What would cause a Whirlpool dishwasher not to wash?

Author: Angelo Lemke  |  Last update: Monday, July 28, 2025

Improper loading, a clogged or blocked spray arm or a clogged filter may cause your dishwasher to perform poorly. If your dishwasher is not cleaning dishes on the bottom rack, check for these issues and consult your owner's manual. Consult a professional for repairs if you're still having issues.

Why is my Whirlpool dishwasher running but not washing?

What are the possible reasons for a Whirlpool dishwasher not cleaning dishes? Overloading your dishwasher. Your filter is clogged. Your soap dispenser is clogged. Spray arms not spinning freely or clogged. Filters are clogged or damaged. Detergent dispenser not opening. Water inlet valve is clogged or failing.

What is the most common problem with a Whirlpool dishwasher?

Most common problems with Whirlpool dishwashers

The dishwasher does not drain properly. The detergent cup is not working properly. The dishwasher is not filling with water. The dishwasher door is leaking.

Why is my dishwasher not going through the wash cycle?

Perform basic troubleshooting by cleaning the filter and spray arm. Also, ensure your dishwasher is getting sufficient water pressure. If you find your dishwasher stopping mid-cycle, it could be due to several reasons, including a malfunctioning door latch, a defective control board, or even a power interruption.

Where is the reset button on a Whirlpool dishwasher?

How to Reset the Control Board on a Whirlpool Dishwasher
  1. Make sure the dishwasher is in Standby mode (no cycle running).
  2. Press the "Heated Dry," and "Normal," buttons one after the other, twice.
  3. After entering the correct button sequence, the control panel should light up as the dishwasher begins the reset.

Whirlpool Dishwasher not spraying water and stop cleaning - How to fix it

How do you force a dishwasher to reset a Whirlpool?

Hold the start/reset button – If unplugging the dishwasher didn't work, the next thing you can try is pressing and holding the start or reset button for at least one full minute. All you have to do now is cross your fingers and hope it works.

When I press start on my dishwasher, nothing happens.?

Several factors can contribute to this, including: Power Issues: The dishwasher might not be plugged in, the circuit breaker could have tripped, or there might be a blown fuse. Door Latch: As mentioned earlier, if the door doesn't latch correctly, the dishwasher won't start as a safety measure.

How do you fix a dishwasher that won't wash?

Pour 3 cups of white vinegar in the bottom and run a full wash cycle. The vinegar helps remove gunk from the holes in the spray arm, dissolves light mineral buildup, and cleans grease from the interior walls. Your dishes may even smell better too.

Why is my Whirlpool dishwasher humming but not washing?

If your Dishwasher is making a humming sound but is not filling with water, this could be due to the pump motor not running for a week or longer. This can cause the Dishwasher pump seals to dry out and stick. Operating the Dishwasher at least once a week keeps the seals from drying out and sticking.

Why has my dishwasher stopped washing?

Possible causes of a dishwasher not washing include an older, outdated appliance, dirty or clogged filters, water supply issues, improper dish loading and other problems.

What is the life expectancy of a Whirlpool dishwasher?

It's a wonderful convenience, especially if you entertain frequently or have a big family. However, dishwashers don't last forever. The life expectancy of a dishwasher is about 10 years, according to manufacturers surveyed by Consumer Reports.

What is the most common failure on a dishwasher?

Issues like leaks, poor drainage, unclean dishes, foul odors and overall appliance operation, though infrequent, can be the most common problems with a dishwasher that isn't operating properly. In some cases, you can resolve these issues with a little elbow grease and the help of your product manual.

Is it worth repairing a Whirlpool dishwasher?

You're better off putting the money toward a new $500 appliance. But for a $1,000 dishwasher, a $140 repair is often worth pursuing for the better part of a decade. Most appliances are covered under warranty in their first year.

Why is my dishwasher running but not getting water?

There could be a few reasons why your dishwasher won't fill with water. It could be an improperly positioned drain hose, a door that's not fully closed, a water supply that's turned off or an overfill protection float that's got something stuck in it.

How to troubleshoot a Whirlpool dishwasher?

There are several reasons why your Whirlpool dishwasher not starting or not operating:
  1. Control lock is on.
  2. Dishwasher is in sleep mode.
  3. Delayed wash option is selected.
  4. Door is not completely closed and latched.
  5. Water supply is not turned on.
  6. The power needs to be cycled to reset the dishwasher.

Why is my Whirlpool dishwasher not washing at all?

The most common reasons your Whirlpool dishwasher won't wash are a faulty pump and motor assembly, defective electronic control board or a clogged spray arm.

Why is my dishwasher making a sound but not washing?

If your dishwasher is filling up, but not cleaning; the first thing to do is to check for sounds! A humming noise coming from the dishwasher could be a sign that broken glassware may be blocking the motor. Here we list what you need to do in order to check for possible blockages: Safety First!

How do I know if the pump has gone on my dishwasher?

The motor drives an impeller to force water out of the drain hose. If the motor runs during the drain cycle, check for a blockage in the drain line. If the motor won't run during the drain cycle or if it just hums when it should be running, the pump and motor assembly might need to be replaced.

Why is my dishwasher not going through the cycle?

Clogged Filter: A clogged dishwasher filter can cause the dishwasher to stop mid-cycle. Control Board Problems: A faulty control board can cause the dishwasher to stop mid-cycle. Float Switch Issues: A malfunctioning float switch can cause the dishwasher to stop mid-cycle.

Can a dishwasher inlet valve get clogged?

An open or unlatched door, a clogged or malfunctioning water inlet valve, a shut off water supply or an obstructed overfill protection float could be the culprit. Read on to learn more about solutions you can try to correct these issues on your own.

How to unclog dishwasher jets?

Use a cocktail stick to clean the small outlet nozzles on the spray arms. You can also soak the spray arms into vinegar solution to dissolve food particles that have blocked the outlet nozzles. If you do soak the spray arms, be sure to clean them with soapy water after.

Why is my dishwasher turning on but not washing?

There are a few reasons why your dishwasher might not be cleaning effectively including a dirty filter, incorrect detergent, improper loading or the wrong cycle or water temperature. If your dishwasher has been maintained according to the owner's manual, it could be a simple reason and a quick fix.

Why is my dishwasher humming but not working?

Check the Float

If it's not functioning correctly, the dishwasher may be unable to move from one cycle to the next. Checking the float is a simple troubleshooting step. Open the dishwasher door and locate the float; it's a small, circular object on the tub of the dishwasher.

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