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Dishwasher Takes Too Long

The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Dishwasher takes too long 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 takes too long

For the most accurate results, enter your model number.


Cause 1Wash Impeller

The wash impeller is a small plastic blade that forces water up through the wash arms. If the impeller is broken or is missing some of its fins, it might not generate enough pressure to force the water up through the wash arms. On most models, you can replace the wash impeller independently of the pump and motor assembly. Search for your model number to determine if your impeller is replaceable. If the impeller cannot be replaced separately, you will have to replace the entire pump and motor assembly.

Parts
Cause 2Filter 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.

Parts
Cause 3Filter

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.

Parts
Cause 4Screen 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.

Parts
Cause 5Strainer

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.

Parts
Cause 6Circulation 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.

Parts
Cause 7Pump 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.

Parts
Cause 8Circulation 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.

Parts
Cause 9Clogged Sump Filters

There is usually a course and fine filter. If they are clogged, you will get low water flow, longer run times, 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 10Control 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.

Parts
Cause 11Main 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.

Parts
Cause 12Improper water supply temperature

The water may not be hot enough. The recommended water supply temperature for a dishwasher to clean properly is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If your hot water temperature is lower for safety reasons, the cycle may take significantly longer to heat the water.

Cause 13Heating Element

Some dishwashers use a heating element to heat the dishwasher during both the washing and drying cycles. If the heating element has failed, the dishwasher may not clean the dishes properly. To determine if the heating element has burned out, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the heating element does not have continuity, replace it.

Parts
Cause 14Heating Element Assembly

Some dishwashers use a heating element to heat the dishwasher during the drying cycle. If the heating element assembly has failed, the dishwasher won't dry dishes properly. To determine if the heating element assembly has burned out, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the heating element assembly does not have continuity, replace it. Note that some element assemblies have a resettable fuse that can trip, preventing voltage from reaching the element to heat it. Pressing the button on the fuse will reset it and restore power to the element.

Parts
Cause 15Normal run time

Newer dishwasher models have much longer cycle times than what you may be used to. It is not uncommon for a dishwasher to run for 1.5 to 2.5 hours or longer on a normal cycle. Newer models use less water/run longer and will often divert water from the lower spray arm to the upper. Many models will heat the wash and rinse water to a set temperature for better wash performance. All these changes factor into longer cycle times. Refer to your owner's manual for average cycle times for your specific model.