You rely on your dishwasher to assist you with your daily chores, but sometimes, the dishwasher doesn't work as it should. If this is the case, your problems could be caused by a failing timer motor. Here, you'll find out what problems that one small part can cause and how to determine if the timer motor needs to be replaced.
Problems Associated with Failing Timer Motors
Failing timer motors can cause the following problems:
- There are no lights, sounds, or water – the dishwasher doesn't work at all.
- Cycles don't complete.
- Detergent cups don't open.
- Cycles run longer than they should.
- Dishes aren't cleaned.
If you are experiencing one, or a combination of these issues, you'd do well to test the timer motor to find out if that's the part that needs to be replaced to fix your problems.
Test the Timer Motor
You will need your owner's manual to assist you in finding the location of the control panel and components in your dishwasher. If you don't have the owner's manual, you can use the manufacturer's make and model number to find a copy of it online.
Start by disconnecting the power to your dishwasher. If you don't have easy access to the outlet, you can go to the breaker panel and flip the breaker switch that the dishwasher is connected to.
Now, you'll need to access the control panel. In many dishwashers, you'll only need to remove a few screws around the door handle and along the sides to access the control panel, but your owner's manual will show you exactly how to access the panel on your machine.
Once you have access to the control panel, you'll be able to see the timer motor. It is square with a cylinder on the side of it. There should be two wires extending from the round part of the motor housing – follow those wires to the terminals.
Grasp the connectors with a pair of needle-nose pliers and slide them off. Check them for corrosion. If you notice any dirt or corrosion, get a little bit of white vinegar and wipe down the connectors and terminals.
Get your multitester and set it to X1000. Touch the two wires with the two probes. Your owner's manual should tell you what the reading should be, but generally, it should be somewhere between 2,000 and 3,500 ohms. If you don't get this reading, the motor should be replaced.
If you don't feel comfortable taking on a project such as this on your own, contact a company like D& S Appliance. An appliance service profession will be happy to help you get your dishwasher running again.
