The dishes come out dirty or gritty — lower wash arm, diverter motor
It's leaking onto the floor — water supply tube
The door falls open or is hard to close — door spring
Documented failures
Diverter motor
Usually DIYVendor replaces this part if the dishwasher is not cleaning properly
DIY once tested with a multimeter.
Try this first — it costs nothing. Confirm the diverter valve/flap itself isn't just physically stuck before assuming the motor has failed.
Check, in this order
Listen during the cycle for the diverter motor switching — a faint click or whir as it changes racks is normal; silence points at the motor rather than the valve itself.
Test the motor for continuity or resistance before replacing it.
Rule out a stuck diverter valve/flap first, since the two are often confused.
Before you open anything
Cut power at the breaker.
Tools
#2 Phillips screwdriver ($6) — Panel and bracket screws.
Multimeter ($25) — Confirm continuity before replacing an electrical part.
Flashlight ($0) — Boot, sump and pump housings are dark.
Phone camera ($0) — Photograph connector positions before unplugging anything.
The repair, in order
Remove the lower rack and access the diverter motor at the pump housing.
Photograph the wiring before disconnecting.
Test the motor with a multimeter to confirm before ordering a part.
Swap the motor and reconnect the harness exactly as photographed.
Run a cycle and confirm the diverter switches racks normally.
How you know it worked. The diverter audibly switches and both racks get water in turn through a full cycle.
Prices are a snapshot taken on the date shown and are not monitored. Check the retailer before buying.
Worth fixing? Weigh it - this part is a meaningful share of a new machine. Part $14.59–$54.68 against $279.87 for a new machine (19.5%).Part cost only. A service call adds a regional diagnostic fee plus labour.
Lower wash arm
Usually DIYVendor replaces this part if the dishwasher is not cleaning properly
DIY.
Try this first — it costs nothing. Clear the lower arm's jet holes with a pin and make sure it's seated fully on the hub before ordering a replacement.
Check, in this order
Spin the lower arm by hand with the rack out — it should turn freely with no drag or wobble.
Check for cracks near the hub and jet holes that look enlarged or blown out.
Clear the jet holes with a pin before assuming the arm itself has failed.
Before you open anything
Cut power at the breaker.
Tools
#2 Phillips screwdriver ($6) — Panel and bracket screws.
Flashlight ($0) — Boot, sump and pump housings are dark.
Phone camera ($0) — Photograph connector positions before unplugging anything.
The repair, in order
Remove the lower rack to access the arm.
Lift the arm off its hub, checking the hub and bearing ring for wear.
Snap the new arm onto the hub until it seats and spins freely.
Run a cycle and confirm even spray from the lower jets.
How you know it worked. The lower arm spins freely and sprays evenly through a full cycle.
Prices are a snapshot taken on the date shown and are not monitored. Check the retailer before buying.
Worth fixing? Repair - the part is a small fraction of a new machine. Part $28.88 against $279.87 for a new machine (10.3%).Part cost only. A service call adds a regional diagnostic fee plus labour.
Door spring
Usually DIYVendor replaces this part if the door opens too quickly or is difficult to open
DIY but two-handed — get help holding the door while the spring is off.
Try this first — it costs nothing. Nothing free here — a weak or dropping door is mechanical.
Check, in this order
Open the door partway — it should hold at any angle; a door that drops or feels weak points at a stretched or snapped spring rather than the hinge itself.
Check both springs (left and right) — a spring failing on only one side makes the door drop unevenly.
Before you open anything
Cut power at the breaker.
The door is heavy and will drop suddenly when a spring is released — support it before disconnecting anything.
Tools
5/16" nut driver ($8) — Cabinet and bracket screws on most front-load machines are 5/16" hex.
#2 Phillips screwdriver ($6) — Panel and bracket screws.
Phone camera ($0) — Photograph connector positions before unplugging anything.
The repair, in order
Support the door in the open position.
Remove the side panels to reach the spring and its cable.
Replace springs in pairs when either side shows wear, and re-tension evenly.
Release the support and check the door holds at every angle before closing it fully.
How you know it worked. The door holds firmly at any angle and closes without dropping or slamming.
Prices are a snapshot taken on the date shown and are not monitored. Check the retailer before buying.
Worth fixing? Repair - the part is a small fraction of a new machine. Part $15.66–$28.07 against $279.87 for a new machine (10.0%).Part cost only. A service call adds a regional diagnostic fee plus labour.
Water supply tube
Usually DIYVendor replaces this part if the dishwasher is not washing properly or leaking
DIY. Call a plumber if the shut-off valve itself will not close.
Try this first — it costs nothing. Tighten the supply fitting — many 'leaks' are a loose compression nut.
Check, in this order
Trace the leak with the machine pulled out and a torch — supply fittings weep slowly and look like a door leak.
Check the fill valve connection and the tube's clamps.
Before you open anything
Cut power at the breaker.
Close the water supply valve before touching any fitting.
Tools
Slip-joint pliers ($12) — Hose clamps and inlet filter screens.
Shallow pan and towels ($0) — Residual water always comes out, even after draining.
Flashlight ($0) — Boot, sump and pump housings are dark.
The repair, in order
Close the valve and bail any water.
Release the clamps and swap the tube.
Restore water and check the fitting dry before restoring power.
How you know it worked. No moisture at any fitting after a full cycle.
Prices are a snapshot taken on the date shown and are not monitored. Check the retailer before buying.
Worth fixing? Weigh it - this part is a meaningful share of a new machine. Part $64.64–$73.57 against $279.87 for a new machine (26.3%).Part cost only. A service call adds a regional diagnostic fee plus labour.
If you replace it instead
Configuration-matched to this machine (built-in dishwasher, 24). Prices are UPC-verified Amazon listings, not estimates. Like-for-like replacement rarely pays for itself on energy alone — replace for fit and features, or because the repair maths above says so.
A candidate must match this machine's configuration (style, fuel and defrost class) before price or efficiency is considered. Prices are a snapshot from the date shown; availability is not monitored — check the retailer before buying.
Or see the whole class
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