If your Whirlpool dishwasher spray arms are not spinning, the problem is usually a water flow issue, not the spray arm itself. On this symptom, the most likely causes start with the control board or main control board failing to send power where it needs to go, which can keep the water inlet valve from opening and leave the dishwasher without enough water pressure to turn the wash arm. A faulty timer can also interrupt power at the wrong point in the cycle, although timers are often misdiagnosed. After that, check the center wash arm support, lower wash arm support, and upper wash arm support for clogs, cracks, or a poor connection to the water supply nozzle. Any obstruction or damage in those parts can cause a Whirlpool dishwasher spray arm not turning, dishwasher wash arm not spinning, or dishwasher spray arm clogged complaint. If your dishwasher is not washing properly or dishes are still dirty after the cycle, these same parts are good places to start. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact Whirlpool replacement part that fits your dishwasher.
01 - Whirlpool Dishwasher Control Board
A dishwasher's control board provides power to nearly every electrical component in the dishwasher. A faulty board may be unable to supply power to the water inlet valve, preventing it from opening and allowing the necessary water to fill the tank.
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A dishwasher's main control board provides power to nearly every electrical component in the dishwasher. A faulty board may be unable to supply power to the water inlet valve, preventing it from opening and allowing the necessary water to fill the tank.
The timer allows power to flow to the proper parts at the proper times. If the timer isn’t working properly, it might not send voltage to the dishwasher, causing it not to start. Timers are often misdiagnosed—make sure you check more commonly defective parts before replacing the timer.
The center wash arm is attached to a support that is normally attached to the underside of the upper dishrack. Water flows through the support to the arm which circulates the water to the dishes in the upper rack. If the support is damaged or obstructed water may not flow properly. Inspect the support for any damage or obstruction and replace if necessary. In addition, make sure that the support is mating properly with the water supply nozzle.
The lower wash arm is attached to a support fastened to the sump assembly. Water flows through the support to the arm which circulates the water to the dishes in the lower dishrack. If the support is damaged or obstructed water may not flow properly. Inspect the support for any damage or obstruction and replace if necessary.
The upper wash arm is attached to a support that provides water to the arm to spray the dishes in the upper dishrack. If the support is damaged or obstructed water may not flow properly. Inspect the support for any damage or obstruction and replace if necessary.