Westinghouse Dishwasher: not heating

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Westinghouse dishwasher not heating properly? If your dishes aren’t getting warm or sanitized after a wash cycle, this could lead to soggy dishes and an unsatisfactory cleaning experience. Common causes include a faulty heating element, malfunctioning thermostat, or issues with the control board. Let’s explore how to identify and fix these problems.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Westinghouse Models

  • Heating element parts and thermostats are available for Westinghouse models; locate model number for correct part match.

Possible Causes

Faulty heating element

How to Identify: Visual damage (corrosion/cracks on element; no continuity on multimeter; cold water inside during cycle.

Part: Heating element

Malfunctioning thermostat/temperature sensor

How to Identify: Dishwasher fails to reach proper temperature despite intact heating element; continuity test fails on thermostat.

Part: Thermostat/temperature sensor

Faulty control board/timer

How to Identify: Dishwasher cycles skip heating stage; error codes or unresponsive control behaviors.

Part: Control board/Timer

Blown thermal fuse or safety cutoff

How to Identify: Dishwasher stops mid-cycle or heating stops abruptly; continuity test fails on thermal fuse.

Part: Thermal fuse

DIY Solutions

Inspect and test heating element

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: multimeter, screwdriver
  1. Disconnect power to dishwasher.
  2. Access bottom of dishwasher interior and locate heating element.
  3. Visually inspect for damage; disconnect wires and measure resistance with multimeter.
  4. If no continuity or visible damage, element is defective and should be replaced.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is disconnected before accessing electrical parts.

Test thermostat/temperature sensor

Advanced 45–90 minutes
Tools Needed: multimeter, service manual for part location
  1. Disconnect power to dishwasher.
  2. Locate thermostat or temperature sensor (often near heating element).
  3. Disconnect and test continuity with multimeter according to service manual specifications.
  4. If failing continuity test, replace thermostat.
⚠️ Safety First: Power must be off before testing electrical components.

Check control board connections

Advanced 60–120 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, multimeter
  1. Disconnect power to dishwasher.
  2. Access control board (behind control panel or lower front).
  3. Inspect for burn marks, loose connectors.
  4. Test relevant circuits if comfortable with electronics; reseat connectors.
  5. Replace control board if damaged.
⚠️ Safety First: High risk; power must be off and proper grounding observed.

Next step

Choose the next step for not heating

Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.

Based on diagnostic data

Most relevant component to inspect

Heating Element

Heats the water or air inside the appliance to the required temperature.

Typical part-only price
$40 - $95
DIY difficulty
Medium
Estimated time
30-45 mins
Where can I find the model number?

Check the rating label around the door, lid, frame, rear panel, or inside the appliance cabinet. Use the complete model number, including suffixes.

Find a part that fits my model

Verify the complete model and part number on the retailer's compatibility page before ordering.

Other components that may be involved

Check these only if your diagnosis points to them.

Possible related component

Temperature Sensor

Monitors the internal temperature to ensure correct operation and prevent overheating.

$15 - $35 · Easy · 15-30 mins

Check fit & price
Possible related component

Main Control Board

The central brain of the appliance that controls all components, cycles, and timings.

$120 - $280 · Medium · 20-40 mins

Check fit & price

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Professional Repairs

Replace heating element

Estimated Cost: $30 - $120

Replace thermostat/temperature sensor

Estimated Cost: $20 - $80

Control board replacement

Estimated Cost: $100 - $400

When to Call a Professional

Dishwasher shows electrical burning smells, sparks, or persistent no heat after DIY tests
Control board or internal electronic failures suspected
Uncomfortable with electrical diagnostics or component replacement

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean filters and spray arms: Improves water circulation which supports effective heating and cleaning.
    Frequency: monthly
  • Inspect door seals: Ensures proper cycle operation including heating engagement
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Westinghouse Dishwasher not heating?
Common causes include a faulty heating element, malfunctioning thermostat, or issues with the control board.
How do I fix Westinghouse Dishwasher not heating myself?
You can test the heating element and thermostat with a multimeter or check control board connections for issues.
How much does it cost to fix not heating?
Professional repair costs range from $30-$120 for the heating element to $100-$400 for control board replacement.
When should I call a technician for not heating?
If the DIY solutions seem complex or if the problem persists, it’s best to call a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

70%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty heating element
  • Defective thermostat
  • Control board issues

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Test and replace the heating element: 1. Unplug the dishwasher. 2. Access the heating element (usually located at the bottom). 3. Use a multimeter to test for continuity. 4. If faulty, replace the heating element with a new one. 5. Reassemble and test the dishwasher.

  2. Check and replace the thermostat: 1. Unplug the dishwasher. 2. Locate the thermostat (typically near the heating element). 3. Test with a multimeter for continuity. 4. Replace if defective. 5. Reassemble and test the dishwasher.

  3. Inspect and repair the control board: 1. Unplug the dishwasher. 2. Access the control board (usually behind a panel). 3. Look for burnt components or loose connections. 4. Resolder any damaged joints or replace the board if necessary. 5. Reassemble and test the dishwasher.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Westinghouse WSF6605 dishwasher only heats on short cycle.

Community Discussions

only heats on short cycle

Re-soldered control board joints, particularly around the relay.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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