount replacement control board into base. Set into position and start securing screws.

9. Reconnect wires one by one, matching positions. Reference photos to precisely reconnect wires.

10. Replace lower access panel removed earlier. Secure with screws.

11. Reconnect power and test functions. Run cycle while checking for proper operations.

Repair Instructions:

The dishwasher pressure switch is an important part that sends a signal to close the water inlet valve after the right amount of water has entered the tank for a wash cycle. If the pressure switch is not working correctly, it may prevent the inlet valve from opening and filling the tank with water. To check the pressure switch, you can use a multimeter to test for continuity before and after blowing air into the attached pressure tube. If the switch has failed you will need to replace it.

How to Replace Dishwasher Pressure Switch

1. Turn off power and water supply - Locate the circuit breaker for the dishwasher and turn it off. Also turn off the water supply line behind the dishwasher.

2. Remove lower panel - The pressure switch is usually located behind the lower front panel. Remove any screws or clips to take this panel off.

3. Disconnect wiring - The pressure switch will have wires connected to it. Note where they connect, then disconnect them.

4. Remove mounting screws - The pressure switch is mounted to the dishwasher with screws. Remove these to detach it.

5. Install new pressure switch - Line up the new pressure switch and screw it into place. Reconnect the wiring to the proper terminals.

6. Replace lower panel - Put the lower panel back on and secure with screws or clips.

7. Restore power and water - Turn the circuit breaker and water supply back on.

8. Test operation - Run a test cycle and check for leaks to verify proper operation. The dishwasher should fill and drain correctly.

Repair Instructions:

Over time, calcium deposits can accumulate in the water supply valve or the small filter screen inside the water inlet valve. If these deposits cause a blockage, the dishwasher will not fill correctly. Before attempting any repairs on the water line, it is important to turn off the water supply. Thoroughly examine the valve to see if it is clogged with debris. Additionally, check the water pressure that reaches the valve. The water inlet valve needs a minimum pressure of 20 pounds per square inch (psi) to operate effectively.