Checking a float assembly
| Note: | | Disconnect the power source to your dishwasher before you conduct this or any other check. Either unplug the unit from the wall outlet, remove the appropriate fuse from the fuse box, or flip the appropriate breaker in the circuit breaker panel. |
Your float assembly is found inside the dishwasher's tub, on the bottom. The water that fills your dishwasher lifts the float, and when it reaches a certain level, it acts as a trigger for the float switch. The float triggers the float switch to shut off, thereby shutting off the flow of water into the dishwasher. The float in your dishwasher needs to be able to move up and down freely. If it should happen to get stuck, it could interfere with your dishwasher's ability to fill and/or drain.
Inspect the float assembly. Open the dishwasher door and remove the lower dishrack. If your dishwasher has a cover over your float assembly, remove it now. A float's cover is stationary - it does not move up and down. It will either snap in place, or be held in place with a screw.
Lift the float and let it drop several times. Its movement should be entirely unrestricted. Now remove your float. You are looking for any obstruction that may be hindering its movement. Floats usually snap into place. However, if you are unable to remove yours just by pulling on it, it may be connected to the float switch. If this is the case, you will need to disconnect it to look for debris.
If you are unable to find any debris that is blocking the float switch, the float switch may be at fault. Try testing that component.
If you have found any debris under your float assembly, be sure to clean it out. Replace the float assembly. Then replace the float cover, if you removed one. Replace the lower dishrack and shut the door. Restore power to your dishwasher and run it through a cycle to test it. If the unit is still not functioning properly, try testing the float switch.
|