KitchenAid Dishwasher Diverter Motor Replacement - Signs & How-To

KitchenAid Dishwasher Diverter Motor Replacement — What This Part Does

The diverter motor assembly sits on the wash pump sump and rotates a disc or diffuser to route wash water between the upper and lower spray arms during the cycle. When the motor drives the diverter, the dishwasher can switch spray paths and clean dishes on both racks.

The motor wears out over time, the shaft seal can leak, and corrosion or binding at the disc area stops smooth movement. When the diverter fails, the control board cannot reliably direct water where it needs to go.

Jump to Replacement Steps

Signs It Needs Replacing

• Poor wash performance on upper or lower rack Dishes on one level stay dirty because the diverter is not switching water to that spray arm.
• No spray-arm switching during the cycle You hear no change in water sound or the arms do not alternate, meaning the diverter is stuck or the motor has stopped.
• Water leaking from under the dishwasher near the sump A worn diverter seal or shaft seal lets water escape around the motor assembly.
• Grinding or buzzing noise from the pump area The diverter motor is trying to turn but is binding or mechanically damaged.
• Error code or cycle stops mid-wash The control board detects a diverter fault and halts the cycle.
• Visible corrosion or damage at the diverter area Inspecting from below shows rust, broken plastic, or a cracked housing around the motor and disc.

How to Replace It

1. Disconnect electrical power at the breaker and shut off the water supply valve under the sink.
2. Remove the bottom dish rack and pull out the lower spray arm and any filters covering the sump area.
3. Unscrew the toe-kick panel at the front base, then pull the dishwasher out from the cabinet and tip or lay it on its back for bottom access.
4. Locate the diverter motor on the sump assembly and disconnect the wiring harness from the motor connector.
5. Remove the T15 Torx (or Phillips, depending on model) fasteners securing the diverter motor to the sump housing.
6. Pull the old motor off the sump shaft, inspect the diverter disc or diffuser for damage, and transfer or install the new disc if included in your replacement kit.
7. Press the new diverter motor onto the sump shaft, align the disc, and fasten the motor with the original screws (hand-tighten plus a quarter turn).
8. Reconnect the motor wiring harness, check all connections and seals for proper seating, and stand the dishwasher upright.
9. Slide the unit back into the cabinet, reinstall the toe-kick, replace the spray arm and filters, restore power and water, and run a short test cycle to confirm proper spray-arm switching and no leaks.

The Part You Need

Related Error Codes

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

• Kitchenaid Dishwasher F1E1 error code
• Kitchenaid Dishwasher F1E2 error code
• Kitchenaid Dishwasher F2E2 error code
• Kitchenaid Dishwasher F3E1 error code
• Kitchenaid Dishwasher F3E2 error code
• Kitchenaid Dishwasher F4E3 error code
• Kitchenaid Dishwasher F5E1 error code
• Kitchenaid Dishwasher F6E1 error code
• Kitchenaid Dishwasher F6E2 error code
• Kitchenaid Dishwasher F6E3 error code

When to Call a Pro

Call a pro if you are not comfortable pulling the dishwasher out and working underneath it, if you see damaged wiring or corroded connectors that need diagnosis beyond the motor swap, or if the new motor does not fix the problem and you suspect a control-board or pump issue. A technician can test the diverter circuit and check for mechanical binding or sump damage that requires more extensive sump-assembly service.