Dishwasher Repair Guide - Replace detergent dispenser cup wax motor

How to replace a dishwasher's wax motor:

Replacing a wax motor

Note:

Disconnect the power source to your dishwasher before you conduct this or any other repair. 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.

Before you can begin to replace your dishwasher's wax motor, you must first locate the device. It is located within the door assembly, in very close proximity to the detergent dispenser cup. You will need to gain access to the inside of the door.

Examine the outside of the appliance. Depending on the model, you will have to remove either the entire internal door panel, or the entire external door panel. In each case, the panel can be removed by removing anywhere from 6 - 10 screws. Be careful to not remove the screws at the very bottom of the door that are actually a part of the hinge assembly. Removing the hinge assembly screws will remove the entire door from the appliance, which is not at all necessary to replace the unit's wax motor. With all of the screws removed, the door panel should be easy to lift off of the door assembly. If you have difficulty lifting the panel, look for additional screws you may have missed.

With the door panel removed, locate your dishwasher's detergent dispenser cup and the wax motor assembly.

There are two wires connected to the wax motor. Label them so that you will be able to correctly reconnect them later. Remove each of the two wires from their respective terminals - they are connected with slip-on connectors. When removing the wires, grasp the connectors and pull firmly. Do not pull on the wires themselves. You may want to use a pair of needle-nosed pliers to help you. Now that the wires are removed, remove the wax motor.

Discard the used motor and connect the wires to the terminals of the new motor. Position your new wax motor in place of the old one. Replace the door panel and restore power to your dishwasher.

How to test a dishwasher wax motor.

Find a wax motor for your dishwasher.

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