Dishwasher displays C5; spray arms may not rotate and dishes remain dirty.
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Disconnect power at the breaker before working inside the tub or under the unit.
Steps to improve circulation:
- 1. Clean filters: Remove the lower rack. Take out the coarse and fine filters. Rinse thoroughly under hot water to remove grease and food particles.
- 2. Inspect spray arms: Remove lower and middle/upper spray arms (depending on model). Check each jet hole for clogs (seeds, labels). Use a toothpick or small brush to clear them, then rinse.
- 3. Check for obstructions in sump: Look into the sump area for broken glass, bones, or plastic that could block the circulation pump inlet. Remove debris carefully.
- 4. Run a test cycle: Restore power and run a short wash. Open the door briefly after a few minutes (careful: hot water) to confirm water is spraying vigorously. If spray is weak or absent, the circulation pump may be failing.
- 5. Inspect circulation pump: With power OFF, access the bottom of the dishwasher. Locate the main wash/circulation pump attached to the sump. Check for leaks, loose wiring, or signs of overheating.
If cleaning does not resolve C5 and the pump is noisy, humming, or not moving water, replacing the circulation pump assembly is typically required.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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