Whirlpool Dishwasher Fills with Water Then Stops: Troubleshooting and Repair Tips
A Whirlpool dishwasher that fills with water but then stops can be a frustrating problem for homeowners. You load up your dishwasher, turn it on, and come back later to find that your dishes are still dirty and the dishwasher is full of water. Fortunately, there are a few steps that you can take to diagnose and fix the problem.
Causes
Contents
- 1 Causes
- 2 Errors
- 3 Troubleshooting Steps
- 4 How to Fix a Step-by-Step
- 5 FAQs
- 5.1 Why won't my dishwasher fill with water?
- 5.2 How can I check if my dishwasher's water inlet valve is working properly?
- 5.3 What is the float switch, and how does it work?
- 5.4 How can I check if my dishwasher's float switch is working properly?
- 5.5 Why is my dishwasher making strange noises during operation?
- 5.6 Can I fix my dishwasher myself, or do I need to call a professional?
- 6 Conclusion
The most common cause of a Whirlpool dishwasher filling with water but not completing the cycle is a faulty component.
| Cause | Description | Symptoms | Repair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clogged Spray Arm | Food or debris can get stuck in the spray arm, reducing the water flow and preventing dishes from getting clean. | Dirty dishes, visible debris in the spray arm | Remove the spray arm and clean out any debris or blockages. |
| Broken Dishwasher Pump | The dishwasher pump is responsible for circulating the water through the dishwasher. If it's broken, the dishwasher won't be able to clean the dishes effectively. | Dirty dishes, no water circulation | Replace the dishwasher pump. |
| Faulty Water Inlet Valve | The water inlet valve is responsible for allowing water into the dishwasher. If it's faulty, the dishwasher won't be able to fill with water properly. | Low water pressure, no water flow | Replace the water inlet valve. |
| Broken Heating Element | The heating element is responsible for heating up the water in the dishwasher. If it's broken, the dishwasher won't be able to get hot enough to clean the dishes properly. | Dirty dishes, cold water | Replace the heating element. |
| Clogged Drain Hose | The drain hose is responsible for carrying the dirty water out of the dishwasher. If it's clogged, the dirty water won't be able to drain properly. | Dirty water in the bottom of the dishwasher, slow draining | Clean out the drain hose or replace it if it's damaged. |
| Malfunctioning Dishwasher Timer | The dishwasher timer controls the various stages of the dishwasher cycle. If it's malfunctioning, the dishwasher may not complete the cycle properly. | Dishwasher doesn't start, cycle doesn't complete | Replace the dishwasher timer. |
| Broken Float Switch | The float switch is responsible for sensing the water level in the dishwasher. If it's broken, the dishwasher may not be able to fill with water properly. | No water in the dishwasher, won't start | Replace the float switch. |
| Clogged Filters | The filters in the dishwasher can become clogged with food and debris over time. This can prevent the dishwasher from cleaning the dishes properly. | Dirty dishes, visible debris in the filters | Clean or replace the filters. |
| Loose Spray Arm | The spray arm can come loose over time, preventing it from spraying water effectively. | Dirty dishes, low water pressure | Tighten the spray arm or replace it if it's damaged. |
| Faulty Dishwasher Door Switch | The dishwasher door switch is responsible for sensing when the door is closed. If it's faulty, the dishwasher won't be able to start. | Dishwasher won't start, no lights or sounds | Replace the dishwasher door switch. |
Some of the components that can cause this issue include:
- Float Switch: The float switch is a small plastic device that senses the water level in the dishwasher. If the switch is stuck or faulty, the dishwasher may not recognize that it has filled with water and may not proceed with the wash cycle.
- Water Inlet Valve: The water inlet valve is responsible for allowing water into the dishwasher. If the valve is clogged or faulty, it may not allow enough water into the dishwasher, or it may not allow any water at all.
- Motor: The motor is responsible for moving the water through the dishwasher during the wash cycle. If the motor is faulty or damaged, it may not be able to move the water effectively, causing the dishwasher to stop.
Errors
- Water level issue: Dishwasher won’t fill or overfills.
- Heating issue: Dishwasher won’t heat water or dry dishes properly.
- Temperature issue: Dishwasher won’t operate properly due to incorrect temperature readings.
- Overflow issue: Dishwasher overfills with water and leaks.
- Drain issue: Dishwasher won’t drain or makes strange noises during draining.
