Dishwasher not heating

Common reasons your dishwasher not heating

The most common reasons your dishwasher is not heating are a defective electronic control board, faulty pump and motor assembly or a damaged user interface control.

  • 44%

    44% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 28%

    28% of the time it's the
    Pump and Motor Assembly

  • 11%

    11% of the time it's the
    User Interface Control

  • 17%

    17% of the time it's the
    Something else

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Common dishwasher repair parts you may need

Replacing one of these dishwasher parts may fix your problem.

Electronic Control Board Replacement

If your dishwasher isn't heating up, it might be due to a faulty electronic control board. This board is responsible for sending power to the heating element. If a relay fails or if the board's logic is damaged, it can stop sending power to the heating element. Diagnosing a defective control board can be tricky. It's best to have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert inspect and repair the dishwasher if it's not heating properly.

Pump and Motor Assembly Replacement

If your dishwasher isn't heating up, it might be due to a faulty pump and motor assembly. When this assembly is not working properly, heated water cannot flow through the spray arms to heat up the dishes during the cycle. As a result, more water remains in the sump, preventing proper heating in the dishwasher. If you notice that your dishes aren't getting clean and the dishwasher isn't heating, it's best to have a Sears Home Services Technician inspect and repair the dishwasher.

User Interface Control Replacement

If your dishwasher isn't heating, a damaged user interface control might be the culprit. This control is connected to the electronic control board via a wire harness and sends signals to regulate the dishwashing cycle. If the heat selection key on the user interface control is faulty, it can prevent the dishwasher from heating because you won't be able to choose a heat setting for the cycle. To address this issue, it's advisable to have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert come to your home and replace the damaged user interface control.

What to expect when you experience a dishwasher not heating issue

How can I fix the not heating problem?

Fixing most issues with the dishwasher not heating typically requires replacing the electronic control board, pump and motor assembly, or user interface control. However, since there could be various causes, it's crucial to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis to address the problem accurately. Getting an accurate diagnosis is important for understanding the cost of the repair.

Sears Home Services solutions for a dishwasher that is not heating

When your dishwasher isn't heating, it could be due to several reasons. To prevent replacing unnecessary parts, we suggest having a Sears Home Services professional conduct diagnostic tests to pinpoint the exact cause of the issue. Our technicians have extensive experience in diagnosing various dishwasher problems.

What to look out for when facing a dishwasher not heating diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without the right knowledge and training can be tough. If you don't use proper diagnostic techniques, trying to fix your dishwasher might mean randomly replacing parts. Appliances, especially those made in the last decade, have gotten very advanced, with electronic parts that are hard to check. Fixing the latest appliance models on your own is getting harder.

A dishwasher that can’t heat water or dry dishes misses a core step for sanitizing. Burned-out elements or sensors often cause cool washes. Instead of repeated cycles, hire a dishwasher appliance repair near me.

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Thorough

James called to give an estimated arrival time. He was professional and personable. He had 2 professional ideas of the problem and found 1 was correct, but he didn't stop there. He did a thorough check of the appliance. 1 small part was needed. He ordered the part to my house. Fortunately, he was able to schedule for the next week, just before Thanksgiving. As before, he called ahead, arrived and quickly fixed the problem. My appliance is working perfectly.


Kirsten A, Oxford, PA

Service Call

Luke was great. Polite and knowledgeable even though the dishwasher was older than he!


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Daniel

Daniel went above and beyond to fix my dish washer. Very pleasant to deal with.


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Frequently Asked Questions

Why won’t my dishwasher heat water?
A defective heating element, bad high-limit thermostat, or faulty control board can keep the dishwasher from heating.
How do I test the heating element?
Unplug the dishwasher. Remove the element and check for continuity with a multimeter. If there's no reading, replace the element.
Could a broken high-limit thermostat prevent the dishwasher element from heating?
Yes, if the thermostat prematurely opens, it will cut power to the heating element.
What should I do if the element and thermostat seem okay?
Inspect the control board for relay failure or wiring damage that stops the element from receiving power.

Repair Dishwasher Resources

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Glossary Terms

A dishwasher turbidity sensor is an advanced feature that measures the level of food particles and debris in the water, allowing the dishwasher to adjust the wash cycle length and water usage for optimal cleaning efficiency.

Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.

An astragal is a molding or strip that covers or seals the gap between the edges of a pair of doors or windows. Its primary functions are to provide a weather seal, improve security, and improve the aesthetic appearance of door and window assemblies.

A dryer drum is the main interior component of a clothes dryer where clothes are placed to be dried. It rotates during the drying cycle, allowing heated air to circulate through the clothes.

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