Maytag Dishwasher Diverter Motor/Valve Replacement Guide — What This Part Does
The diverter motor and disc assembly is part of the sump/pump system in Whirlpool-built Maytag dishwashers. It rotates a disc or cover to route wash water between the upper and lower spray arms during the cycle. When the diverter cannot index correctly or the seal leaks, the pump cannot direct water to the right spray path and cleaning suffers.
The motor can fail electrically or mechanically and stop moving the disc. The diverter disc itself can crack or wear out. The seal or grommet around the shaft can leak and allow water into areas that damage the motor or surrounding components. Debris in the sump or manifold can also block the diverter path and mimic a part failure.
Signs It Needs Replacing
- Poor cleaning on one rack or both Dishes on the top or bottom rack stay dirty because water is not switching between spray arms as the cycle runs.
- Unequal or weak spray arm action One spray arm spins while the other sits still or barely moves, showing the diverter is not routing flow correctly.
- Grinding, clicking, or buzzing noise during wash The diverter motor tries to turn the disc but the mechanism is jammed, worn, or mechanically failed.
- Water pooling or leaking under the dishwasher A failed diverter seal or grommet lets water escape from the sump area and drip onto the floor or into the base pan.
- Wash cycle sounds normal but cleaning is inconsistent The pump runs but the diverter disc does not rotate or seal, so water takes the path of least resistance instead of alternating.
- Error code or cycle interruption Some models detect a diverter fault and stop mid-cycle or flash an error related to water flow or motor function.
How to Replace It
- Shut off electrical power at the breaker and turn off the water supply valve under the sink or at the dishwasher connection.
- Pull out the lower dish rack, remove the filter assembly and spray arm, and lift out any manifold cover or wash-arm support to expose the sump area.
- Check the sump, filter housing, and diverter path for debris, food particles, or blockages and clear anything you find before deciding to replace parts.
- Locate the model and serial number plate (usually on the door frame or inner door edge) and write down the full model number to confirm the correct diverter motor or disc part number for your unit.
- Tilt the dishwasher back or lay it on its back to access the underside, then remove the lower access panel or kick-plate and disconnect the wire harness from the diverter motor.
- Remove the fasteners (typically Torx or hex screws) securing the diverter motor or diverter disc cover to the sump housing and carefully lift out the failed motor or disc assembly.
- If you are replacing the motor, apply a small amount of food-grade silicone grease to the diverter shaft before seating the new motor and seal to protect the grommet during installation.
- Reinstall the new diverter motor or disc, torque the fasteners snugly, reconnect the wire harness, and replace the lower panel.
- Reinstall the manifold cover, spray arm, and filter, restore power and water, and run a short rinse cycle to check for leaks and listen for proper diverter indexing before loading dishes.
The Part You Need
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Diverter motor | Amazon | Part number varies by model. Common Whirlpool-built Maytag examples include W10155344 and W10537869. Check your model/serial plate and cross-reference on the parts diagram before ordering. |
| Diverter disc or diverter cover | Amazon | The rotating disc component that seals and directs flow. Sold separately on some models but bundled with the motor on others. Verify your model’s parts breakdown. |
| Diverter seal or grommet | Amazon | Often not sold separately and comes included with the sump assembly or motor kit. If you see a leak, confirm whether your model offers the seal alone or requires a full sump replacement. |
Related Error Codes
If this part is failing you may also see one of these codes:
- Maytag Dishwasher E1 error code
- Maytag Dishwasher E15 error code
- Maytag Dishwasher E3 error code
- Maytag Dishwasher E4 error code
- Maytag Dishwasher E6 error code
- Maytag Dishwasher E7 error code
- Maytag Dishwasher F10E5 error code
- Maytag Dishwasher F1E1 error code
- Maytag Dishwasher F2E2 error code
- Maytag Dishwasher F3E2 error code
When to Call a Pro
If you have never worked on a dishwasher sump or are uncomfortable tilting the machine and handling the pump assembly, call a technician. If you replace the diverter and still see leaks or poor spray-arm performance, the sump housing itself may be cracked or the pump may have failed, both of which need diagnosis and often replacement of the entire sump assembly. Water damage to electrical connections around the diverter area also means a pro should inspect adjacent wiring and components before you put the unit back in service.