Are you worried about your GE dishwasher upper spray arm not spinning? The function of the spray arm in a dishwasher is to spin in a circle and spray the pressurized detergent water onto the dishes. This action removes the dirt from the dishwasher and makes it sparkling clean.
I can understand how frustrating it can be when you are unable to clean the dishes due to that malfunctioning spray arm. But you don’t have to worry now.
In this article, we are going to dive deep into the common issue of “GE dishwasher upper spray arm not spinning.” I will share some of the top causes of this problem along with their troubleshooting steps.
Be assured that by the end of this article, you will be able to fix the issue with your upper wash arm and get the dishwasher back to normal condition.
So, let’s get started.
Why is the upper spray arm of my GE dishwasher not spinning?
A non-functioning upper spray arm can be caused by many reasons. Out of them, here are some of the most common reasons given below.
Incorrect loading of dishes
If the dishes are loaded in the wrong way, it can also prevent the upper spray arm from spinning. Some larger dishes or cutlery can block the spray arm and cause trouble.
To fix this, open the doors and try spinning the spray arm. If the spray arm is striking some dishes, you should remove them.
You can also rearrange the placement of dishes. Refer to the dishwasher’s user manual to learn the correct way of loading dishes.
A damaged upper spray arm
It is obvious that if the spray arm is damaged, it will be unable to spin, and your dishes will remain unclean after the wash cycle.
To fix the issue, follow the steps given below.
- Open the dishwasher’s door and remove the top rack.
- Now, take out the upper wash arm by releasing its support tabs using a flat-head screwdriver.
- Check that wash arm for any visible signs of damage, like cracks or leaks.
- If it is damaged, you will have to replace your upper wash arm with a new, compatible one.
But if your spray arm doesn’t show any signs of damage, proceed to the next step.
Clogged upper spray arm
It is the most common reason for a non-spinning upper spray arm of a dishwasher. If there is any debris, mineral buildup, or food particles clogging the spray arm, it will struggle to move correctly.
If you want to check the spray arm for clogs and build-up, follow the instructions below.
- First, remove the dishwasher’s top rack.
- Then, use a screwdriver to release the support tabs and detach the upper spray arm.
- Clean the nozzles of the wash arms using a toothpick.
- To dissolve the dried food particles and detergent residue, soak the spray arm in the vinegar solution.
- After that, clean them again with soapy, warm water.
- Rinse the spray arm and remove the residual water from it.
- Lastly, reinstall the upper spray arm by aligning it with the water supply tube.
To check if the issue is resolved, start a new cycle on your dishwasher and see if the spray arm is working.
To test if your dishwasher is pumping water through the spray arm, follow the steps given below.
- First, set your upper spray arm in a straight position, front to back.
- Then, start a new cycle.
- After a few minutes, open the dishwasher’s door and check if the spray arm has moved from its position.
- If the spray arm has changed its position, it means it is working correctly.
- But if it is in the same position and dishes are also not cleaned, follow the next troubleshooting method.
Issues with the water inlet valve
The water inlet valve is the entry point for the water in the dishwasher. It actually controls the overall supply of water.
If it is malfunctioning, the dishwasher will not get a sufficient amount of water. The spray arm will be unable to function properly due to the low water pressure.
So, if your upper spray arm is not spinning, it is advisable to check the water inlet valve for blockage or damage.
If you find it blocked, remove that blockage. But if it is damaged, you will have to replace the water inlet valve.
Also, you must check the screen filter on the valve inlet for any clogs or buildup. If it is clogged, remove the valve and clean the screen filter.
After that, reinstall it to prevent further jamming of the valve.
Dirty pump and filter
Another reason for a spray arm to malfunction is a dirty pump and filter.
The water pump forces the water, with pressure, into the spray arm, and the spray arm starts to spin. When the pump and filter are clogged by food particles or mineral deposits, it will not force the water with the right pressure, and the spray arm will be unable to spin.
In GE appliances, the filter is located at the bottom of the dishwasher.
Check the filter and pump of your dishwasher. If you find any dirt or debris covering them, you must remove them.
Faulty circulation pump
If you have tried all of the troubleshooting methods given above but your issue is still persisting, it means the fault is probably in your circulation pump.
The circulation pump moves the water around during the wash cycle. It works by creating a kind of vacuum or negative pressure that pulls the water into the pump. After that, it forces the water, with pressure, into the spray arm.
If the pump is broken or clogged by some debris or food particles, it will be unable to push the water into the spray arm, resulting in its ineffective working.
This is why you should always remove the remaining food particles from your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. Those food particles will float on the water and reach the different components of the dishwasher to clog them.
Coming back to fix the issue, inspect the circulation pump for visible clogs or damage. If you find any clogs or build-up, remove them.
But if it is broken or fails, you should replace it with a new one.
Here is a video on how to replace the circulation pump on your GE dishwasher.
FAQs
What does the upper spray arm do on a dishwasher?
The upper spray arm in the dishwasher sprays the pressurized soapy water on the dishes that are put on the top rack. This action washes out the dirt from the dishes and makes them sparkling clean.
Can I run my dishwasher without the upper spray arm?
Running your dishwasher without the upper spray arm will not affect the dishwasher negatively. But it can affect the cleanliness of your dishes, especially the ones put on the top rack.
How does a dishwasher turn the spray arms?
The motion of the spray arm is actually controlled by the high-pressure water coming from the motor. The motor forces the water into the spray arm with a high pressure that causes it to turn or rotate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if your GE dishwasher top spray arm is not working or spinning, this probably means there is some issue with the components of the dishwasher.
However, this is a common problem and can be fixed by following some simple troubleshooting steps.
A malfunctioning upper spray arm is caused by multiple reasons, including overloading, faulty pump and filter, defective circulation pump, damaged or blocked wash arm, and water inlet valve issues. If you want to fix the issue by yourself, head over to the troubleshooting steps mentioned above in this article.
If you are not confident or do not have repair experience, you can always seek assistance from a professional technician.
This was all about the non-spinning upper spray arm of a GE dishwasher. I believe you will find it helpful and knowledgeable. If you think I have missed something, let me know in the comment section below. I will always be ready to help you.
