How to Replace a Maytag Dishwasher Motor Start Capacitor

The motor start capacitor provides the initial electrical boost that starts the circulation pump motor spinning on your Maytag dishwasher. When this capacitor fails, the motor hums (receives power) but cannot begin rotation. The dishwasher may appear to be running (you hear humming from below, the control panel shows a cycle in progress) but dishes remain dirty because the spray arms never activate. After several seconds of humming without rotation, the motor thermal protector trips and the dishwasher goes silent until it cools, then the cycle may attempt again with the same result.

This is a common failure on Maytag dishwashers over 5-7 years old and is one of the most cost-effective repairs because the capacitor itself costs $15-$40 while a complete circulation pump motor costs $150-$300. Replacing the capacitor is straightforward and can restore full pump function.

Before You Start

• Tools needed: 1/4-inch hex driver, Phillips #2 screwdriver, multimeter with capacitance mode (or dedicated capacitor tester), insulated pliers
• Parts needed: Motor start capacitor ($15-$40, match microfarad rating exactly)
• Time required: 20-30 minutes
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Safety warning: Disconnect power at the circuit breaker. Capacitors store electrical charge even after power is disconnected. Discharge the old capacitor before handling by shorting across its terminals with an insulated screwdriver. Use insulated tools and do not touch terminal leads with bare hands.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Confirm the start capacitor is the issue

Before replacing, verify the symptoms match a capacitor failure rather than a pump motor failure. Key indicators: the motor hums for 5-10 seconds then goes silent (thermal protector tripping), this pattern repeats when the cycle attempts restart, and the motor was previously working normally without unusual noises. If the motor was grinding or squealing before it stopped working, bearings have failed and the motor itself needs replacement (not just the capacitor). If the motor is completely silent (no hum at all), check power supply and motor winding continuity first.

Step 2: Locate the start capacitor

Disconnect power at the breaker. Remove the lower access panel (two 1/4-inch hex screws). The start capacitor is a cylindrical or oval component typically mounted near the circulation pump motor at the bottom center of the dishwasher. It is about the size of a C-cell battery and has two terminal wires. On some Maytag models, it is clipped to the side of the motor housing. On others, it is mounted to a separate bracket nearby. It is usually black or silver with the microfarad (uF) rating printed on its body.

Step 3: Safely discharge the capacitor

Even with power disconnected, the capacitor may retain a charge. Before touching the terminals: place an insulated screwdriver blade across both terminals simultaneously for 2-3 seconds. This safely discharges any stored energy. You may hear a small pop or see a small spark, which is normal. Once discharged, it is safe to handle. Do not skip this step. A charged capacitor can deliver a painful shock.

Step 4: Note the capacitor specifications

Read the specifications printed on the capacitor body. You need the microfarad (uF) rating and the voltage rating. Common specifications for Maytag dishwasher circulation pump capacitors are 6-10 uF at 250-370V. The replacement must match the microfarad rating exactly (determines the starting torque provided to the motor). The voltage rating can be equal to or higher than the original (higher voltage rating is safe, lower is not). Write down these numbers before ordering the replacement.

Step 5: Remove the old capacitor

Disconnect the two wires from the capacitor terminals. They are usually push-on spade connectors. Note which wire goes to which terminal (or photograph). Remove the capacitor from its mounting bracket (typically one screw or a spring clip). On models where the capacitor is housed inside a plastic cover, open the cover to access the component.

Step 6: Install the new capacitor

Mount the new capacitor in the same location. Connect the wires to the terminals. Start capacitors are not polarity-sensitive, so either wire can go to either terminal. Ensure the spade connectors grip firmly on the terminals. A loose connection can arc and generate heat, potentially damaging the new capacitor prematurely. If the old connectors are corroded or loose, replace them with new spade terminals (crimp-on type from any hardware store).

Step 7: Test the repair

Reinstall the lower access panel. Restore power at the breaker. Run a Normal cycle. Within the first 30 seconds of the cycle (after the fill phase), you should hear the circulation pump start smoothly and the spray arms begin operating. The initial startup should be immediate (less than 1 second from power application to rotation) rather than the delayed humming of a failed capacitor. Listen for any abnormal motor noises that might indicate underlying motor issues the capacitor failure was masking.

