Bosch Dishwasher Arm Not Spinning (with Solutions)

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To clean our dishes, we rely heavily on dishwashers.

And it’s concerning when the dishwasher experiences problems and stops thoroughly cleaning your dishes.

Don’t worry if your Bosch dishwasher’s arms aren’t spinning properly; in this article, we’ll cover the most frequent causes of this problem and how to fix it.

Ready? Let’s go!

Bosch Dishwasher Arm Not Spinning (with Solutions)

Bosch dishwasher spray arm not spinning is commonly caused by a build-up of grease, food, or a damaged or blocked spray arm, as well as faulty parts that prevent water from being pushed out through the dishwasher spray arm’s small holes.

The spray arm spins in a circle, spraying pressurized water around the cabinet. The goal is to spray water evenly and completely across the entire surface of the dishes.

Before proceeding with the troubleshooting steps below, try spinning the arm around to ensure that no dishes or cutlery are sticking out and preventing the arm from spinning.

If the arm is free of any impediments, proceed with the troubleshooting steps below.

Damaged Spray Arm

Remove the top and bottom spray arms and inspect them carefully for visible damage such as cracks or missing pieces. A damaged spray arm will not spin properly, resulting in inadequate cleaning results.

Spray arms that have been damaged will need to be replaced, which is an easy thing to do online.

Spray Arm has Debris

The most common cause of spray arms not moving in a dishwasher is debris built up within the spray arm’s inner workings.

  1. Carefully remove the spray arm or arms.
  2. Clean the small outlet nozzles on the spray arms with a cocktail stick. To dissolve food particles that have clogged the outlet nozzles, soak the spray arms in a vinegar solution.
    If you soak the spray arms, make sure to clean them afterward with soapy water.
  3. Thoroughly rinse the spray arms, then shake off any remaining residual water.
  4. Twist the clip to secure the upper spray arm in place.
  5. Press down to secure the lower arm in place.

Now start the dishwasher on a rinse cycle and check to see if the dishes have been washed. If they have, it appears that your spray arm problem has been resolved. If the spray arm/s do not appear to have washed the dishes, proceed to the next step.

The simplest way to determine whether your dishwasher is pumping water through all of the spray arms is to line up all of your spray arms at 6 and 12, front to back.

Then you should close the dishwasher, start a cycle, and check it after a few minutes to see if the spray arms have moved.

If you open your dishwasher and both spray arms are in the same position, go through the process again.

If neither has moved and your dishes aren’t getting very clean, either the spray arms or the circulation pump may be clogged or damaged.

If one spray arm moves but the other does not, there could be a clog in the line, or your circulation pump could be broken.

Need help? Best to connect with a qualified repair technician.

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Faulty Circulation Pump

The circulation pump in a dishwasher uses a suction mechanism to pump water from a tube to and from the spray arms.

If the pump becomes clogged as a result of debris in the dishwasher’s soapy water, it will be unable to effectively move water to the spray arms.

This is also why it’s critical to thoroughly rinse your dishes before loading them into the dishwasher, as food particles can float through the soapy water and cause clogs in various dishwasher components.

The circulation pump is easily accessible because it is located directly beneath the spray arm.

Remove the spray arm and filter before twisting the pump counterclockwise and lifting it out.

Depending on the model of your dishwasher.

Need help? Best to connect with a qualified repair technician.

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Click here to use the chatbox to speak with one of our skilled Technicians.
No in-home service calls. No appointments.

Dirty Pump and Filter

The power to spin the arms is usually related to the dishwasher’s water pump, but if the filter and pump are clogged, they won’t put out enough pressure to properly operate the machine.

Although the location of the filter in your dishwasher will differ depending on the model, they all revolve around the fact that the filter and pump must be clean.

You must remove any dirt and debris that is covering the pump and filter for proper pressure to reach the spray arms.

Clean the filter and pump at least twice a year for the best results.

Conclusion

If you notice that your lower spray arm is not spinning, it is probably because it is blocked, dirty, or that the circulation pump is malfunctioning.

And if you notice that your upper spray arm is not spinning, there may be a circulation pump problem, a blocked spray arm, or a spray arm that is dirty.

If you follow the instructions in this article and your Bosch dishwasher’s spray arms are still not functioning properly, there may be a problem with the control board or water pressure. It is best to call a technician for assistance.

Need help? Best to connect with a qualified repair technician.

Connect with an Appliance Repair Technician
Click here to use the chatbox to speak with one of our skilled Technicians.
No in-home service calls. No appointments.

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