Whirlpool Dishwasher: not heating

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Whirlpool dishwasher running but not heating the water? If your dishes are coming out cold and wet at the end of the cycle, it could be due to a faulty heating element, a defective thermostat, or a control board issue. Understanding these common causes can help you address this frustrating problem effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Possible Causes

Faulty heating element

How to Identify: Dishwasher water stays cold during wash; visible damage on element at bottom tub; continuity test with multimeter shows no continuity.

Part: Heating element

Defective thermostat/temperature sensor

How to Identify: Dishwasher cycles but thermometer sensor doesn’t activate heating element; multimeter test shows no continuity at expected range.

Part: Thermostat/temperature sensor

Control board/wiring fault

How to Identify: No power delivered to heating element despite element and sensor testing OK; visible burn marks or loose wiring at control board.

Part: Control board, wiring harness

Preventive Maintenance

  • Regular cleaning of filters and bottom tub: Blockages that can affect overall cycle performance including heating efficiency
    Frequency: monthly
  • Run hot water in sink before starting dishwasher: Starting with cold water reduces demand on dishwasher’s heating system
    Frequency: Each use

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Whirlpool Dishwasher not heating?
The most common causes include a faulty heating element, a defective thermostat/temperature sensor, or a control board/wiring fault.
How do I fix Whirlpool Dishwasher not heating myself?
Unfortunately, there are no DIY solutions available for this issue. It's best to seek professional assistance.
How much does it cost to fix not heating?
Repair costs can vary widely based on the specific issue, but you should expect to pay for parts and labor associated with the heating element or control board.
When should I call a technician for not heating?
If your dishwasher is not heating, it's advisable to call a technician promptly to diagnose and fix the problem, especially if it persists after troubleshooting.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Professional

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Heating element malfunction (5 mentions)
  • Control board issues (2 mentions)
  • Improper water connection (cold water line) (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace the heating element

    Success rate: 25.0%

  2. Clear error codes and test the washer

    Success rate: 8.0%

  3. Reconnect dishwasher to hot water line

    Success rate: 8.0%

  4. Replace the motor

    Success rate: 8.0%
Analysis based on 10 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Whirlpool diswasher not heating water
  2. Fix dishwasher or replace
  3. Replaced pump motor assembly on my Whirlpool Dishwasher, but...
  4. Dishwasher not getting hot enough. Is it my hot water tank?
  5. Whirlpool dishwasher (model no:WDF330PAHS3)
  6. If running diagnostics on dishwasher did not produce any cod...
  7. Whirlpool Model # WTD710PAYM5 Dishwasher Not Heating
  8. Whirlpool Dishwasher on Cold Line
  9. Whirlpool dishwasher without heat.
  10. Hello! My 4.5 year old whirlpool dishwasher is not cleaning ...

Community Discussions

heating element isn't working like it was before

Cleared error codes and tested the washer; issue resolved.

DIY View on Reddit →

flashing error code 4-3 (motor not running) and error code 7-1 (no heat)

Replaced the motor and the dishwasher is working.

DIY View on Reddit →

hooked up to cold water line

Dishwasher should be connected to hot water for optimal cleaning and sanitizing.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

not heating water or drying

Control board was replaced, but the issue recurred; technician returned and resolved it without charge.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

heating mechanism is no longer working

Replace the heating element or consider replacing the dishwasher due to age.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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