How to Replace a Power Cord for a Dishwasher

Dishwashers are either hard-wired into your house electrical system or use a power cord that plugs into a dedicated outlet. Power cords sometimes need to be replaced because they are not as protected as wires going through a conduit. A power cord that touches the dishwasher motor or is too close to the tub bottom will melt over time, causing the dishwasher not to work. Replacing a power cord for a dishwasher requires a replacement cord rated for dishwasher use. These cords are available at home improvement centers and appliance repair shops.

Step 1

Unplug the power cord from the dedicated outlet in the adjacent cabinet. Remove the screws that secure the front access panel to the dishwasher with a nut driver. Pull the access panel away from the dishwasher, and find the dishwasher terminal box. The terminal box is near the front and has a collar on the side. Remove the screws securing the terminal box cover with a Phillips-head screwdriver, and pull the cover away.

Step 2

Untwist the wire caps joining the power cord wires to the dishwasher wires, and separate the wires from each other. Loosen the screw securing the ground wire to the terminal box with the nut driver. Loosen the screw securing the collar around the power cord on the side of the terminal box.

Step 3

Pull the old power cord away from the terminal box. Go inside the adjacent cabinet, and slowly pull the power cord through. Dispose of it in the trash.

Step 4

Insert the pigtail of the replacement dishwasher power cord through the cabinet and into the dishwasher area. Go to the front of the dishwasher, and reach under it to grab the pigtail of the power cord.

Step 5

Route the pigtail of the power cord under the rear of the dishwasher and up to the terminal box. The power cord should not make contact with the dishwasher motor or the bottom of dishwasher tub. Insert the pigtail through the collar and into the terminal box.

Step 6

Match the power cord wires with the same color wire in the terminal box - white to white and black to black. Twist the ends of the same color wires together with a plastic wire nut. Tug on the wires gently to ensure they are securely in the wire nuts.

Step 7

Bend a hook in the end of the green power cord wire. Hook the end of the wire over the neck of the green screw, and tighten the screw to secure the wire.

Step 8

Tighten the screw on the collar to secure the power cord to the terminal box. Place the terminal box cover in place, and secure it with the retaining screws. Check to ensure the power cord does not make contact with the motor or bottom of the tub when you push the unit into the cabinet.

Step 9

Place the access cover back over the bottom of the dishwasher, and secure it with the retaining screws. Plug the new power cord into the dedicated outlet.