Maytag MDE8550BGW Dishwasher — Troubleshooting & Step-by-Step Repairs
Need the replacement part? Search your model number at for guaranteed fit and fast free shipping.
Understanding the Problem
Overview: The Maytag MDE8550BGW is a built‑in dishwasher that commonly shows problems such as not starting, not filling, not draining, leaking, poor cleaning, or not drying. These symptoms usually point to a few repeat items: door latch/switch, water inlet valve, float assembly, drain pump, circulation (wash) motor, filters/spray arms, heating element or control board. Step-by-step diagnostic & repair checklist (work top-to-bottom): 1) Safety & initial checks a. Disconnect power to the dishwasher at the circuit breaker (turn off breaker) and turn off the water supply under the sink. Confirm power is off using a non-contact voltage tester. Remove any dishes. b. Check the control panel for error codes or a control lock (child lock). If locked, unlock per manual before further testing. 2) If the dishwasher won't start a. Verify power: confirm outlet/circuit and that other appliances on the same breaker work. Check the junction box under the kickplate for loose connections. b. Inspect the door latch and door switch: with power off, operate latch manually and check continuity of the switch with a multimeter. Replace latch/switch if no continuity when latched. c. Check the thermal fuse / main control fuse (if present): continuity test; replace if open. d. If control panel lights but cycles don't start, the user interface or main control board may be faulty—try a hard reset (power off 1 minute) before replacing the control board. 3) If dishwasher does not fill with water or water flow is very low a. Confirm house water is on and supply hose/kink-free. Remove and inspect the inlet screen on the water inlet valve for debris. b. Test the water inlet valve: with power off, disconnect the inlet valve solenoid wires and check for continuity; when powered in a fill cycle (careful), the valve should click and let water in. Replace if the valve doesn’t open or solenoid is open. c. Check the float and float switch in the sump area: debris can jam the float or cause a stuck float switch. Clean and test switch for continuity when float is raised. 4) If dishwasher is not draining or shows water left in tub a. Clear the filter basket and remove any debris from the sump and pump inlet. b. Inspect the drain hose for kinks and check the air gap (if present) for blockage. Verify the hose to disposal connection is not clogged and the garbage disposal knockout was removed if new install. c. Test drain pump: remove lower kickplate, access drain pump and check for obstructions (glass, labels). With power off, spin the pump impeller; if jammed or noisy when running, replace pump. With power on, listen for the pump running during drain—no sound often means failed pump or control. d. If disposal/backflow suspected, ensure knockout removed and no blockage in disposal. 5) If cleaning performance is poor (dishes not clean) a. Clean filters and remove debris. Ensure spray arms rotate freely; remove and clean spray arm jets and bearings. b. Check water temperature: incoming water should be 120°F (49°C) for best results. Run hot water at sink before starting the cycle. c. Verify circulation pump/motor is running during wash. If the motor hums or does not run, test motor for continuity and replace if defective. d. Check detergent dispenser operation and use appropriate detergent. 6) If dishwasher is leaking a. Inspect door gasket for cracks, compressions or food build-up—clean or replace gasket as needed. b. Check the door latch (if it doesn’t close fully, it may leak) and realign door hinges/springs. c. Examine inlet valve and hoses for visible leaks. Replace cracked hoses or faulty valves. d. Inspect tub for cracks or failed pump seals (oil or water in pump area). Replace the component that is leaking—usually pump/sump assembly or door gasket. 7) If dishwasher does not dry or heat a. Verify the heating element for continuity with a multimeter; if open, replace the heating element. b. Check the high-limit thermostat/thermistor for continuity and correct resistance values (refer to manual); replace if out of spec. c. Confirm the control is commanding heat (you can observe voltage to the heater during dry cycle). If control isn’t sending voltage but thermostat is good, replace the control board. 8) Control board / electronics issues a. Before replacing, try a power cycle/reset. If symptoms are intermittent, erratic or multiple unrelated failures occur (no fill, no drain, no display), suspect the main control board or user interface. b. Inspect for burnt connectors or bulging capacitors on the control board. Replace the main PCB or user interface as necessary. 9) Final testing and reassembly a. After repairs, restore power and water and run a short diagnostic or quick wash cycle to verify proper filling, washing, draining, and heating. b. Check for leaks, unusual noises, and proper cycle progression. Tighten panels and re-seat the kickplate. Safety note: Always disconnect electrical power at the breaker and shut off water before accessing electrical connections, pumps, or valves. If you aren’t comfortable working with mains electricity or removing the dishwasher from under the counter, hire a licensed technician.
Common Symptoms
Won’t start; won’t fill; won’t drain; leaks; poor cleaning performance; not drying; loud/strange noises during cycle.
Common Causes
- Faulty door latch or door switch
- Blocked filters, spray arms or sump (debris)
- Failed drain pump or circulation motor
- Defective water inlet valve or low water supply
- Worn door gasket or cracked tub
- Failed heating element, thermostat or control board
Popular Parts That Fix This Problem
These are the most common replacement parts that fix this problem. When you're ready to order, click below to find the right part at ProsourceParts.com — just search by your appliance model number for a guaranteed fit.
Helpful Repair Tip
Use a multimeter to check continuity on the door switch, drain pump, circulation motor, inlet valve solenoids and heating element — the component that shows no continuity or abnormal resistance during its active test is usually the faulty part.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tell if the drain pump or the drain hose is the problem?
First clear filters and remove visible debris from the sump. During a drain cycle, listen: the pump should make a distinct running sound. If you hear the pump running but water doesn’t drain, check for a kink/clog in the hose or a clogged air gap/disposal. If you hear no pump sound, test the pump for continuity with a multimeter — no continuity or a seized impeller means replace the pump.
The dishwasher lights come on but it won’t start. Is it the control board or something simpler?
Often the cause is simpler: check the door latch/switch (dishwasher will not start if the door switch doesn't signal 'closed'), ensure the control lock isn't engaged, and verify the household breaker is on. If those check out, test the thermal fuse and the main control for error codes. Intermittent or multiple function failures can indicate a failed control board, but always test the door switch and fuses first.
Related How-To Videos
Real DIY Repair Stories
Be the first to share your repair story!
Share Your Repair Story
Your experience helps other homeowners fix their appliances. Tell us how it went!
Can't Fix It Yourself? Find a Local Technician
It's perfectly okay to call a professional. Some repairs require specialized tools, deep teardowns, or dealing with complex systems that are better left to the pros.
Find the Right Part for Your Appliance
Don't guess — search your exact appliance model number at ProsourceParts.com to find the correct OEM compatible replacement part. They offer fast free shipping, guaranteed fit, and thousands of parts in stock.
Your Free Parts Videos
Whether your dishwasher won't drain, your dryer stopped heating, or your fridge isn't cold, we've created simple repair guides for the most common appliance problems homeowners face. Each guide explains what's going wrong, the most likely causes, and which replacement parts fix the issue. When you're ready to order, we link directly to ProsourceParts.com where you can search by model number and get the right part shipped fast.