Can I keep running the equipment with this fault active?

Generally no. Faults on Appliance units are emitted when a sensor, safety, or control circuit is outside its operating envelope. Running through an active fault risks compressor, heater, or control-board damage. Diagnose and clear the fault first.

What part is most commonly replaced for KitchenAid Dishwasher Turbidity Sensor Replacement Guide?

The most frequently replaced parts for KitchenAid Dishwasher Turbidity Sensor Replacement Guide are listed in the Parts Reference section of this guide with OEM part numbers and typical price ranges. Check the table for direct replacements.

Is KitchenAid Dishwasher Turbidity Sensor Replacement Guide a DIY repair or do I need a technician?

Sensor swaps, fan motor replacements, and condenser cleaning are typical DIY-level repairs. Anything involving refrigerant, gas, or high-voltage (>240V) work requires a licensed technician for both safety and code-compliance reasons.

KitchenAid Dishwasher Turbidity Sensor Replacement Guide

Q: What does KitchenAid Dishwasher Turbidity Sensor Replacement Guide mean?

Poor cleaning, long cycles, and sensor errors mean your turbidity sensor can't read water clarity. Replacing it restores normal cycle logic.

Q: How do I fix KitchenAid Dishwasher Turbidity Sensor Replacement Guide?

Follow the step-by-step diagnosis below. The most likely fix is identified by checking power, sensor resistance, and control-board signals in order — using a multimeter and the part numbers documented in the parts reference table.

KitchenAid Dishwasher Turbidity Sensor Replacement Guide — What This Part Does

The turbidity sensor (also called a wash sensor or OWI sensor) measures water clarity in the sump during the wash cycle. It sends a signal to the control board so the machine can adjust wash time, drain strategy, and cycle length based on how dirty the water is. The sensor uses an optical window to read soil levels.

The sensor fails when debris, grease, or mineral film blocks the optical window, when internal electronics quit, or when the wiring harness corrodes or loosens. When the control can’t read the sensor, it cannot manage the cycle properly and you get poor performance or error codes. The sensor is mounted in the pump sump and can be hard to test with a multimeter, so diagnosis is usually by inspection and replacement when symptoms match.

Jump to Replacement Steps

Signs It Needs Replacing

Dishes not getting clean or residue left after cycle The control can’t adjust wash time or drain properly because it has no valid soil reading from the sensor.
Cycles running much longer than normal or machine keeps rinsing Without a clear turbidity signal, the control may repeat rinses or extend the cycle trying to meet its clean threshold.
Sensor-related error code displayed on control panel The exact code varies by model, but a sensor fault code means the control sees an absent or implausible signal from the turbidity sensor.
Dishwasher won’t start or cancels mid-cycle Some models halt operation if they can’t get a valid sensor reading at startup or during the wash.
Visible debris, grease, or mineral scale on sensor window in sump Contamination on the optical window blocks the light path and prevents the sensor from reading water clarity.
Loose, damaged, or corroded connector at the sensor harness Bad wiring or connector pins disrupt the signal between the sensor and the control board.

How to Replace It

Turn off power to the dishwasher at the breaker and shut off the water supply valve under the sink.
Remove the lower front access panel or toe kick by unscrewing the fasteners and pulling the panel off.
Locate the turbidity sensor mounted on the side of the pump sump and inspect the connector and sensor chamber for contamination or damage.
Disconnect the wire harness connector from the sensor by pressing the release tab and pulling it straight off.
Rotate the sensor assembly counterclockwise about a quarter turn to unlock it from the sump housing and pull it out.
Insert the new sensor into the sump housing and rotate it clockwise to lock it in place until it seats firmly.
Reconnect the wire harness connector to the new sensor, making sure it clicks into place securely.
Reinstall the lower access panel and any insulation you moved, then restore power at the breaker and turn the water supply back on.
Run a short test cycle and watch for normal fill, wash, and drain behavior to confirm the sensor is reading properly.

The Part You Need

Part	Notes
Turbidity sensor / wash sensor / OWI sensor	Amazon \| Part number WPW10705575 fits many KitchenAid and Whirlpool-family dishwashers. Check your model and serial number on the sticker inside the door frame or on the tub side and cross-reference at an appliance parts supplier, because exact part supersessions and compatibility vary by platform.

If this part is failing you may also see one of these codes:

When to Call a Pro

If you’re not comfortable working with electrical connections or accessing the sump area under the dishwasher, call a tech. If the new sensor does not fix the problem and you still see error codes or poor performance, the issue may be a bad control board, wiring harness damage elsewhere in the machine, or sump blockage that requires disassembly and deep cleaning. A tech can also verify the correct sensor part number if your model uses a different style or supersession than the common WPW10705575.