MDB4709AWS1 Maytag Dishwasher - Instructions

I closed the water at the tank and opened all the hot water faucets in the house thereby draining static water from the inlet hose at the valve. Then I unscrewed the inlet hose from the valve, unscrewed the valve body from the support bracket under the tub, unplugged the electrical plug from the valve body, and removed the outlet hose. I installed the new valve using the reverse sequence. Then I closed all the hot water faucets, turned on the hot water at the tank, and purged air from each of the faucets. I then started the dishwasher and ran it through a complete cycle, periodically checking it for leaks, and found none. Total time for uninstall and reinstall - about 30 minutes. Not bad for an 80 year old.

Repair man said I needed a new pump and would cost $350 to repair. This dishwasher was only 5 years old and we only use about once a week so didn't think the pump was gone. Went on this website and read some stories. this model has a mini garbage disposal with a chopper and screen which gets clogged up and prevents water from circulating. You can clean the screen without removing the dishwasher. Remove the cover plates on the bottom with 4 screws and the smaller cover plate underneath. Remove screen, clean and replace. If the chopper is broken you can order a replacement for $21. There is another story on this site with a lot more detail so I wont repeat here.

Ordered a new pump (after a online diagnosis). Followed the instruction video on the website...also took the time to replace the discharge hose due to residue buildup...tested dishwasher (one cycle). Slide dishwasher back into opening....DONE. Works perfectly. THANKS

At first, I figured the noise was coming from underneath, and took off the bottom front plate. I noticed there was a leak from the center of what I later learned was the "pump" assembly. So I unplugged the dishwasher, disconnected the water and drain from under the sink, unscrewed the screws holding it under the counter, and pulled it out from under the cabinet. Then I laid it on its back, and realized where the leak was coming from. At this point, I thought the noise had been coming from the motor. So I detached the motor (required use of a socket, and realized it was "free", so thought the problem must be further up inside. Reached my fingers in where the motor mounts and found part of the chopper assembly. The "chopper" had torn itself free from the screen. Realized at that moment I needed to disassemble the pump from the top. Took off water distribution system, bottom water rotor, pump plate (required use of "star" screwdrivers, two different sizes), foreign object plate, and chopper assembly cover. Getting the chopper assembly cover off was hard; had to pry it with sharp l-shaped poker; it was adhered with calcium deposits. Finally got it off, found rest of chopper assembly (screen with hole in the middle where chopper had been), ordered chopper from PartSelect, took 3 days, installation was easy, the reverse of removing it. (It is not necessary to remove motor to replace chopper assembly.) However, it is still leaking from the bottom, and I'm at a loss as to how to fix that.

Long story short, noticed one of two leaks and came to conclusion there is no workaround since sump pump gasket seems to be hermetically sealed to sump pump. Which is understandable because of water in area. Wife helped by soaking other parts that were removed and replaced, because of calcium buildup. Which we hope will extend life of dishwasher. I put 1 to 2 hours because I took my time and made sure all parts fit correctly and were back in their original place. Didn't want to take any chances in not covering bases. I am no expert, but definitely a diy'er. I believed I saved myself anywhere from $200 to $300 in labor costs by repairman. By the way, thanks Parts Select your info and site are awesome!!! The second part I had to order was the water inlet valve and your phone representative was a big help over the phone, please don't eliminate those positions. Overall total price of parts approximately $130 w/delivery. Well worth it, since a brand new halfway decent dishwasher starts at $550.

Very simple just remove the rakes and then unscrew the covers and pop out the old chopper assembly and replace with the new and then just put all cover back and it works great.

The cause of the problem was that the chopper was worn out. As a result, the chopper screen was clogged with unchopped food bits. This severely reduced the amount of water getting to the circulation pump/impeller. This was what caused the spray arms not to spray. As a result of replacing the chopper, the dishwasher now works like new.

As far as how I did the repair, I followed the excellent how-to video provided by PartSelect that you can access when you click on the Chopper Assembly from the Pump and Motor Parts diagram for this dishwasher.

Followed the YouTube video linked with the part ordered and it was an absolute dream

The replacement os the part is very easy if you know how to disconnect the pipes for the upper deck (for my model, you take the pipe out of the clip on the back wall and swing to the right about 30 degrees). You need 2 different size star screwdrivers to remove the rest of the assembly, 6 screws in all. The choopper assembly is easy to remove and replace. Just make sure you pull the spring loaded blade back so it can fit into its maid. Reconnecting the pipes back up can be tricky. Make sure the pip is connected at the 30 degree angle, then bring into it's normal position.

Followed the video. It works perfectly. Used a small paint scraper to remove stubborn scale where gasket seats. Used steel wool on door to assist in removal of rough scale.

Disconnect power Pull out dishwasher. Turn it 45 degrees to your right. Turn it on its side. disconnect the connections to the heating element {2}. Remove bolts, remove element. Install new element and tighten bolts. Reconnect electrical connectors. puch it back in place. reconnectPower your done

Kill power to unit. Turn off water supply. Remove front access panel. Remove screw holding valve housing. Remove valve. Disconnect water lines. Replace valve in housing. Reconnect water lines with addition of thread tape. Reinstall valve and housing.

Couldn't do the repair because you people sent the wrong part.
I ordered #1174536, spray arm seal, but got #wp8268340, bearing.
Waiting for you to make this right.
Please feel free to publish this. Tom Hanna

Could not take apart the upper rack on my whirlpool dishwasher to replace its wheels to transport its upper rack. The received parts did not match the old ones. Called parts and they suggested these new parts remanufactured and changed from the old ones but they had not been notified. Brought to professional mechanics and they figured it out. Bullshit parts company!!

tom boy single Mom- not too difficult! Follow the video and installation procedures. My only problem was lining up the chopper blade, with the need to install on an angle and connect copper assembly with the motor, and align with groove, needle nose pliers did not work for me, due to the fact, pliers seemed to angle the chopper assembly and did not received equal pressure between the blade and the screen.( I did not have a collection of needle nose pliers to chose from) I used a fork to give even pressure distribution and keep the assembly even and it slipped right into position, remembering to line up all connections between the motor and the chopper assembly, the fork give me the ability to angle the assembly. Its like having a new dishwasher, I use the light setting now when washing a load. Saved $$$$$$$ and X-mas is on the way!!! Thanks Parts Direct!!! Will re-order when the next appliance repair occurs.