Testing a Dishwasher Solenoid Valve for Continuity

The solenoid valve in a dishwasher controls the flow of water into and out of the appliance. The cycle timer sends a signal to the solenoid, which opens the dishwasher valve to let in water for a wash cycle and activates the pump to drain the appliance at the end of the cycle. Testing the solenoid for circuit continuity lets you determine if the part is defective. Use a multimeter to perform this simple diagnostic test.

Screwdriver
Multimeter

Instructions

- 1
  Shut off the circuit breaker that controls electricity to the dishwasher.
- 2
  Remove the screws in the sides of the kick plate at the front of the dishwasher. On some models, there may also be screws along the top edge of the kick plate. Access these screws by opening and lowering the door.
- 3
  Pull the kick plate off the dishwasher to locate the water valve and solenoid assembly. This component is recognizable by the two hoses connected to the valve.
- 4
  Pull off the two slide-on connectors from the metal blades on the solenoid, which is above the valve. Do not pull on the wires attached to the connectors, but make a note of which wire attaches to which blade on the solenoid.
- 5
  Set the multimeter selector control to test for ohms. Hold the two test probes on the meter against the two blades on the solenoid. If the meter displays an infinite readout, the valve is defective and must be replaced.

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