How to Troubleshooting Your Whirlpool Dishwasher

Whirlpool is a brand that offers a wide range of dishwashers designed to make cleaning dishes easy and efficient.

Whirlpool dishwashers come in different models with varying features, including built-in and portable models, and they use different washing technologies, such as the PowerDry system, which uses a fan to circulate air and eliminate moisture, resulting in drier dishes.

As a self-proclaimed Whirlpool dishwasher expert, I have encountered my fair share of problems with these appliances.

In this blog post, I will be sharing some of the most common issues that homeowners face with their Whirlpool dishwashers and how to troubleshoot them!

The Whirlpool Dishwasher Won’t Start

Solution: First, make sure your Whirlpool dishwasher is plugged in and that the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. If those are both fine, then check the door latch to make sure it’s securely closed.

If the latch isn’t the issue, then it could be a problem with the control panel. Try resetting the dishwasher by unplugging it for a few minutes and plugging it back in.

The Whirlpool Dishwasher Isn’t Cleaning Dishes

Solution: Check the spray arms to make sure they’re not clogged with food debris or other obstructions. If they are, clean them out with a toothbrush or other small brush. You should also check your Whirlpool dishwasher’s filters to make sure they’re clean.

If they’re dirty, remove them and rinse them off. Finally, make sure you’re loading your dishwasher correctly and using the right amount of detergent.

The Whirlpool Dishwasher is Leaking

Solution: Check your Whirlpool dishwasher’s door gasket to make sure it’s not damaged or worn out. If it is, you’ll need to replace it. You should also check your dishwasher’s hoses and connections to make sure they’re tight and not leaking.

Make sure you’re not overloading the dishwasher, as this can cause leaks.

The Whirlpool Dishwasher is Making Loud Noises

Solution: Check the dishwasher’s spray arms to make sure they’re not hitting anything inside your Whirlpool dishwasher. If they are, adjust their position.

You should also check your dishwasher’s pump and motor to make sure they’re not damaged. If they are, you may need to replace them.

The Whirlpool Dishwasher Isn’t Draining

Solution: Check your dishwasher’s drain hose to make sure it’s not kinked or clogged. If it is, remove the obstruction. You should also check your Whirlpool dishwasher’s garbage disposal to make sure it’s not clogged.

If it is, clear the obstruction. Finally, make sure the dishwasher’s air gap isn’t clogged. If it is, clean it out.

The Whirlpool Dishwasher Door Won’t Stay Closed

Solution: Check your dishwasher’s door latch to make sure it’s not damaged or misaligned. If it is, you may need to replace the latch.

You can also try adjusting your Whirlpool dishwasher’s leveling legs to make sure the dishwasher is level and the door can close properly.

The Whirlpool Dishwasher is Not Filling With Water

Solution: Check your Whirlpool dishwasher’s water supply valve to make sure it’s fully open and there are no obstructions. If the valve is fine, then check your dishwasher’s float switch to make sure it’s not stuck in the up position.

If it is, try pushing it down to see if that allows water to flow into the dishwasher.

The Whirlpool Dishwasher is Leaving Spots

Solution: Check your dishwasher’s rinse aid dispenser to make sure it’s full. You can also try adjusting the dishwasher’s detergent dispenser to make sure you’re using the right amount of detergent.

Also, make sure you’re using the correct type of detergent for your Whirlpool dishwasher and water hardness level.

The Whirlpool Dishwasher is Displaying an Error Code

Solution: Refer to your Whirlpool dishwasher’s user manual for a list of error codes and their meanings. Once you know the error code, you can troubleshoot the problem accordingly.

For example, if the dishwasher is displaying an “F2E2” error code, it means there is a communication error between the control board and the user interface.

You may need to reset the dishwasher or replace the control board or user interface to fix the problem.

The Whirlpool Dishwasher is Not Heating Up

Solution: Check your Whirlpool dishwasher’s heating element to make sure it’s not damaged or burned out. If it is, you’ll need to replace it. You can also try adjusting the dishwasher’s drying options to see if that helps.

Finally, make sure you’re using the correct detergent and rinse aid, as some types may not work well with the dishwasher’s heating element.


In conclusion, these are just a few of the most common problems that homeowners face with their Whirlpool dishwashers. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, try troubleshooting them follow the solutions I’ve provided.

If the problem persists, don’t hesitate to call in a professional to take a closer look. A little bit of maintenance and care can go a long way in keeping your Whirlpool dishwasher running smoothly for years to come.