WDT970SAHZ0 Whirlpool Dishwasher Lower Spray Arm does not spin

[matthewsrudd]

Model Number

WDT970SAHZ0

Brand

Whirlpool

Age

1-5 years

The dishwasher runs through an entire cycle, but it is not cleaning thoroughly, I think because the lower spray arm doesn't spin, while the middle and upper arms spin and spray just fine. So far here is what I've done to try fixing the problem:

1. Cleaned the filters and checked the sump area
2. Checked the spray arms spin freely and for clogging, and the parts coming up from the circulation pump to the top arms are clear of debris
3. Removed and verified the drain pump is clear of debris, cleaned and reinstalled
4. Replaced the water inlet valve (it was leaking heavily from the bottom of the door at one point)
5. Replaced the diverter motor, disc, and grommet
6. Removed and checked the circulation pump is clear of debris and spinning freely, cleaned and reinstalled
7. Checked the float switch for continuity and the multimeter beeps on contact

I'm at a loss on what else it could be. Obviously I'm getting a fair amount of pressure from the circulation pump as it pushes water all the way up to the middle and top arms, which is enough to give me a mostly clean load as water falls down. I thought it could be the diverter, but tested it for resistance and even put 120 volts on it with stripped wires and it spun all the way around. At one point when I had the leak issue I thought it might be the bottom seal and had the front of the door off to replace the seal. Maybe I messed up some of the wiring or the control board when I was in their...I'm racking my brain for what else it might be. Thanks in advance, I've been reading lots of these forum posts and been impressed with how much help you all provide.

 

[Jake]

Sounds like the wash motor is not working properly. The wash motor should be getting a constant 120 volts to it for it to run.

Here is the wash motor assembly for your model: W11084656 Motor-Pump

You can use the safety pin trick if your meter leads are too big:

Here's how I do it in this thread, and advise others to do it the same way:

FIXED - Whirlpool Dishwasher WDT750SAHZ won't wash after fill

It's 2.5 years old and this is the first issue. When I start a cycle, it sounds like some water is coming in, and I can feel the water inlet hose is warm, however, there's no water in the bottom of the tub. After a minute or so it goes quiet and just sits there. The "Washing" light is on...

www.applianceblog.com

 

[matthewsrudd]

Hi Jake, thanks for the reply, it took me a while to get to it as sadly my older brother passed away. I went ahead and replaced the wash motor assembly, however that didn't solve my issue. I didn't check the voltage prior, I just simply replaced the motor assembly. Is there anything else that could be affecting the diverter switching from the top two arms to the lower arm? I know I'm getting water spraying from the top, and I think I'm getting water into the lower arm because if I leave it in certain positions it remains static and will create waves to then leak out the door under the seal, it's just spinning. Do you have any other suggestions?

 

[Jake]

it took me a while to get to it as sadly my older brother passed away.

I'm sorry to hear that. My older brother passed away in 2007, I know its a difficult time.

I went ahead and replaced the wash motor assembly, however that didn't solve my issue. I didn't check the voltage prior, I just simply replaced the motor assembly.

Yes, its always best to check the voltage to that wash motor before you replace it.

I'm attaching your tech. data sheet below,

DO--->ACTIVATING THE SERVICE DIAGNOSTIC MODES

STEP 5--->Diverter will be on continuously in intervals 14 and 13. In all other intervals, diverter will be on only until it reaches the intended position for that interval.

P7-4 to P7-6 on the main control board sends power to the diverter motor.

Here's the main control board for your model, if needed:

Whirlpool W11305296 Cntrl-Elec (AP6832572) - AppliancePartsPros.com

Cntrl-elec W11305296 / AP6832572 made by Whirlpool

click.linksynergy.com

Also check the diverter disc to see if its worn out.

Does the diverter disc look worn out(wallowed out in the middle) where the diverter motor shaft connects to it?

Watch this video, it shows you how it goes on the shaft: https://www.repairclinic.com/Repair...id-Dishwasherdiffuser-Replacement-Wpw10476221

If so, then just order the new diverter disc(aka diffuser):
Diffuser WPW10476221


If not, then order the new diverter motor, it comes with a new diverter disc:
W10537869 Motor


Jake