Step 8: Monitor over the next few cycles

A new capacitor should provide years of reliable starting. However, if the capacitor failed due to an underlying motor issue (drawing excessive starting current due to tight bearings), the new capacitor may fail prematurely as well. If the new capacitor fails within weeks, the motor bearings are likely worn and the entire pump assembly needs replacement. A single capacitor failure after 5+ years of use is normal end-of-life and does not indicate a deeper problem.

Understanding Why Start Capacitors Fail

Start capacitors degrade over time through natural electrolyte evaporation and repeated charge/discharge cycles. Every time the dishwasher starts a wash phase, the capacitor charges and discharges to boost motor starting torque. Over thousands of cycles, the internal dielectric material weakens until the capacitor can no longer store sufficient energy to start the motor.

Maytag dishwashers used in heavy-duty applications (running 2+ cycles daily, frequently using PowerBlast) stress the capacitor more because the pump starts more frequently per day. This accelerates the natural aging process. A capacitor rated for 50,000 start cycles at 1 cycle/day lasts 137 years, but at 3 starts/cycle and 2 cycles/day, it reaches end-of-life much sooner.

A swollen or bulging capacitor case indicates overheating failure and should be replaced immediately even if the motor still starts (it will fail completely soon). Leaking fluid from the capacitor is another sign of imminent failure.

Troubleshooting After Capacitor Replacement

If the motor still does not start after capacitor replacement:

• Verify you installed the correct uF rating. Too low a value provides insufficient starting torque
• Test the motor winding resistance (3-20 ohms expected). Open circuit means the winding burned out (possibly from extended humming before the capacitor was replaced)
• Check for a seized impeller. If the motor cannot turn mechanically, even a good capacitor cannot start it
• Verify the wire connections are secure and not arcing
• If the motor starts but trips the thermal protector within minutes, the motor is overloading (bearings failing, impeller obstruction, or wrong capacitor value causing excessive current draw)

When to Call a Professional

Contact a professional if:

• You are not comfortable working with capacitors (they store dangerous charge)
• The motor shows signs of additional failure beyond the capacitor (bearing noise, shaft play, winding damage)
• The capacitor failure was caused by a short in the motor winding (indicated by visible burn marks on the capacitor or motor)
• You cannot identify the correct capacitor specifications for your model

Cost Comparison: DIY vs Professional

Need Professional Help?

• Dishwasher repair service
• Maytag appliance repair
• Dishwasher repair cost guide

FAQ

Q: How do I know if it's the capacitor or the entire pump motor that failed? A: The key differentiator is the hum. If the motor hums for several seconds before going silent (thermal protector trips), the motor winding is good but cannot start (capacitor failure). If the motor is completely silent with no hum, either the winding is open (test with multimeter: should read 3-20 ohms) or the board is not sending power. If the motor makes grinding or bearing noise, the motor itself is failing regardless of capacitor condition.

Q: Can I test the capacitor with a multimeter? A: Yes, if your multimeter has a capacitance (uF) mode. Discharge the capacitor first, then measure. The reading should be within 10% of the rated value printed on the capacitor body. If your multimeter does not have capacitance mode, you cannot test it directly. In that case, the cost of a new capacitor ($15-$40) makes replacement as a diagnostic test practical.

Q: Is the start capacitor the same part as used in Whirlpool dishwashers? A: Yes, if the specifications match. The capacitor is a standard electrical component rated by uF and voltage. Any capacitor with the same uF rating and equal or higher voltage rating will work regardless of brand label. However, matching the physical size and terminal style ensures it fits the mounting bracket and wire connectors without modification.

Q: Does Maytag's 10-year warranty cover the start capacitor? A: No. The 10-year limited warranty covers the stainless steel tub, racks, and chopper blade. The start capacitor and circulation pump motor fall under the standard 1-year warranty. At $15-$40, the capacitor is one of the cheapest repairs that can restore full dishwasher function. It is well worth trying before spending $150-$300 on a complete pump replacement.

---

Need a certified technician? Book same-day repair →