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Ultimate guide: how to replace a heating element in a kenmore dishwasher

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er,...

What To Know

  • Replacing the heating element in your Kenmore dishwasher is a relatively simple task that can be completed in under an hour.
  • Once the lower panel is removed, you will see the heating element located at the bottom of the dishwasher tub.
  • Replacing the heating element in your Kenmore dishwasher is a straightforward task that can be completed by most homeowners.

Replacing the heating element in your Kenmore dishwasher is a relatively simple task that can be completed in under an hour. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can save yourself the cost of calling a repair technician.

Tools and Materials Required

  • New heating element
  • Screwdriver
  • Putty knife
  • Flashlight
  • Safety glasses

Safety Precautions

Before you begin, make sure to unplug the dishwasher from the electrical outlet. Also, wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from any debris.

Step 1: Remove the Lower Dishwasher Panel

Locate the lower panel at the bottom of the dishwasher door. Using a screwdriver, remove the screws that hold the panel in place. Carefully pull the panel towards you to detach it.

Step 2: Locate the Heating Element

Once the lower panel is removed, you will see the heating element located at the bottom of the dishwasher tub. It is usually attached to a metal bracket.

Step 3: Disconnect the Electrical Wires

Before removing the heating element, you need to disconnect the electrical wires that are connected to it. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws that hold the wires in place. Be careful not to damage the wires.

Step 4: Remove the Heating Element

Once the electrical wires are disconnected, you can remove the heating element. Using a putty knife, gently pry the heating element loose from the metal bracket. Lift the heating element out of the tub.

Step 5: Install the New Heating Element

Take the new heating element and align it with the metal bracket. Carefully slide it into place and secure it with the screws.

Step 6: Reconnect the Electrical Wires

Connect the electrical wires to the new heating element. Make sure to tighten the screws securely.

Step 7: Reinstall the Lower Dishwasher Panel

Place the lower dishwasher panel back into place and secure it with the screws.

Troubleshooting

If the dishwasher is still not heating the water after replacing the heating element, there may be another issue. Here are some possible causes:

  • Faulty thermostat
  • Broken wire
  • Malfunctioning control board

Takeaways

Replacing the heating element in your Kenmore dishwasher is a straightforward task that can be completed by most homeowners. By following these instructions, you can save money and get your dishwasher back up and running in no time.

Questions You May Have

Q: How do I know if the heating element in my Kenmore dishwasher needs to be replaced?
A: If your dishwasher is not heating the water, the heating element may be faulty. Other signs include a burning smell or a humming noise coming from the dishwasher.

Q: Can I use a heating element from another brand of dishwasher in my Kenmore dishwasher?
A: No, it is important to use a heating element that is specifically designed for your Kenmore dishwasher model.

Q: How long will it take to replace the heating element in my Kenmore dishwasher?
A: The replacement process should take approximately 30-60 minutes.

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Rob Sanders

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er, Rob takes pride in testing out the latest tools and gadgets to see how they can make home projects easier. When it comes to heating systems, he's evaluated over 50 different furnace and boiler models over the years. Rob founded Nurturing Homeaid with his business partner Jim in 2020 to provide homeowners with genuine product recommendations they can trust. In his free time, Rob enjoys remodeling old homes with his family and traveling to visit architectural landmarks across the country. He holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism from Syracuse University.
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