Food Chopper in Your Whirlpool, Maytag, or KitchenAid Dishwasher Replacement Guide

The food chopper assembly in your dishwasher grinds up food particles and debris, so your dishes come out clean after each cycle. If your Whirlpool, Maytag, or KitchenAid dishwasher isn’t cleaning effectively or is making unusual noises, the food chopper assembly could be the issue.

Replacing it yourself can save on repair costs and get your dishwasher back to optimal performance.

Signs of a Faulty Food Chopper

If your dishwasher is not performing as expected, a damaged or clogged food chopper might be the cause. Here are some common indicators:

• Unclean Dishes: Food particles remain on dishes after a cycle.
• Strange Noises: Grinding or rattling sounds during operation.
• Slow Draining: Water drainage is slower than usual, indicating potential debris buildup.
• Error Codes: Some dishwashers display error messages related to water flow or blockages.

Tools You’ll Need

• Pliers
• Flathead screwdriver
• Torx 20 screwdriver
• Torx 10 screwdriver
• 5/8-inch wrench
• Replacement food chopper (W10083957V)

Safety Precautions

1. Unplug the appliance or turn off the circuit breaker to eliminate any risk of electric shock.
2. Rushing may lead to mistakes or accidents.
3. A well-lit workspace allows you to see and access internal components easily.
4. Remove clutter, and keep children and pets away from the area.
5. Make sure your hands and work area are completely dry before starting.
6. Refer to your appliance’s user manual for specific safety or installation guidelines.
7. Use care when removing or installing parts to avoid damage or injury.
8. Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges and pinching hazards.
9. Use eye protection, especially when working with debris or cleaning chemicals.

How to Install a New Chopper Assembly in a Dishwasher

Removing Racks and Components

1. Open the dishwasher door and remove both the upper and lower racks.
2. To remove the upper rack:
   • Pull the rails out slightly.
   • Locate the release tabs on the backside of the end caps.
   • Use the release tabs to remove the end caps.
   • Pull out the upper rack and set it aside.
3. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw holding the plastic tubing to the back wall.
4. For the lower spray arm:
   • Grab the large screw and turn it clockwise (reverse thread) to release it.
   • Remove the lower spray arm from the dishwasher.
5. Turn the water supply tube clockwise to disconnect it:
   • Use a small flathead screwdriver to lift up the locking tab while turning the tube.
   • Continue turning the tube until you can lift it off the pump.

Removing the Chopper Assembly

6. Use a Torx 20 driver to remove the four screws securing the chopper assembly in place.
   • Keep track of the screws.
7. Lift the top of the pump housing to access the chopper assembly.
8. Use a Torx 10 driver to remove the screw holding the plastic assembly.
9. Use a flathead screwdriver to release the locking tab on the plastic assembly, then pull it straight up to remove the cover.
10. Reach down and remove the chopper assembly, disengaging it from the motor if needed.

Installing the New Chopper Assembly

11. Insert the new chopper assembly:
    • Position the smaller cutout on the bottom.
    • To push it down, place an 11/16-inch wrench between the screen and metal chopper to keep the spring-loaded shaft in the short position.
    • Lower the assembly into the slot and remove the wrench.
12. Push the cover back into place and make sure it locks properly.
13. Insert and tighten the screw to secure the cover:
    • Use a flathead screwdriver or needle-nose pliers initially.
    • Tighten fully with a Torx 10 driver.

Reassembling the Pump Housing and Components

14. Place the top of the pump housing into position:
    • Press it all the way down so the tube connects to the bottom of the pump.
15. Use a Torx 20 driver to reinstall the screws securing the pump housing.
16. Align the three notches on the water supply tube with the pump body and push down to secure:
    • Lift up on the water supply tube while inserting the opposite side.
    • Turn the notches to the 12 o’clock position and confirm they latch together.
17. Reinstall the lower spray arm:
    • Position it over the screw part and align the start of the thread with the cutout.
    • Turn it counterclockwise (reverse thread) to tighten.
    • If needed, use pliers to lift the screw part above the cutout before tightening.
18. Use a Phillips screwdriver to reinstall the screw holding the water supply tube to the back wall.

Reinstalling the Racks

19. Reinsert the upper rack:
    • Line up the wheels with the rails and push it back into place.
    • Pull the support rails out slightly to install the end caps.
    • Slide the end caps down until they lock into place. Repeat for the other rail.
20. Set the lower rack back onto its track and push it into place.
21. Confirm that both racks are properly positioned.

Final Steps

22. Close the dishwasher door.
23. Plug the dishwasher back in, turn on the water supply, and restore power.
24. Run a test cycle to check for proper operation and listen for any unusual noises.

Maintenance Tips to Avoid Future Issues

To keep your dishwasher’s food chopper in good condition and prevent similar issues:

1. Rinse Large Food Debris: Scrape off excess food from dishes before placing them in the dishwasher.
2. Regular Cleaning: Periodically check and clean the spray arms, filters, and food chopper area.
3. Use Quality Detergent: Choose detergents that break down grease and debris efficiently.
4. Run Hot Water Before Starting: Let hot water flow in the sink for a minute to help the dishwasher operate more effectively.
5. Inspect for Clogs: Check for any blockages or worn parts during routine maintenance.

Wrapping it all up, swapping out that pesky food chopper in your Whirlpool, Maytag, or KitchenAid dishwasher is totally doable and can make a huge difference in how clean your dishes come out.

Just follow the steps, stay safe, and keep up with a little maintenance now and then. Your dishwasher will thank you with quieter cycles and spotless dishes every time.