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Dishwasher Spray Arms Not Spinning

The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Dishwasher spray arms not spinning are ordered from most likely to least likely to occur. Check or test each item, starting with the items at the top of the page.

Most Frequent Causes for Dishwasher spray arms not spinning

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Cause 1Control Board

A dishwasher's control board provides power to nearly every electrical component in the dishwasher. A faulty board may be unable to supply power to the water inlet valve, preventing it from opening and allowing the necessary water to fill the tank.

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Cause 2Main Control Board

A dishwasher's main control board provides power to nearly every electrical component in the dishwasher. A faulty board may be unable to supply power to the water inlet valve, preventing it from opening and allowing the necessary water to fill the tank.

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Cause 3Timer

The timer allows power to flow to the proper parts at the proper times. If the timer isn’t working properly, it might not send voltage to the dishwasher, causing it not to start. Timers are often misdiagnosed—make sure you check more commonly defective parts before replacing the timer.

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Cause 4Center Wash Arm Support

The center wash arm is attached to a support that is normally attached to the underside of the upper dishrack. Water flows through the support to the arm which circulates the water to the dishes in the upper rack. If the support is damaged or obstructed water may not flow properly. Inspect the support for any damage or obstruction and replace if necessary. In addition, make sure that the support is mating properly with the water supply nozzle.

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Cause 5Lower Wash Arm Support

The lower wash arm is attached to a support fastened to the sump assembly. Water flows through the support to the arm which circulates the water to the dishes in the lower dishrack. If the support is damaged or obstructed water may not flow properly. Inspect the support for any damage or obstruction and replace if necessary.

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Cause 6Upper Wash Arm Support

The upper wash arm is attached to a support that provides water to the arm to spray the dishes in the upper dishrack. If the support is damaged or obstructed water may not flow properly. Inspect the support for any damage or obstruction and replace if necessary.

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Cause 7Circulation Pump

The circulation pump uses a motor and impeller to force water up through the wash arms. If the circulation pump is defective, the dishes won’t be cleaned properly. If the motor isn’t making any noise or is just making a humming sound after the dishwasher has filled, the motor may be burned out. First, ensure that power is getting to the motor. Second, to ensure that the impeller can turn, check the pump housing for debris. If power is getting to the motor and the pump is clear of debris, the motor might need to be replaced. Be aware that the circulation pump may be challenging to replace, although many do-it-yourselfers have been successful with the replacement.

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Cause 8Pump and Motor Assembly

The motor drives an impeller to force water up through the wash arms. If the motor is defective, the pump impeller is broken, or some part of the pump is clogged, dishes won’t be cleaned properly. Make sure that power is getting to the circulation pump and motor. If power is getting to the pump and motor assembly but it still won’t run, replace the pump and motor assembly.

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Cause 9Circulation and Drain Pump Motor

The circulation pump uses a motor and impeller to force water up through the wash arms. If the circulation pump is defective, the dishes won’t be cleaned properly. If the motor isn’t making any noise or is just making a humming sound after the dishwasher has filled, the motor may be burned out. First, ensure that power is getting to the motor. Second, to ensure that the impeller can turn, check the pump housing for debris. If power is getting to the motor and the pump is clear of debris, the motor might need to be replaced. Be aware that the circulation pump may be challenging to replace, although many do-it-yourselfers have been successful with the replacement.

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Cause 10Obstructed wash arm

There are several wash arms in a dishwasher, typically one for each rack. If a handle or utensil is sticking through one of the racks the wash arm may be hitting it as it turns. Or there may be an item that is too tall and obstructing the upper wash arm. Confirm that nothing is obstructing the upper or lower wash arms.

Cause 11Upper Wash Arm Spinner

The upper wash arm circulates water to the dishes in the upper rack. If water can’t flow properly through the upper wash arm, the dishes in the upper rack won’t be cleaned properly. Over time, food particles get trapped in the tiny holes in the wash arm. If your dishes are coming out dirty, the wash arm might be clogged. To unclog the upper wash arm, remove the wash arm and dislodge any debris from the holes. If the wash arm is extremely clogged, replace it.

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Cause 12Upper Wash Arm Assembly

The upper wash arm circulates water to the dishes in the upper rack. If water can’t flow properly through the upper wash arm, the dishes in the upper rack won’t be cleaned properly. Over time, food particles get trapped in the tiny holes in the wash arm. If your dishes are coming out dirty, the wash arm might be clogged. To unclog the upper wash arm, remove the wash arm and dislodge any debris from the holes. If the wash arm is extremely clogged, replace it.

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Cause 13Clogged Sump Filters

There is usually a course and fine filter. If they are clogged, you will get low water flow and poor washability. To clean filters, remove them and wash with soap, warm water, and brush. If the filters cannot be cleaned effectively or if they are damaged, they will need to be replaced.

Cause 14Center Wash Arm Assembly

The center wash arm circulates water to the dishes in the upper rack. If water can’t flow properly through the center wash arm, the dishes in the upper rack won’t be cleaned properly. Over time, food particles can get trapped in the tiny holes in the wash arm. If your dishes are coming out dirty, the wash arm might be clogged. To unclog the center wash arm, remove the wash arm and dislodge any debris from the holes. If the wash arm is extremely clogged, replace it. In addition, make sure that the center wash arm assembly is mating properly with the water supply nozzle.

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Cause 15Lower Wash Arm Assembly

The lower wash arm circulates water to the dishes in the lower rack. If water can’t flow properly through the lower wash arm, the dishes in the lower rack won’t be cleaned properly. Over time, food particles get trapped in the tiny holes in the wash arm. If your dishes are coming out dirty, the wash arm might be clogged. To unclog the upper wash arm, remove the wash arm and dislodge any debris from the holes. If the wash arm is extremely clogged, replace it.

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Cause 16Lower Wash Arm

The lower wash arm circulates water to the dishes in the lower rack. If water can’t flow properly through the lower wash arm, the dishes in the lower rack won’t be cleaned properly. Over time, food particles get trapped in the tiny holes in the wash arm. If your dishes are coming out dirty, the wash arm might be clogged. To unclog the upper wash arm, remove the wash arm and dislodge any debris from the holes. If the wash arm is extremely clogged, replace it.

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Cause 17Filter Assembly

A dishwasher's filter assembly usually consists of both a course and a fine filter located in the sump. If one or both of these filters is clogged, you will get low water flow and poor washability. If the filters cannot be cleaned effectively or if they are damaged, they will need to be replaced.

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Cause 18Filter

A dishwasher will usually have both a course and a fine screen filter located in the sump. If one or both of these filters is clogged, you will get low water flow and poor washability. If the filters cannot be cleaned effectively or if they are damaged, they will need to be replaced.

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Cause 19Screen Filter

A dishwasher will usually have both a course and a fine screen filter located in the sump. If one or both of these filters is clogged, you will get low water flow and poor washability. If the filters cannot be cleaned effectively or if they are damaged, they will need to be replaced.

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Cause 20Strainer

Dishwashers will use a strainer located in the sump to catch food particles. If the strainer is clogged, you will get low water flow and poor washability. If the stainer cannot be cleaned effectively or is damaged, it will need to be replaced.

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Cause 21Clogged Wash or Spray Arms

If the dishwasher is not cleaning well, the holes in the wash or spray arms may be clogged with debris, not allowing water to spray out or the arm to turn. Most wash arms are removable for cleaning. You can clear out the holes with a paper clip or small brush and run water through the wash arm to help clear out the debris.