[BeckyNTulsa]

The lower spray arm appears to be clogged. Should I replace it or try to take it off and clean it out? How do I get it loose. Are there any other pieces connected with it that should be replaced or cleaned

[Gene]

Hi Becky,

To remove the lower spray arm you have to unscrew the spray arm cap (#34 on the pump & motor break down diagram) first.

I would recommend to replace it instead of cleaning because it's not expensive part.

Also I would recommend to remove the pump cover (#4 on the pump & motor break down diagram) and check the pump housing filter (#6 on the pump & motor break down diagram) and the rinse arm assembly (#7 on the pump & motor break down diagram).

If they are clogged, it's better to replace them too.

- The part number for the lower spray arm is AP178746

- The part number for the pump housing filter is AP2644606

- The part number for the rinse arm assembly is AP403589


Here are the break down diagrams for the Maytag dishwasher Model MDB4040AWB

Good luck.
Gene.

[ripleys]

Great advice Gene, but we should also mention that the spray holes on all maytag dishwashers are very tiny and plug up very easily. If the bottom ones plugged, chances are the other one or two will be plugged also.
So just goes to show you RINSE RINSE RINSE those dishes and everyone could save themeselves many dishwasher headaches.