- Water supply issue: Dishwasher won’t fill with water or water doesn’t enter properly.
- Wash issue: Dishwasher won’t clean dishes properly or makes strange noises during washing.
- Water flow issue: Dishwasher won’t operate properly due to issues with water flow.
- Motor issue: Dishwasher won’t operate properly due to motor problems.
- Communication issue: Communication issue between the dishwasher control board and other components.
- Water leak issue: Dishwasher is leaking water.
- Door issue: Dishwasher won’t start or operate properly due to issues with the door latch.
- Water temperature issue: Dishwasher won’t operate properly due to incorrect water temperature readings.
- Dispenser issue: Dishwasher won’t dispense detergent or rinse aid properly.
- Drain hose issue: Dishwasher won’t drain properly or drains slowly.
- Water pressure issue: Dishwasher won’t fill with water or water pressure is low.
- Control board issue: Dishwasher won’t operate properly due to issues with the control board.
- Motor relay issue: Dishwasher won’t operate properly due to issues with the motor relay.
- Float switch issue: Dishwasher won’t operate properly due to issues with the float switch.
| Error Code | Description | Symptoms | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| E1 | Water level issue | Dishwasher won't fill or overfills | Check the water level sensor for any issues, clean it or replace it. |
| E2 | Heating issue | Dishwasher won't heat water or dry dishes properly | Check the heating element for damage, replace if necessary. |
| E3 | Temperature issue | Dishwasher won't operate properly due to incorrect temperature readings | Check the temperature sensor for damage, replace if necessary. |
| E4 | Overflow issue | Dishwasher overfills with water and leaks | Check the float switch and water inlet valve for issues, clean or replace them. |
| E5 | Drain issue | Dishwasher won't drain or makes strange noises during draining | Check the drain pump for blockages or damage, clean or replace it. |
| E6 | Water supply issue | Dishwasher won't fill with water or water doesn't enter properly | Check the water inlet valve for blockages or damage, clean or replace it. |
| E7 | Wash issue | Dishwasher won't clean dishes properly or makes strange noises during washing | Check the wash pump for blockages or damage, clean or replace it. |
| E8 | Water flow issue | Dishwasher won't operate properly due to issues with water flow | Check the diverter valve for blockages or damage, clean or replace it. |
| E9 | Motor issue | Dishwasher won't operate properly due to motor problems | Check the motor for damage, replace if necessary. |
| E10 | Communication issue | Communication issue between the dishwasher control board and other components | Check the wiring and connections between components, replace any damaged wires or components. |
| E11 | Water leak issue | Dishwasher is leaking water | Check for leaks in the water supply line, drain hose, or around the dishwasher door. Repair or replace any damaged components. |
| E12 | Door issue | Dishwasher won't start or operate properly due to issues with the door latch | Check the door latch for damage or alignment issues, replace if necessary. |
| E13 | Water temperature issue | Dishwasher won't operate properly due to incorrect water temperature readings | Check the temperature sensor for damage, replace if necessary. |
| E14 | Dispenser issue | Dishwasher won't dispense detergent or rinse aid properly | Check the dispenser for blockages or damage, clean or replace it. |
| E15 | Drain hose issue | Dishwasher won't drain properly or drains slowly | Check the drain hose for blockages or damage, clean or replace it. |
| E16 | Water pressure issue | Dishwasher won't fill with water or water pressure is low | Check the water supply line for blockages or damage, clean or replace it. |
| E17 | Water level issue | Dishwasher won't operate properly due to incorrect water level readings | Check the water level sensor for damage, replace if necessary. |
| E18 | Water flow issue | Dishwasher won't operate properly due to issues with water flow | Check the water inlet valve, diverter valve, and wash pump for blockages or damage, clean or replace them. |
| E19 | Drain issue | Dishwasher won't drain or makes strange noises during draining | Check the drain pump for blockages or damage, clean or replace it. |
| E20 | Wash issue | Dishwasher won't clean dishes properly or makes strange noises during washing | Check the wash pump for blockages or damage, clean or replace it. |
| E21 | Control board issue | Dishwasher won't operate properly due to issues with the control board | Check the control board for damage or wiring issues, replace if necessary. |
| E22 | Motor issue | Dishwasher won't operate properly due to issues with the motor relay | Check the motor relay for damage or wiring issues, replace if necessary. |
| E23 | Float switch issue | Dishwasher won't operate properly due to issues with the float switch | Check the float switch for blockages or damage, clean or replace it. |
| E24 | Water level issue | Dishwasher won't fill or overfills | Check the water level sensor for any issues, clean it or replace it. |
| E25 | Control board issue | Control board issue | Check the control board for damage or wiring issues, replace if necessary. |
Troubleshooting Steps
Before you can fix your Whirlpool dishwasher, you need to diagnose the problem. Here are the steps to follow to troubleshoot the issue:
- Check for Clogs: A clog in the dishwasher’s drain can prevent the water from draining out of the dishwasher, causing it to fill with water and stop. Check for clogs in the drain and clean them out if necessary.
