How to Adjust the Float Switch in a Whirlpool Dishwasher

Your Whirlpool dishwasher has a float switch installed inside the unit to control the level of water during the wash cycle. When water fills the dishwasher, the float switch lifts up. When the float switch in your Whirlpool is in the raised position, the flow of water into the dishwasher stops. If the float switch gets stuck in the up position, water will not flow into the unit, and your dishwasher will not work properly. Cleaning and adjusting the float switch are usually enough to fix the problem.

Set of screwdrivers
Multimeter

Instructions

- 1
  Unplug the dishwasher from the wall outlet.
- 2
  Pull off the panel underneath the door on the front of the unit. Remove the screws from the panel with a screwdriver if the panel does not pull off.
- 3
  Open the door of the dishwasher. Locate the float switch inside of the dishwasher tub; this component has a cap on top that looks like a mushroom.
- 4
  Pull off the cap of the float switch.
- 5
  Remove the hex screw from the center of the float switch with a screwdriver.
- 6
  Pull up on the top of the float switch and clean all the debris from underneath it. Set the float switch back on its arm and ensure that it moves freely. Adjust it to the lowest position.
- 7
  Note the location of the float switch inside the dishwasher. Look underneath the unit through the area with the removed panel and locate the float switch wires.
- 8
  Pull the wires by the connector to remove them from the switch.
- 9
  Set a multimeter to the X1 setting. Touch one probe to each terminal. You should get a reading of zero to infinity if the float switch is working properly.
- 10
  Reassemble the unit in the reverse order of removal.

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