October 01, 2016

How to replace a dishwasher high-limit thermostat

This DIY repair guide gives step-by-step instructions for replacing the dishwasher high-limit thermostat. The high-limit thermostat at the bottom of the dishwasher tub shuts off the heating element when it detects water temperature above 207 degrees Fahrenheit. A defective high-limit thermostat trips at a cooler temperature, preventing the heating element from heating. You can check for electrical continuity through the high-limit thermostat using a multimeter. If you measure no continuity when there’s no water in the tub, the high-limit thermostat tripped well below its set point and is defective. Replace the defective high-limit thermostat with a manufacturer-approved dishwasher part.

Use these steps to replace the high-limit thermostat in Kenmore, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, JennAir and Amana dishwashers. You also can use the same basic procedure to replace the high-limit thermostat on some GE, Frigidaire, Electrolux, Samsung and LG dishwashers.

Quick links

Video

Instructions

Tools required

Nut driver set

Torx screwdriver

Work gloves

Repair difficulty

Time required

30 minutes or less

Replacing a dishwasher high-limit thermostat video.

How to replace a dishwasher high-limit thermostat video.

Instructions

01.
Shut off electrical power
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.
PHOTO: Shut off the house circuit breaker.
02.
Remove the outer door panel and control panel
With the dishwasher door open, remove the Torx screws from the inner door panel. Support the outer door panel with one hand as you remove the final 2 screws so the outer door panel doesn't fall.
Separate the outer door panel and control panel slightly from the inner door panel, and rest the outer panel on the floor while you disconnect the user interface control wire harness from the control panel.
Pull off the outer door panel and control panel.
PHOTO: Remove the outer dishwasher door panel.
03.
Remove the bottom front access panel and toe panel
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.

PHOTO: Remove the toe panel.
04.
Remove the high-limit thermostat
Pull the wires off the high-limit thermostat.
Release the mounting bracket from the dishwasher frame and pull out the metal mounting bracket along with the high-limit thermostat.
Pull the high-limit thermostat out of the mounting bracket.
PHOTO: Remove the high-limit thermostat.
05.
Install the new high-limit thermostat
Push the new high-limit thermostat into the mounting bracket.
Reinstall the mounting bracket with the new high-limit thermostat into the dishwasher frame.
Connect the wires to the new high-limit thermostat.
PHOTO: Install the new high-limit thermostat.
06.
Reinstall the bottom front access panel and toe panel
Position the toe panel on the dishwasher and then position the access panel in front of the toe panel. Insert the mounting screws and tighten the screws firmly.
PHOTO: Reinstall the toe panel.
07.
Reinstall the outer door panel and control panel
Position the outer door panel and control panel close enough to the inner door so you can reconnect the user interface control wire harness.
Reconnect the user interface control wire harness and attach the outer door panel and control panel to the inner door panel.
Reinstall the mounting screws.
PHOTO: Reinstall the outer door panel.
08.
Restore electrical power
Reset the house circuit breaker or plug in the dishwasher to restore electrical power.

Warning: Undertaking repairs or maintenance to appliances or power equipment can be hazardous. Should you choose to undertake repairs or maintenance, you are assuming the risk of injury to your person or property. In an effort to reduce the risk, use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the applicable guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs or maintenance, however, should only be performed by a qualified technician.