Can I keep using my KitchenAid appliance with this error showing?

Usually not. KitchenAid appliances show this error when a part or safety circuit is out of range, so running it can stop the cycle or make the problem worse. Diagnose and clear the error before normal use.

What part is most commonly replaced for KitchenAid Dishwasher Heating Element Replacement Guide?

The parts that most often fix KitchenAid Dishwasher Heating Element Replacement Guide are listed in the parts section of this guide. Match the part to your exact model and serial number before you buy.

Is KitchenAid Dishwasher Heating Element Replacement Guide a DIY repair or do I need a technician?

Many fixes are DIY-friendly with basic tools, such as door switches, drain pumps, water inlet valves, thermostats, heating elements, and filters. Sealed-system, refrigerant, gas, or high-voltage work should go to a licensed technician for safety.

KitchenAid Dishwasher Heating Element Replacement Guide

Q: What does KitchenAid Dishwasher Heating Element Replacement Guide mean?

Water stays cold, dishes come out wet, or you see a heating error. Replacing the failed heater assembly at the bottom of the tub fixes it.

Q: How do I fix KitchenAid Dishwasher Heating Element Replacement Guide?

Work through the step-by-step fix below. Start with the quick reset and the most common cause, then check the specific part this guide points to. Most fixes need only basic hand tools and the right replacement part.

KitchenAid Dishwasher Heating Element Replacement Guide — What This Part Does

The heating element sits at the bottom of the dishwasher tub and does two jobs: it heats incoming water to the correct wash temperature and provides heat during the dry cycle. KitchenAid uses several different heater assemblies depending on model and year, all supplied by Whirlpool. The element fails when internal resistance breaks down (open circuit), terminals corrode, or the housing cracks and shorts out.

When the heater fails, the dishwasher controller detects that water temperature isn’t rising as expected or that the dry cycle isn’t working. You’ll see poor cleaning, wet dishes at the end of a cycle, or a heating-related fault code on the display. Replacement requires matching the exact OEM part number to your model because KitchenAid lists multiple heater assemblies across its dishwasher lineup.

Jump to Replacement Steps

Signs It Needs Replacing

Dishes come out wet or cold after a full cycle The element isn’t generating heat for the wash or dry phase, so water stays cool and dishes stay damp.
Heating error code on the control panel The dishwasher controller has detected that the tub temperature isn’t reaching target and flags a heating fault.
Poor cleaning or detergent pod doesn’t dissolve Cold water can’t activate detergent properly, leaving food residue and a partially intact pod in the dispenser.
Visible burn marks or corrosion on heater terminals Inspect the terminal connections at the bottom of the tub for charring, melted plastic, or green corrosion.
Element tests open-circuit with a multimeter Set your meter to continuity or resistance and probe the heater terminals; no reading means the element is broken inside.
Tripped breaker or control board replaced recently A shorted element can trip the breaker or damage the control board, and those symptoms point back to the heater as the root cause.

How to Replace It

Disconnect electrical power at the breaker or unplug the dishwasher, then turn off the water supply valve under the sink.
Remove the lower dish rack and unscrew the spray arm retaining nut or twist-lock cap at the center of the lower wash arm, then lift the arm off.
Pull the bottom access panel or kickplate off the front of the dishwasher (usually clips or two screws) and, if needed, slide the unit forward to access the underside.
Locate the heating element at the bottom center of the tub, disconnect the two wire terminals, and take a photo of the wire colors and positions before removal.
Use a 5/16-inch nut driver or socket to remove the two hex nuts securing the element from below (or from inside the tub on some models), then pull the element and rubber gasket or washers out.
Install the new OEM heater assembly by inserting the terminals through the holes in the tub floor, placing any washers or gaskets as shown in the old part, and threading the retaining nuts finger-tight from below.
Tighten the nuts snugly (do not overtighten and crack the ceramic or housing), then reconnect the wire terminals in the same positions you photographed.
Reinstall the lower wash arm, replace the access panel or kickplate, slide the dishwasher back into place, and reconnect any water or drain lines you loosened.
Restore electrical power and water supply, then run a short rinse or heat-dry cycle to verify the element heats and the dishwasher completes without error codes.

The Part You Need

Part	Notes
KitchenAid dishwasher heating element	Amazon \| Common OEM part numbers include W10703867, W11537778, and WPW10082892. Check the model and serial plate (inside the door edge or on the side of the tub) and cross-reference on the KitchenAid or Whirlpool parts site to confirm the exact heater for your unit.

If this part is failing you may also see one of these codes:

When to Call a Pro

If you’re not comfortable working under the dishwasher or don’t have space to slide the unit forward, call a tech. If the new element still shows no heat or the breaker trips immediately when you restore power, the control board or wiring harness may be damaged and you’ll need professional diagnostics. Any time you see active water leaks around the heater terminals or smell burning plastic when the machine runs, shut it down and get a service call before trying a repair.