How to Change a Belt in a GE Profile Dishwasher

Turn off the water supply leading to the unit – this is generally underneath the kitchen sink near the intake valve on the machine. Allow the dishwasher unit to drain of any standing water should any be in the machine. This happens automatically once water supply is shut down in most automated dishwashers. Pull the unit away from the wall or out from underneath the counter top so that you have enough room to get behind the washer. Unplug the washer from its electrical source as a safety precaution.

Remove all the screws on the rear access panel at the bottom of the washer’s backside. There are four of them, all Phillips head screws, so you’ll need the appropriate screwdriver type. Set the screws aside and pop off the access panel’s cover to gain access to the drive belt, which rests just adjacent to the motor on a twin pulley system.

Slide the old belt off the pulleys by tugging gently in an upward motion. With some finagling it should pop right off. If it’s difficult, and the belt is worn and frayed enough, cut the old belt in half with a knife and remove it. Twist one end of the new belt – make sure it’s the correct one or it won’t fit. Pull gently on the other end of the belt and loop it around the remaining pulley. This may take some extra muscle as the belt is meant to be quite taut, but resist the temptation to jerk too hard or you might snap the belt or bend the pulley.

Replace the access cover with the holding screws and plug the machine back into the wall. Run the washer through a cycle and listen: if there’s a grinding noise, you didn’t install the belt properly. Ditto if the machine won’t spin at all. If this is the case, you’ll need to retrace your steps to install the belt properly.