- Test the Float Switch: The float switch is located at the bottom of the dishwasher, near the door. To test it, lift it up and down to see if it moves freely. If it doesn’t move, it may be stuck or faulty and will need to be replaced.
- Inspect the Water Inlet Valve: The water inlet valve is located at the bottom of the dishwasher, near the back. To inspect it, turn off the power to the dishwasher and disconnect the water supply. Check for clogs and make sure the valve is functioning properly. If it’s not, it will need to be replaced.
| Problem | Possible Causes | Troubleshooting Steps | Tools Required | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher won't start | Door not closed properly, electrical issue, faulty control board | Check door latch, check electrical connections, check control board | Screwdriver, multimeter | Repair or replace any damaged components. |
| Dishwasher won't fill with water | Water supply issue, clogged water inlet valve, faulty float switch | Check water supply, clean water inlet valve, test float switch | Wrench, pliers | Clean or replace any damaged components. |
| Dishwasher won't drain | Clogged drain hose, faulty drain pump, damaged motor | Check drain hose for blockages, test drain pump and motor | Screwdriver, pliers | Clean or replace any damaged components. |
| Dishwasher won't clean dishes | Clogged spray arm, damaged wash pump, low water pressure | Check spray arm for blockages, test wash pump and water pressure | Screwdriver, pliers | Clean or replace any damaged components. |
| Dishwasher is leaking | Damaged door seal, clogged drain hose, cracked tub | Check door seal for damage, clean drain hose, inspect tub for cracks | Screwdriver, pliers | Repair or replace any damaged components. |
| Dishwasher is noisy | Loose parts, clogged filters, damaged wash pump | Tighten loose parts, clean filters, test wash pump | Screwdriver, pliers | Clean or replace any damaged components. |
| Dishwasher won't dry dishes | Faulty heating element, incorrect rinse aid settings, damaged thermostat | Test heating element, check rinse aid settings, test thermostat | Screwdriver, multimeter | Repair or replace any damaged components. |
| Dishwasher won't dispense detergent | Clogged dispenser, incorrect detergent type, faulty dispenser mechanism | Clean dispenser, use correct detergent, test dispenser mechanism | Screwdriver | Clean or replace any damaged components. |
| Dishwasher won't stop running | Faulty control board, stuck timer, malfunctioning float switch | Test control board and timer, test float switch | Screwdriver, multimeter | Repair or replace any damaged components. |
| Dishwasher won't fill or overfills | Water supply issue, clogged water inlet valve, faulty float switch | Check water supply, clean water inlet valve, test float switch | Wrench, pliers | Clean or replace any damaged components. |
| Dishwasher won't heat water | Faulty heating element, damaged thermostat, incorrect water temperature settings | Test heating element, test thermostat, check water temperature settings | Screwdriver, multimeter | Repair or replace any damaged components. |
| Dishwasher won't clean the top rack | Clogged spray arm, damaged wash pump, low water pressure | Check spray arm for blockages, test wash pump and water pressure | Screwdriver, pliers | Clean or replace any damaged components. |
| Dishwasher won't clean the bottom rack | Clogged spray arm, damaged wash pump, low water pressure | Check spray arm for blockages, test wash pump and water pressure | Screwdriver, pliers | Clean or replace any damaged components. |
| Dishwasher is not level | Uneven floor, damaged leveling legs, broken tub rollers | Check floor level, adjust leveling legs, inspect tub rollers | Level, wrench | Adjust or replace any damaged components. |
| Dishwasher won't dry dishes properly | Faulty heating element, incorrect rinse aid settings, damaged thermostat | Test heating element, check rinse aid settings, test thermostat | Screwdriver, multimeter | Repair or replace any damaged components. |
How to Fix a Step-by-Step
Once you’ve diagnosed the problem, you can begin to fix your Whirlpool dishwasher. Here are the steps to follow:
- Turn off the power to the dishwasher by unplugging it or turning off the circuit breaker.
