How to Fix KitchenAid Dishwasher Top Sprayer Not Working (Step-by-Step Guide)

When your KitchenAid dishwasher’s top sprayer is not working, the upper rack dishes come out dirty or barely rinsed. The most common causes are clogged spray arms, water flow issues, or a faulty circulation pump.

Here’s exactly how to fix it—step-by-step—and get your dishwasher working like new.

Why Is My KitchenAid Dishwasher Top Sprayer Not Working?

If your KitchenAid dishwasher top sprayer is not working, it’s likely due to clogged spray holes, low water pressure, or a faulty diverter or circulation pump. These problems can stop the upper spray arm from spinning. It won’t spray water well, so the dishes on the top rack stay dirty.

How to Fix KitchenAid Dishwasher Top Sprayer Not Working?

1. Clean the Top Spray Arm First

If your KitchenAid dishwasher upper spray arm is not spinning, start by cleaning it. Food debris and hard water often clog the tiny spray holes, blocking water flow.

How to clean the upper spray arm:

• Remove the top rack to access the spray arm. Unscrew or unclip the spray arm from the rack rail or ceiling mount.
• Soak it in warm vinegar water for 15–20 minutes to loosen mineral buildup. Use a toothpick to clear each spray hole.
• Rinse and reinstall the spray arm. Run a short cycle to confirm it’s spinning freely.

This quick fix resolves over 60% of top spray issues according to appliance repair forums.

2. Check Water Flow to the Top Arm

The top sprayer won’t work if water doesn’t reach it. KitchenAid uses a feed tube and diverter valve to direct water to either spray arm.

How to test water flow:

• Inspect the feed tube running along the back of the dishwasher tub. Make sure it is aligned with the top rack connector.
• Ensure the diverter valve or disc (usually under the filter or pump housing) isn’t jammed or clogged.
• Run a “mug test” by placing cups upright on the top rack. If they don’t fill partially, the top arm isn’t getting water.

A blocked feed tube or failed diverter is a frequent reason why the top rack spray arm doesn’t work.

3. Test Circulation Pump and Impeller

If your KitchenAid dishwasher upper arm still doesn’t spin, check the circulation pump. It’s responsible for pressurizing water to all spray arms.

How to diagnose pump issues:

• Listen during a wash cycle. If the motor is silent or buzzing loudly, the pump may be jammed or burnt out.
• Disconnect power and access the pump under the tub. Check the impeller blades for damage or food debris.
• Use a multimeter to test pump motor continuity. Replace the circulation motor assembly if defective.

Pump failures are common in older models and cause weak or no spray to the top rack.

4. Inspect the Diverter Motor or Disc

KitchenAid dishwashers use a diverter motor to control which spray arm receives water. A failed motor or stuck disc can prevent the upper arm from functioning.

How to fix diverter issues:

• Remove the lower spray arm and filter to access the diverter disc. Look for signs of obstruction or mineral buildup.
• Check the diverter motor with a multimeter. If it’s not receiving power or fails the test, replace it.
• Reinstall components and run diagnostics using the control panel sequence (refer to your manual).

A stuck or failed diverter motor often causes the top spray arm to stop working suddenly.

5. Inspect TurboZone / ProScrub Feature

If your model includes TurboZone or ProScrub, it uses a ball check valve or wax motor to divert water. A malfunction can cut off upper spray arm flow.

What to look for:

• Disable or bypass the ProScrub feature temporarily to test whether it’s causing the issue.
• Inspect the check valve and actuator under the lower spray arm. Clean or replace any stuck components.
• Listen for cycling sound mid-wash—if absent, the diverter isn’t switching correctly.

Many real-world users fixed their upper rack issues by bypassing the stuck ProScrub system.

6. Replace Broken or Worn Parts

If cleaning and testing didn’t fix the top sprayer, you likely need to replace components. Below are the usual suspects.

Most common replacement parts:

• Upper spray arm or support manifold: Cracked arms or seals can leak and lose pressure.
• Circulation pump assembly: If the impeller is broken, water won’t spray with force.
• Diverter motor or disc: Essential for switching water direction. Replace if stuck or unresponsive.
• Control board: Rare, but if all else works and water still won’t flow to the top, your board might be failing.

test parts with a multimeter and reference your model number when buying replacements.

Summary: Step-by-Step Fix for KitchenAid Top Sprayer

Here’s a quick checklist to troubleshoot your KitchenAid dishwasher top sprayer if it’s not working:

1. Clean the upper spray arm thoroughly—remove clogs from holes.
2. Check water flow—inspect the feed tube and run a coffee mug test.
3. Test the circulation pump and impeller for debris or failure.
4. Inspect the diverter disc or motor for movement and continuity.
5. Bypass or repair TurboZone/ProScrub if it blocks upper rack spraying.
6. Replace defective parts like spray arm supports, diverter, or the pump.