How to replace a dishwasher heating element

Unplug the dishwasher or shut off the house circuit breaker for the dishwasher.

To verify that power is disconnected, make sure the control panel doesn’t light up when you press a control button or the power button.

Find the water supply valve for the dishwasher under the sink (or in the basement). Close the valve to shut off the water supply going to the dishwasher.

Using a nut driver, remove the screws that hold the bottom front access panel and toe panel in place.

Pull the access panel and the toe panel forward and remove them.

Position the dishwasher’s power cord so it moves freely as you pull the dishwasher out from under the counter.  (See Tip if your dishwasher doesn’t have a power cord.)

Place a towel under the water supply line connection. Disconnect the water supply line from the water inlet valve and wipe up spills.

Disconnect the drain line from the garbage disposal or sink drain.

Remove the 2 mounting screws from the brackets that secure the dishwasher in the cabinet opening.

Pull the bottom dishrack out of the dishwasher and close the door.

Carefully lay the dishwasher on its back to access the heating element’s wiring and mounting hardware.

Pull the wires off the connection spades on the heating element.

Using a crescent wrench, remove the plastic heating element mounting nuts.

Set the dishwasher upright and open the door.

Pull the heating element up into the tub and release the mounting clip inside the tub.

Pull out the element.

Lubricate the seals on the leads of the new heating element with a small amount of rinse aid.

Push the leads of the new heating element through the holes in the back of the tub.

Attach the mounting clip inside the tub to the new heating element.

Set the dishwasher on its back.

Install the plastic nuts on the ends of the leads; don't cross-thread the plastic nuts.

Tighten the nuts until they're snug, to prevent leaks.

Push the wires completely onto the leads of the heating element.

Set the dishwasher upright. Pour water into the dishwasher. Check for leaks around the plastic nuts. To stop leaks, tighten the nuts to seat the rubber seals.

Reinstall the bottom dishrack.

Tilt the dishwasher upright and carefully push the dishwasher under the counter.

Reconnect the drain hose to the garbage disposal or sink drain.

Reconnect the water supply line to the inlet water valve.

Insert the screws into the mounting brackets that secure the dishwasher under the counter and tighten the screws.

Position the toe panel on the dishwasher and then position the access panel in front of the toe panel. Insert and firmly tighten the mounting screws.

Reset the house circuit breaker or plug in the dishwasher to restore electrical power.

Open the water supply valve.