Fluid circulation system for dishwasher appliances and related methods

A method of operating a dishwasher appliance includes initiating a wash cycle of the dishwasher appliance. The wash cycle includes operating the dishwasher appliance in a wash mode for a first predetermined amount of time by positioning a diverter in a first position to direct a fluid flow to a spray assembly of the dishwasher appliance. The method also includes positioning the diverter in a second position to direct the fluid flow to a filter cleaning manifold for a second predetermined amount of time. The method further includes sensing the second position of the diverter with a position sensor. The method further includes performing a predetermined action after the second predetermined amount of time when the second position of the diverter is sensed before the first predetermined amount of time has elapsed.