A diverter motor in a dishwasher is responsible for controlling the flow of water between different wash arms during the dishwashing cycle. Its primary function is to direct the water to specific areas of the dishwasher tub to ensure efficient and thorough cleaning of the dishes.
Here's how the diverter motor works in a dishwasher:
Water Distribution: Dishwashers typically have multiple spray arms located at the bottom, middle, and top of the dishwasher tub. The diverter motor helps distribute the incoming water between these spray arms to cover all the dishes effectively.
Wash Cycle Control: During different stages of the dishwashing cycle (prewash, main wash, rinse, etc.), the diverter motor adjusts the flow of water to match the requirements of each stage. For example, during the main wash cycle, the motor might direct more water to the lower spray arm for intensive cleaning.
Turbo or Intensive Wash Function: Some dishwashers have a "turbo" or "intensive wash" function that requires higher water pressure and flow to remove tough stains. The diverter motor plays a key role in directing more water to the specific spray arm responsible for this function.
Water Drainage: In some dishwashers, the diverter motor can also help with drainage by directing water flow to the drain pump, ensuring efficient removal of used water from the dishwasher.
The diverter motor is a critical component that helps optimize water usage and cleaning performance in modern dishwashers. It operates based on signals from the dishwasher's control board, which determines the appropriate time and duration for directing water to different areas of the dishwasher tub. If the diverter motor malfunctions, it can lead to issues like poor cleaning results, improper water distribution, or drainage problems. In such cases, it's essential to have the motor inspected and replaced, if necessary, by a qualified appliance technician.