Official Amana dishwasher parts

Top Amana dishwasher parts that sometimes need to be replaced

• Detergent dispenser. The detergent dispenser is mounted on the inner door panel and houses the dishwasher detergent in a covered compartment. The cover of the dishwasher dispenser has a latch mechanism controlled by the timer or electronic control board in the console. The latch is released to open the cover and dispense the dishwasher detergent at the proper time during the dishwashing cycle. The dispenser assembly also has a reservoir for the rinse aid. A small amount of rinse aid is dispensed from the reservoir during the final rinse portion of the dishwashing cycle.
• Door latch assembly. The door latch assembly is mounted at the top of the dishwasher door. It has a catch that engages the strike when the door is closed so that the door won't open during the dishwashing cycle. A handle mechanism on the latch assembly, or switch assembly, allows the catch to release the door strike so the door can be opened after the cycle is finished, or during the cycle if necessary. This assembly includes the microswitches that are used to detect whether the dishwasher door is shut and latched properly. The dishwasher won't start unless the control detects that the door is properly closed.
• Drain pump. The drain pump removes the water from the dishwasher tub during the drain portion of the wash and rinse cycles.
• Electronic control board. The electronic control board is the "brains" or motherboard of the dishwasher; it starts and stops all the dishwasher's functions—filling, washing, drying and draining. It receives a signal from the control panel when you select a button and displays the cycle status, time and other information on the control panel.
• Heating element. The heating element is mounted on the bottom of the dishwasher tub and is responsible for heating the water during the wash and rinse portions of the cycle. Raising the water temperature improves cleaning, and in some situations, sanitation. The heating element is controlled by the timer or electronic control board in the console.

How to troubleshoot your Amana dishwasher when it isn't cleaning the dishes

If your dishes are still dirty after running the dishwashing cycle, first make sure you’re loading them correctly. Our How to Load a Dishwasher video gives tips on where (and where not) to load dishes to get them clean.

Other non-mechanical reasons for dishes not getting clean include water temperature and water hardness. Water that’s not hot enough won’t get dishes clean. To test your water temperature, run the hot water in the sink for a minute before starting the dishwasher. Using a thermometer, test the temperature of the water by filling a glass from the sink faucet—the temperature should be between 110 and 120 degrees. Adjust the temperature on your water heater as needed. Also, use the right amount of detergent for your water's level of hardness. Watch this video for tips on checking your home’s water hardness. You’ll need to use more detergent in your dishwasher if your home's water supply provides hard water.

Poor cleaning could also be due to a mechanical problem with your dishwasher. A failed water inlet valve won’t allow enough water into the dishwasher tub to clean the dishes. Dishes won’t get clean if the detergent dispenser doesn’t open. Watch our troubleshooting video for tips on how to fix a broken detergent dispenser if the detergent dispenser in your dishwasher isn't opening.

Check your spray arms for clogs, jams or breaks and clear clogs or replace damaged spray arms that can prevent dishes from getting clean. Some Amana dishwashers use a diverter motor to control the water supply to the upper spray arms. If just the dishes in the upper dishrack aren’t getting clean, you may need to replace the diverter motor in an Amanda dishwasher that uses a diverter motor.

Problems with the circulation pump can also prevent dishes from getting clean. Clean the upper pump assembly and the sump area to get the best water flow through the spray arms. You may need to replace the pump and motor assembly or pump motor if cleaning the pump and sump assembly doesn’t restore water flow to the spray arms. Our Dishwasher not Cleaning Dishes video provides additional troubleshooting tips to help you get the best cleaning results from your dishwasher.