Appointment Lookup
646-440-2692
Whirlpool dishwasher not washing
Common reasons your Whirlpool dishwasher is not washing
The most common reasons your Whirlpool dishwasher is not washing are a faulty pump and motor assembly, defective electronic control board or a clogged spray arm.
50% of the time it's the Pump and Motor Assembly
9% of the time it's the Electronic Control Board
8% of the time it's the Spray Arm
33% of the time it's the Something else
Schedule your dishwasher repair now!
We can help! Our service technicians have repaired over 100,000 Whirlpool dishwashers. We can fix yours no matter where you bought it.
Most common repairs needed to fix a Whirlpool 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 Whirlpool 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.
If your Whirlpool dishwasher fills but never actively circulates water, the motor or spray assembly could be jammed. That means plates stay grimy regardless of the cycle length. Instead of hand-scrubbing every item, schedule dishwasher repair service. A restored wash action yields the thorough clean you rely on from a Whirlpool.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Repair Dishwasher Resources
Learn how to drain a GE dishwasher with our step-by-step guide. Keep your dishwasher running smoothly with our expert tips.
Find out why your dishwasher won’t turn on and get expert tips from Sears Home Services to fix the problem.
If you've ever encountered a dishwasher with standing water, you understand the frustration of a drainage issue.
If the dishes in your dishwasher are no longer getting clean, it could be the spray arm is clogged.
Glossary Terms
A dishwasher gasket is a flexible seal that prevents water from leaking out of the dishwasher door during operation. It's crucial for maintaining the appliance's efficiency and preventing water damage.
A dishwasher impeller is a rotating component within the dishwasher's pump that circulates water throughout the unit during a wash cycle, ensuring efficient cleaning by spraying water at high pressure.
A dishwasher sump is located at the bottom of the dishwasher, serving as a collection point for water during the wash cycle. It houses the main pump and filter, facilitating the recirculation and drainage of water, essential for the cleaning process.
A dishwasher turbidity sensor is an advanced feature that measures the level of food particles and debris in the water, allowing the dishwasher to adjust the wash cycle length and water usage for optimal cleaning efficiency.