Bosch SHPM65Z55N (800 Series) – Circulation pump failure Repair Guide

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Model: Bosch SHPM65Z55N (800 Series)
Brand: Bosch
Model Number: SHPM65Z55N

🔍 Problem Description

Listen for grinding noise; test pump motor windings; replace pump assembly

📋 What You’ll Need

  • Circulation pump assembly
  • Multimeter

    • 🔧 Step-by-Step Repair Instructions

      🔧 Step 1: Unplug dishwasher and locate circulation pump

      1. Open the dishwasher door fully until it rests at approximately 45 degrees from vertical.
      2. Locate your home’s electrical panel and switch off the circuit breaker labeled for the dishwasher (typically 15-20 amp circuit).
      3. Pull the bottom dish rack completely out and set it aside.
      4. Remove the lower spray arm by gripping it at the center hub and rotating counterclockwise one-quarter turn, then lift straight up.
      5. Locate the cylindrical filter assembly in the center of the dishwasher floor—it’s approximately 4 inches in diameter with a mesh screen visible on top.
      6. Twist the filter assembly counterclockwise and pull upward to remove it, exposing the sump area beneath.
      7. Use a flashlight to illuminate the now-visible sump chamber. You’ll see a circular black plastic housing approximately 5 inches in diameter—this is the top of the circulation pump assembly.
      8. Remove the 2 Torx T20 screws securing the lower spray arm support ring (the white plastic ring surrounding the filter opening).
      9. Lift out the spray arm support ring to gain full access to the sump area.
      10. Look at the front-left corner of the dishwasher tub, approximately 3 inches from the left edge and 2 inches from the front. You’ll see the circulation pump motor housing—a cylindrical component roughly 4 inches tall and 3 inches in diameter with a white or gray electrical connector on its side.
      11. Trace the gray drain hose (1.5 inches diameter) and the thinner water supply line running from the pump housing. These connections confirm you’ve located the correct component.
      12. Verify power is disconnected by attempting to start a wash cycle—the control panel should be completely unresponsive with no lights or sounds.

      🛠️ Step 2: Listen for grinding or unusual noise during operation

      1. Open the dishwasher door and remove all dishes, racks, and utensil holders to create an empty chamber.
      2. Remove the lower spray arm by grasping it at the center hub and rotating it counterclockwise 90 degrees, then lifting straight up off the mounting post.
      3. Remove the filter assembly located at the bottom center of the tub by turning the cylindrical filter counterclockwise one-quarter turn and lifting it out with the attached mesh screen.
      4. Close the dishwasher door until it latches completely.
      5. Press the “Power” button on the top edge of the door to turn on the unit.
      6. Press and hold the “Start” button for 3 seconds to initiate a wash cycle without any selected program.
      7. Listen at the front center of the door for 30 seconds during the initial drain pump activation—a low humming noise lasting 60-90 seconds indicates normal operation.
      8. Position your ear 12 inches from the lower left corner of the door where the circulation pump motor is located (behind the kickplate at the bottom front).
      9. Listen for the circulation pump to engage after the drain cycle completes—you’ll hear water filling for approximately 45 seconds, followed by a steady whooshing sound.
      10. Identify these specific sounds to diagnose the issue:
      11. Press “Power” to stop the cycle after 2 minutes of listening.
      12. Replace the filter assembly by inserting it into the sump opening and rotating clockwise one-quarter turn until it stops.
      13. Reinstall the lower spray arm by placing it on the mounting post and rotating clockwise 90 degrees until it locks.

