MDB8959SFE1 Maytag Dishwasher - Instructions

Removed old part and replaced with new part

Replaced the detergent dispenser module by first unscrewing the front outer cover from the dishwasher and removing it, then by unplugging the old detergent dispenser, then by bending the metal latch clips outward to remove the old detergent dispenser, then by bending the metal latch clips inward before inserting the new detergent dispenser, plugging the new one into the wiring harness then re-securing the front outer cover of the dishwasher door.

This repair could be done in under 15 minutes but my dishwasher is so old that there was a lot of gunk built-up around the screws that hold the front cover on that I wanted to take my time cleaning up real nice.

The detergent dispenser is VITAL for getting dishes clean. Without it working properly, the detergent will be removed from the wash during the pre-wash/soak function and your dishes will not come out clean. I HIGHLY recommend doing this repair if your detergent dispenser is not working, and I had a great experience with www.PartSelect.com

Searched internet found a YouTube video not quite the same model but close enough to get me going and the steps were the same

I was constantly seeing small bits of food blocking the spray holes in the upper and lower wash arms. After a bit of troubleshooting, thanks to the included schematic, the only possible thing left which could introduce particles was the under-unit disposal unit. The dishwasher had to be fully disconnected, removed, and tipped-over to access the pump and motor.

After removing the entire pump and motor assembly, it was obvious what the problem was - the filter screen (which is not accessible normally) was totally destroyed. The motor had ripped the mesh screen up, and sent shards of sharp metal throughout the unit. What a terrible design - a non-user-accessible filter which requires disassembly of the entire product to clean.

I replaced the entire pump and motor assembly which was pretty simple. Just use a very small amount of dish soap to lube the rubber o-ring up to make it slide into place easy. Reconnect all the cables in the same place you removed them from.

If you don't mind using some stainless hose clamps, you could maybe get away with replacing a lesser expensive subassembly - but for me it wasn't worth the hassle.

Following a utube video made it easy. Removed the outer cover of the door to expose latch. Two screws remove the latch, pay attention to how it was positioned and put the new one on and then replace the panel. But first turn off the electricity to the unit at the fuse box.

repair went smooth for the grommet. suggest a small of vasoline to ease installation of grommet

I removed and reinstalled the new gasket per the video instructions, but I found the corners to be much harder to install than indicated. I finally used a large, flat, dull screwdriver to carefully push the gasket all the way in, and used my fingers to feel whether the gasket was all the way in. I figured if the gasket wasn't all the way in, I would have a leak at the bottom of the door because the top of the gasket would stick out farther than the bottom, which is exactly what the original symptoms were. Perhaps I didn't need a new gasket? There was no visible damage. Pushing in the corners of the original gasket may have fixed it, but the new gasket worked perfectly! Thanks, Part Select!!

Removed screws holding dishwasher in place. This dishwasher has one one the left and right side after you open the door hidden behind a plastic hole cover that you can pry out of place with a putty knife or some other thin tool. After this pull the dishwasher out about halfway and there are 4 screws on each side of the dishwasher (on the outside) that hold the top track assemble. Just unscrew these with the appropriate sized socket, remove the old track and screw in the new track. Super easy. Anybody can do this.

I did not relize that the drain hose was in two parts. Naturally I ordered the wrong half. So after I relized my mistake, I re-ordered the correct part. Once the correct part was received the repair was easy and went well.

I simply had to hook up the power cord to the dishwasher so i could plug it into the outlet rather than direct wire the appliance. Everything went very smoothly. Everything needed for installation other than tools was provided. Easy to follow instructions if you know a little about electrical wiring.

put new hose on, very easy.

Removed 2 screws that fasten dishwasher to underside of countertop. Pulled dishwasher out from under the countertop for access to sides. Hooked link on door, threaded cord around 2 wheels, hooked spring to back of dishwasher, stretched spring and hooked to eye on end of link cord. I found it very difficult to hook spring to link then try and stretch spring to hole at back of dishwasher. Easier to pull spring and link towards each other and connect. Note: This link was actually different from the original. The plastic end that connects to the door actually hits the first wheel when door is closed but it doesn't seem to prevent the door from locking properly (old design was better). However, I shaved this plastic end to provide better clearance.

Thought this would be much easier than it actually was. Long story short, ended up calling is an appliance professional to install the part.

watched video took less than 5 min to replace veeeery easy to do

Followed the easy how-to video from PS. It was as easy as changing a light bulb.