October 01, 2016

How to replace a dishwasher overfill float switch

This DIY repair guide gives step-by-step instructions for replacing the overfill float switch. The overfill float switch trips to shut the water fill valve if the water level gets too high. If the switch fails, it either won't shut off the water, or it won't let the dishwasher fill at all. In either case, you can correct the problem by replacing the float switch with a manufacturer-approved dishwasher part.

These instructions are for Kenmore, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, JennAir and Amana dishwashers. You also can use the same basic procedure to replace the overfill float switch in some GE, Frigidaire, Electrolux and Samsung models.

A broken overfill float switch is just one of a few reasons a dishwasher won't fill with water. To pinpoint why a dishwasher won't fill, see the Dishwasher Not Filling troubleshooting video.

Quick links

Video

Instructions

Tools required

Nut driver set

Torx screwdriver

Slot screwdriver

Work gloves

Repair difficulty

Time required

30 minutes or less

Replacing a dishwasher overfill float switch video.

How to replace a dishwasher overfill float switch video.

Instructions

01.
Shut off electrical power
Unplug the dishwasher or shut off the house circuit breaker for the dishwasher.
To verify that power is disconnected, make sure the control panel doesn’t light up when you press a control button or the power button.
PHOTO: Shut off the house circuit breaker.
02.
Remove the outer door panel and control panel
With the dishwasher door open, remove the Torx screws from the inner door panel. Support the outer door panel with one hand as you remove the final 2 screws so the outer door panel doesn't fall.
Separate the outer door panel and control panel slightly from the inner door panel, and rest the outer panel on the floor while you disconnect the user interface control wire harness from the control panel.
Pull off the outer door panel and control panel.
PHOTO: Remove the outer door panel.
03.
Remove the bottom front access panel and toe panel
Using a nut driver, remove the screws that hold the bottom front access panel and toe panel in place.
Pull the access panel and the toe panel forward and remove them.
PHOTO: Remove the toe panel.
04.
Remove the overfill float switch
Release the left locking tab on the overfill float switch housing and open the left side cover.
Unplug the wire harness from the connector.
Release the right locking tab on the float switch housing and open the right side cover.
Remove the overfill float switch.
PHOTO: Pull out the overfill float switch.
05.
Install the new overfill float switch
Insert the new overfill float switch and close the right side cover.
Plug in the wire harness.
Close the left side cover.
PHOTO: Install the new dishwasher overfill float switch.
06.
Reinstall the bottom front access panel and toe panel
Position the toe panel on the dishwasher and then position the access panel in front of the toe panel.
Insert the mounting screws and tighten the screws firmly.
PHOTO: Reinstall the toe panel.
07.
Reinstall the outer door panel and control panel
Position the outer door panel and control panel close enough to the inner door so you can reconnect the user interface control wire harness.
Reconnect the user interface control wire harness and attach the outer door panel and control panel to the inner door panel.
Reinstall the mounting screws.
Tip: Use the longer screws to secure the control panel.
PHOTO: Reinstall the outer door panel.
08.
Restore electrical power
Reset the house circuit breaker or plug in the dishwasher to restore electrical power.

Warning: Undertaking repairs to appliances can be hazardous. Use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs should only be performed by a qualified technician.