      ⚙️ Step 3: Test pump motor windings with multimeter

      1. Set your digital multimeter to the resistance (Ω) setting at 200 ohms range.
      2. Locate the pump motor electrical connector – it’s a white plastic connector with 3 terminals positioned on top of the circulation pump housing at the bottom center of the dishwasher tub.
      3. Press the locking tab on the connector and pull it straight up to disconnect it from the pump motor terminals.
      4. Identify the three exposed metal terminals on the pump motor – they’re arranged in a triangular pattern, approximately 0.5 inches apart.
      5. Touch one multimeter probe to the first terminal and the other probe to the second terminal while observing the resistance reading.
      6. Record this reading – you should see between 8-12 ohms for a functioning winding.
      7. Move one probe to the third terminal while keeping the other on the second terminal, and record the second reading (should also be 8-12 ohms).
      8. Test the final combination by touching the first and third terminals, recording this third reading (should again be 8-12 ohms).
      9. Switch your multimeter to continuity mode (often marked with a speaker/sound wave symbol).
      10. Touch one probe to any of the three motor terminals and the other probe to the bare metal pump housing – the multimeter should NOT beep or show continuity.
      11. Repeat this ground test on all three terminals individually – none should show continuity to the housing.

      🔩 Step 4: Check for debris in pump housing

      1. Locate the pump housing, which is a cylindrical gray plastic component approximately 4 inches in diameter, positioned at the bottom center of the dishwasher tub, directly beneath where the spray arm connects.
      2. Rotate the pump cover counterclockwise approximately 90 degrees (quarter turn) until it releases from the locking tabs.
      3. Lift the pump cover straight up and set it aside on a clean towel.
      4. Remove the cylindrical filter screen inside the pump housing by grasping it with your fingers and pulling straight up with firm, steady pressure until it releases from the rubber gasket seal.
      5. Look inside the now-exposed pump housing chamber and inspect for debris including: glass fragments, food particles, plastic labels, toothpicks, bones, or other foreign objects.
      6. Remove any visible debris by reaching into the housing with your fingers and pulling items out manually.
      7. Use a wet/dry vacuum with a narrow crevice attachment to suction out smaller particles and standing water from the pump housing cavity.
      8. Insert your index finger into the center of the pump housing and feel around the impeller (plastic fan blade component) by rotating it manually in both directions through its full range of motion.
      9. The impeller should rotate freely with slight resistance. If you feel grinding, scraping, or complete blockage, remove any additional debris caught between the impeller blades and housing walls.
      10. Shine a flashlight into the housing to verify all debris has been removed and the impeller blades (you’ll see 4-6 curved plastic fins) are completely clear.
      11. Wipe the interior walls of the pump housing with a damp cloth to remove any residual buildup.
      12. Success looks like: a completely clear pump chamber with freely rotating impeller blades and no visible obstructions when illuminated with a flashlight.

      đź“‹ Step 5: Replace pump assembly if motor is open or shorted

      1. Order Bosch replacement pump assembly part number 00651956 or verify your replacement matches the model number SHPM65Z55N stamped on the existing pump housing.
      2. Locate the pump assembly at the bottom center of the dishwasher tub – it’s the cylindrical component approximately 5 inches in diameter directly below the spray arm tower.
      3. Use a 10mm socket wrench to remove the single mounting bolt securing the pump assembly to the sump housing (located at the top center of the pump).
      4. Grip the pump housing with both hands and rotate counterclockwise 1/4 turn (90 degrees) until the locking tabs release from the sump housing slots.
      5. Pull the pump assembly straight down and away from the sump – you’ll feel resistance from the rubber seal, requiring approximately 10-15 pounds of force.
      6. Disconnect the white 2-wire electrical connector from the pump motor terminals by squeezing the locking tab on the connector body and pulling straight away.
      7. Remove the old pump assembly and set aside.
      8. Inspect the rubber gasket groove in the sump housing opening – remove any visible debris or old gasket material using a flathead screwdriver.
      9. Position the new pump assembly’s rubber seal into the sump housing opening, aligning the three molded alignment tabs (located at 12 o’clock, 4 o’clock, and 8 o’clock positions) with the corresponding slots in the sump.
      10. Push the pump upward firmly until the seal seats completely – the pump face should sit flush against the sump housing bottom with no gaps.
      11. Rotate the pump assembly clockwise 1/4 turn until the locking tabs click into place.
      12. Thread the 10mm mounting bolt through the center hole and tighten to 8-10 ft-lbs using a torque wrench.
      13. Reconnect the white 2-wire connector to the pump motor terminals – push until you hear an audible click confirming the locking tab has engaged.

      đź›’ Recommended Products

      Here are the recommended products for this repair: