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 Whirlpool Dishwasher Diverter Motor Replacement - Signs & How-To?

The most frequently replaced parts for Whirlpool Dishwasher Diverter Motor Replacement - Signs & How-To 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 Whirlpool Dishwasher Diverter Motor Replacement - Signs & How-To 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.

Whirlpool Dishwasher Diverter Motor Replacement - Signs & How-To

Q: What does Whirlpool Dishwasher Diverter Motor Replacement - Signs & How-To mean?

Water missing the upper rack, leaks from the sump area, or no spray at all mean the diverter motor has likely failed. Replacing it restores spray rotation and wash coverage.

Q: How do I fix Whirlpool Dishwasher Diverter Motor Replacement - Signs & How-To?

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.

Whirlpool Dishwasher Diverter Motor Replacement — What This Part Does

The diverter motor rotates a valve shaft inside the dishwasher sump to send pressurized water to different spray arms and wash zones during the cycle. It moves slowly and switches the water path between the upper rack, lower rack, and sometimes a middle or bottle-wash arm depending on the model. When the motor burns out or the diverter disc binds, water stops reaching one or more spray arms and dishes come out dirty.

The motor can also leak from its seal area if the grommet or diverter shaft seal fails. Many Whirlpool and KitchenAid models do not sell the seal separately, so a leak at the diverter housing usually means replacing the entire sump assembly or the diverter motor kit that includes the hub and disc. Most failures are due to motor burnout, a seized gear mechanism inside the motor housing, or a misaligned diverter wheel that was not seated correctly during a previous repair.

Jump to Replacement Steps

Signs It Needs Replacing

Upper rack dishes stay dirty while lower dishes are clean The diverter motor is stuck in one position and water never reaches the upper spray arm.
Water pooling under the dishwasher or inside the door frame The diverter seal or grommet has failed and water leaks from the sump area during the wash cycle.
No spray from any arm even though you hear the pump running The diverter disc is misaligned or the motor shaft is seized, blocking all water flow.
Weak spray from one zone and normal spray from another The diverter motor is not rotating fully or the hub is binding on the shaft.
Grinding or clicking noise from the sump area during wash The motor gear mechanism is stripped or the diverter wheel keyway is damaged and slipping.
Motor hums but the diverter shaft does not turn The motor has failed internally or the shaft is seized with mineral buildup or debris.

How to Replace It

Turn off power to the dishwasher at the breaker or unplug the cord, then shut off the water supply valve under the sink.
Remove the lower access panel or kick plate at the front of the dishwasher and pull the unit forward enough to reach the sump and hoses underneath.
Disconnect the drain hose and water supply line, then unplug the wire harness connectors at the motor and pump assembly.
Remove the lower dish rack and unscrew the lower spray arm retaining nut or twist the spray arm counterclockwise to lift it off the hub.
Unscrew and lift out the spray-arm manifold or wash-tower assembly to expose the diverter motor and disc below.
Disconnect the diverter motor wire connector and remove the screws or clips holding the motor to the sump housing, then pull the motor and shaft assembly out.
Clean any old grease or debris from the sump opening and diverter shaft bore, then slide the new diverter motor assembly onto the shaft opening and secure it with screws or clips.
Install the diverter hub or disc onto the motor shaft, aligning the keyway and rotating the assembly until the indicator arrows match and the hub sits flush against the sump floor.
Reinstall the manifold or wash tower, lower spray arm, and dish rack, then reconnect all hoses, wires, and water supply and slide the dishwasher back into place.
Restore power and run a short rinse cycle to confirm the diverter rotates and water sprays from all arms without leaking.

The Part You Need

Part	Notes
Whirlpool dishwasher diverter motor assembly	Amazon \| Common part number W10537869 for many Whirlpool, KitchenAid, and Maytag models. Check the model and serial number tag inside the door frame or on the left side wall of the tub to confirm fitment.
Diverter hub or disc (if not included with motor kit)	Amazon \| Some kits include the disc and hub, others require ordering the hub separately. Verify what is included in the motor kit before ordering.

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

When to Call a Pro

If the new motor still does not rotate or if water continues to leak from the sump area after replacing the motor and disc, the sump assembly itself may be cracked or the seal groove may be damaged. Sump replacement requires removing the entire pump and motor assembly and often involves dealing with stuck hose clamps, corroded fasteners, and tight clearances under the tub. Call a tech if you are not comfortable working with 120-volt appliance wiring or if the dishwasher is still under warranty.