Whirlpool TotalCoverage™ Gear Assembly Replacement Guide... | appliancefaults.com

Technical Background:

The MCU (Microcontroller Unit) on the main control board sends a 120V AC signal to the drive motor. This motor then turns the gear assembly which rotates the lower and upper wash arms. If the gears are stripped or the motor is faulty, the arms will not rotate properly. Voltage checks at the motor connector are essential.

Symptoms:

The primary symptom is that the wash arms are not rotating correctly, or not rotating at all. You may also hear a grinding or clicking noise coming from the bottom of the dishwasher during operation. Dishes may not be getting fully clean, especially on the top rack.

Possible Causes:

Stripped or broken gear teeth on the drive motor gear assembly.
Excessive friction within the wash arm assembly due to food debris or mineral buildup.
Worn or damaged drive motor.
Faulty control board not sending the correct signal to the drive motor.
Obstruction preventing free rotation of the wash arms causing strain on the gears.

Solution:

1

Disconnect power to the dishwasher at the breaker panel (LOTO procedure).
2

Remove the lower and upper wash arms. Inspect for obstructions.
3

Access the dishwasher's lower panel using a 1/4-inch nut driver.
4

Locate the drive motor and gear assembly. Disconnect the wiring harness.
5

Remove the old gear assembly. Note its orientation for proper resystem.
6

Install the new Whirlpool TotalCoverage gear assembly (refer to parts diagram for correct part number).
7

Reconnect the wiring harness, reassemble the dishwasher, and restore power. Run a test cycle.

Safety Warning:

Always disconnect power to the dishwasher before performing any repairs. Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures must be followed. Some components carry 120V AC; exercise extreme caution.

Prevention:

Regularly clean the filter and remove any food debris. Avoid overloading the dishwasher to prevent excessive strain on the wash arms and gear assembly. Use a dishwasher cleaner every month to prevent mineral buildup.

Expert Tip:

After replacing the gear assembly, run the dishwasher's diagnostic cycle to ensure all components are functioning correctly. To enter service mode on some Whirlpool TotalCoverage models, press and hold the 'High Temp Wash' and 'Heated Dry' buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

•How do I check if the control board is sending the correct voltage to the drive motor?

Use a multimeter set to AC voltage. Disconnect the wiring harness from the drive motor and measure the voltage at the connector while the dishwasher is in the wash cycle. You should read approximately 120V AC. If not, the control board may be faulty.

•What's the best way to remove stubborn food debris from the wash arms?

Soak the wash arms in a solution of hot water and dishwasher detergent for several hours. Use a small brush or toothpick to dislodge any remaining debris. Rinse thoroughly before reinstalling.

•Where can I find the parts diagram for my specific Whirlpool TotalCoverage model?

You can usually find the parts diagram on the Whirlpool website using your model number. Many online appliance parts retailers also provide parts diagrams. The model number is typically located on a sticker inside the dishwasher door.

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip:

Frequently Asked Questions

•How do I check if the control board is sending the correct voltage to the drive motor?

•What's the best way to remove stubborn food debris from the wash arms?

•Where can I find the parts diagram for my specific Whirlpool TotalCoverage model?

Related questions

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip: