What To Know
- The heating element in a dishwasher is responsible for heating the water used to clean dishes.
- The most common symptom of a faulty heating element is that the dishwasher is not heating the water properly.
- The cost to replace a heating element in a KitchenAid dishwasher will vary depending on the model of the dishwasher and the cost of the replacement part.
A dishwasher is an essential appliance in any modern kitchen. It saves time and effort by cleaning dishes automatically. However, like all appliances, dishwashers can experience problems from time to time. One common issue is a faulty heating element. If your KitchenAid dishwasher isn’t heating water properly, it’s important to test the heating element to determine if it needs to be replaced.
What is a Dishwasher Heating Element?
The heating element in a dishwasher is responsible for heating the water used to clean dishes. It’s typically located at the bottom of the dishwasher tub and is made of metal. When the dishwasher is turned on, the heating element heats the water to a specific temperature, usually between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to Test a KitchenAid Dishwasher Heating Element
Testing the heating element in a KitchenAid dishwasher is a relatively simple process. Here are the steps:
1. Unplug the dishwasher. Before you begin any work on the dishwasher, always unplug it from the power outlet.
2. Remove the lower dish rack. This will give you access to the heating element.
3. Locate the heating element. The heating element is usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher tub, near the drain. It will be a metal coil or rod.
4. Disconnect the wires from the heating element. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws that hold the wires in place.
5. Use a multimeter to test the heating element. Set the multimeter to the ohms setting. Touch the probes of the multimeter to the terminals of the heating element. If the heating element is good, the multimeter will read between 10 and 20 ohms. If the multimeter reads infinity, the heating element is bad and needs to be replaced.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’ve tested the heating element and it’s bad, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem:
- Check the thermostat. The thermostat controls the temperature of the water in the dishwasher. If the thermostat is faulty, it may not be sending the correct signal to the heating element.
- Check the wiring. The wiring to the heating element may be loose or damaged. Check the wires for any signs of damage and tighten any loose connections.
- Check the control board. The control board is the brain of the dishwasher. It controls all of the dishwasher’s functions, including the heating element. If the control board is faulty, it may not be sending the correct signal to the heating element.
Replacing the Heating Element
If you’ve tried troubleshooting the problem and the heating element is still not working, you’ll need to replace it. Here are the steps:
1. Unplug the dishwasher.
2. Remove the lower dish rack.
3. Locate the heating element.
4. Disconnect the wires from the heating element.
5. Remove the heating element. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the heating element in place.
6. Install the new heating element. Insert the new heating element into the dishwasher tub and tighten the screws.
7. Reconnect the wires to the heating element.
8. Reinstall the lower dish rack.
9. Plug in the dishwasher.
Final Note: Keep Your Dishwasher Running Smoothly
By following these steps, you can test the heating element in your KitchenAid dishwasher and troubleshoot any problems that you may find. With a little bit of effort, you can keep your dishwasher running smoothly for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the symptoms of a faulty heating element in a KitchenAid dishwasher?
A: The most common symptom of a faulty heating element is that the dishwasher is not heating the water properly. This can result in dishes that are not clean or dry.
Q: How long does it take to replace a heating element in a KitchenAid dishwasher?
A: Replacing a heating element in a KitchenAid dishwasher typically takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Q: How much does it cost to replace a heating element in a KitchenAid dishwasher?
A: The cost to replace a heating element in a KitchenAid dishwasher will vary depending on the model of the dishwasher and the cost of the replacement part. However, you can expect to pay between $50 and $150 for the part and labor.
