How to Replace a Dishwasher Motor

Finding that one of your relied on appliances has suddenly stopped working can be a major annoyance, which may require you to replace a dishwasher motor to get it working again. However, by following a few steps, you will find it possible to undertake yourself.

Step 1 – New Motor

To prevent the risk of any problems occurring, ensure that the new motor you obtain is of exactly the same specifications as the one to be removed. If you have retained it, check the instruction manual that came with the appliance as it may contain details of suppliers that the manufacturer recommends to obtain a new dishwasher motor.

Step 2 – Disconnect Power Supply

The first thing that needs to be done in order to remove the dishwasher motor is to disconnect the power supply, which is necessary to ensure that you stay safe while working on the appliance and are not at risk of electrocution. This is most easily achieved by unplugging the appliance from the socket in the wall, but can also be done by removing the relevant fuse.

Step 3 – Access Motor

Once it has been made safe, you will be in a position to obtain access to the dishwasher motor by removing any components protecting it. If you have retained the instruction manual, peruse this to determine whether it outlines the location. In the event that you do not have the manual, you are likely to find the motor beneath the kick panel at the base of the appliance. There may be a cover in place that can be removed by hand which will allow you to reach the fasteners or there may be screws in place that you can remove. You may be required to open the dishwasher door in order to access the screws that hold the kick panel in place. Remove the racks inside the appliance to gain access to the spray arm which should be held in place with a nut and bolt. Use some cloths to soak up any water that remains in the base of the dishwasher.      

Step 4 – Disconnect Motor

Begin the process of disconnecting the dishwasher motor by making sure that your hands are clean and dry if you are not using gloves. You can then remove the two wires from their holding in the motor after making a note of their position. Once the wires have been removed, disconnect the drain hose from the pump so that the entire motor assembly can be lifted out of place and set aside. Again, dry up any water with a cloth or towel.

Step 5 – Replace and Test

Position the new motor in place of the old one and reverse the disconnection process by reattaching the drain hose before doing the same with the wires. Once all the parts have been securely fitted, pour some water into the dishwasher’s tub to check for any leaks. Where everything is fine and no problems present themselves, reattach the spray arm and kick panel and slide the racks back into place.