How to Fix a Solenoid Valve in a Dishwasher

Unplug the dishwasher's power cord from the outlet inside the adjacent cabinet or shut off electricity to the appliance at the circuit breaker.

Close the valve on the fill hose to the dishwasher. The valve is usually located under the sink and built into the fill hose. Turn the valve knob clockwise as far as it will rotate.

Unthread the screws on the sides of the kick panel at the bottom front. On some models you might need to open the door to access the screws.

Pull down and forward on the kick panel to take it off the front frame. Shine a flashlight into the space below the dishwasher to locate the solenoid valve, which is typically placed on the right. The valve is hooked up to the supply hose that is routed through the cabinet wall to your sink.

Slide off the two wires on the solenoid contacts on the top of the valve. Each wire has a clip that slides on and off the contacts.

Set the multimeter, or ohm tester, to test for continuity, which is the "ohms" setting. Clip each probe on the meter to one of the contacts on the solenoid. If the reading is zero, the solenoid is defective and the entire unit must be replaced. If water seeps from the edges of the valve, an internal gasket may be cracked or rotted. The entire unit must be replaced in this case, as well.

Squeeze the handles on the clamp holding the fill hose to the side of the valve, using pliers. Pull off this hose.

Remove the screws holding the valve in place below the dishwasher. Remove the solenoid valve assembly.

Hold the new part in position and secure it with the screws.

Attach the fill hose to the new valve by squeezing the clamp and sliding the hose onto the valve pipe.

Slip the two wires onto the contacts on top of the new valve.

Secure the kick plate to the front with screws.

Unscrew the knob in the fill hose under the sink.

Plug in the power cord or switch on the circuit breaker.