How to Replace a Dishwasher Solenoid

For those that possess moderate mechanical skills the replacement of a dishwasher solenoid is not a difficult task, that is, once an overview of how the solenoid and the dishwasher drain work is understood. The dishwasher solenoid is the component that opens the dishwasher drain valve to allow water to drain properly - when a dishwasher solenoid is faulty a dishwasher will not drain in the manner in which it was designed to perform. In sequence, the dishwasher timer engages the solenoid to open the drain at specific times during a normal cycle. However before jumping to the conclusion that a dishwasher solenoid needs replaced, a few minutes should be given to make certain that the solenoid is in fact the real problem in poor drainage.

Before performing any maintenance or repairs on a dishwasher always make certain that the unit is disconnected from any power source, either by pulling the plug from the wall socket or by turning off the electricity at the breaker box. On the interior of the dishwasher at the bottom you will find the drain, which has a gate arm that is attached to the solenoid. Depress the drain cover to determine if it is free and operating in a smooth fashion, and examine the spring mechanism to ensure that it is not excessively corroded. Often times all that is required to make the dishwasher drain properly is to lubricate the gate arm between the drain and the solenoid to actuate a good flow of water to be removed from the unit. If the gate arm and drain cover are functioning properly, it becomes apparent that the solenoid is the problem.

To replace the dishwasher solenoid make certain that the correct replacement part has been obtained, and compare it with the old solenoid to make a good match. Remove the bolts or screws that hold the dishwasher solenoid in place, taking note of where the two attached electrical wires are positioned. Disconnect the electrical wires and dispose of the old solenoid. Attach the electrical wires to the new solenoid securely and then remount the new solenoid to the dishwasher.

After your repairs have been completed, run the dishwasher through a cycle to see if it performs and drains in a normal manner. Reexamine your connections after a few cycles to ensure they are not coming loose with the vibration of the appliance. Lastly, it is always a good idea to never leave home with any appliance such as a dishwasher still in operation, especially following a recent repair by an untrained repair person.