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.
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.
Most common symptoms to help you fix your dishwashers
Choose a symptom to see related dishwasher repairs.
Main causes: broken door spring, damaged or broken door hinge…
Main causes: not using rinse aid, rinse aid dispenser failure, broken heating element, malfunctioning vent, drying fan f…
Main causes: water supply problem, stuck overfill float, clogged water inlet valve screen, water inlet valve failure…
Main causes: light switch beside the sink turned off, lack of power, bad dishwasher door switch, control system failure,…
Main causes: improper loading, low water temperature, improper detergent dosage, detergent dispenser failure, spray arm …
Main causes: glass or popcorn kernel stuck in the chopper blade, drain line vibrating against the cabinet, debris in was…
Main causes: clogged kitchen sink drain, clogged drain hose, drain check valve damaged, drain pump failure, control syst…
Main cause: damaged rack height adjuster…
Main causes: damaged or stuck spray arm, leaking door seal, damaged door hinge, leaky heating element water seal, cracke…
Most common repair guides to help fix your dishwashers
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your dishwasher.
How to replace a dishwasher water inlet valve
If your dishwasher fills constantly or won't fill at all, the water inlet valve has failed. You can replace it in about …
How to replace a dishwasher detergent dispenser
Dishes need dish detergent to get clean. Learn how to replace a dishwasher detergent dispenser with easy step-by-step i…
How to replace a dishwasher door outer panel
If your dishwasher door is dented or you want it to match your cabinets or other appliances, this guide shows how to rep…
Effective articles & videos to help repair your dishwashers
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your dishwasher.
Get tips on completing essential holiday cleaning tasks to brighten your home.…
Learn about all the convenient features on our Sears PartsDirect website that make your parts purchases easier.…
Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…