- Remove the lower access panel from the front of the dishwasher.
- Locate the water inlet valve, which is usually at the front of the dishwasher and has two wires attached to it.
- Disconnect the wires from the water inlet valve and use a multimeter to test for continuity. If the water inlet valve has no continuity, it needs to be replaced.
- If the water inlet valve is functioning properly, remove the water supply hose from the valve and check for any blockages or kinks in the hose. Clean or straighten the hose as needed.
- Check the float switch, which is a small device near the bottom of the dishwasher that tells the dishwasher when to stop filling with water. Make sure it moves freely and is not stuck in the up position.
- If the float switch is functioning properly, remove the dishwasher’s internal filter and clean it thoroughly. A clogged filter can prevent water from flowing properly.
- Check the dishwasher’s drain hose for any kinks or blockages. Straighten or clean the hose as needed.
- Check the dishwasher’s pump for any blockages or damage. Remove any debris or replace the pump as needed.
- Check the dishwasher’s spray arm for any blockages or damage. Clean or replace the spray arm as needed.
- Check the dishwasher’s water pressure by turning on a nearby faucet and seeing if the water flow is strong. If the water pressure is low, it may be an issue with the water supply to the house and not the dishwasher.
- If none of these steps have resolved the issue, it may be a problem with the dishwasher’s control board or motor. These parts should be inspected by a professional repair technician.
- Once you have identified and fixed the issue, reattach any disconnected wires or hoses, replace the access panel, and turn the power back on to the dishwasher.
- Run a test cycle to ensure the dishwasher is filling and draining properly.
- Enjoy your clean dishes!
FAQs
Why won't my dishwasher fill with water?
There are several reasons why your dishwasher may not be filling with water. It could be an issue with the water inlet valve, the water supply hose, the float switch, or the control board. Check each of these components to determine the root cause of the issue.
How can I check if my dishwasher's water inlet valve is working properly?
To check if your dishwasher's water inlet valve is working properly, disconnect the wires from the valve and use a multimeter to test for continuity. If the water inlet valve has no continuity, it needs to be replaced.
What is the float switch, and how does it work?
The float switch is a small device near the bottom of the dishwasher that tells the dishwasher when to stop filling with water. It works by using a float to detect when the water level in the dishwasher is too high, at which point it stops the water from entering.
How can I check if my dishwasher's float switch is working properly?
To check if your dishwasher's float switch is working properly, locate the switch and make sure it moves freely and is not stuck in the up position. If the float switch is functioning properly, it may be an issue with the water supply hose or the control board.
Why is my dishwasher making strange noises during operation?
Strange noises during operation could be caused by a variety of issues, such as a clogged spray arm, damaged wash pump, or loose parts. Check each of these components to determine the root cause of the issue.
Can I fix my dishwasher myself, or do I need to call a professional?
If you are comfortable working with electrical components and have the necessary tools, you may be able to fix your dishwasher yourself. However, if you are unsure or uncomfortable with the process, it may be best to call a professional repair technician to diagnose and fix the issue.
Conclusion
A Whirlpool dishwasher that fills with water but then stops can be a frustrating problem, but it’s one that you can fix. By following these troubleshooting and repair tips, you can diagnose and fix the problem with your dishwasher and get it back to working properly. Remember to take care of your dishwasher by cleaning it regularly and following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule to prevent future malfunctions. By doing so, you can avoid the headache of dealing with a dishwasher that won’t work properly.
In addition, it’s important to note that not all dishwasher problems can be fixed by homeowners. If you’re not comfortable with troubleshooting and repairing your dishwasher, it’s best to call in a professional to help. A professional can diagnose the problem and fix it quickly, saving you time and hassle.
In summary, if you’re dealing with a Whirlpool dishwasher that fills with water but then stops, it’s important to take the time to troubleshoot and repair the problem. By checking for clogs, testing the float switch, and inspecting the water inlet valve, you can diagnose the problem and replace the faulty component. Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing the new component, and test the dishwasher to ensure it’s working properly. With a little effort and patience, you can get your Whirlpool dishwasher back to working like new.
Licensed Appliance Repair Expert at Device Answered
Charles Woods is an Licensed Appliance Repair Expert who has been providing top-notch services for many years. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for fixing appliances, Charles has become a household name in the appliance repair industry.
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