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Samsung Dishwasher Thermistor Replacement - Signs & How-To

3 min read
⚡ Quick Answer

Dishwasher won't heat, stops mid-cycle, or shows temperature fault? A failed thermistor sensor is the cause. Replacing it restores heating.

Difficulty Intermediate (DIY)
Est. time 15-60 min
Tools Multimeter , nut driver, screwdrivers

Samsung Dishwasher Thermistor Replacement — What This Part Does

The thermistor is the temperature sensor that tells the control board how hot the water is during the wash cycle. The dishwasher uses this reading to decide when to stop heating and when to advance to the next phase. When the thermistor drifts out of range, opens internally, or sends a signal the control can’t read, the dishwasher either stops heating or aborts the cycle completely because it thinks the water temperature is wrong.

Most thermistor failures happen because the sensor element itself goes bad over time, but loose or corroded wiring at the connector and improper seating at the pump housing gasket (especially after earlier service) also cause false readings. If the sensor tests out of range with a multimeter on the ohm setting, replacement is the fix.

Jump to Replacement Steps

Signs It Needs Replacing

How to Replace It

  1. Unplug the dishwasher and shut off the water supply at the valve under the sink.
  2. Remove the lower front panel or kickplate by pulling out or unscrewing the fasteners, then tilt the dishwasher back or pull it out from the cabinet far enough to access the base.
  3. Locate the thermistor on the pump housing or sump area (consult your model’s service diagram if needed).
  4. Disconnect the wire harness connector from the thermistor, then use a multimeter on the ohm setting to test the old sensor against the temperature resistance chart for your model (continuity-only testing is not correct for this sensor).
  5. If the reading is out of range, remove the mounting screws or clips securing the thermistor to the pump housing or bracket.
  6. Pull out the old thermistor and gasket (if present), then install the new thermistor with a fresh gasket and seat it firmly into the housing to prevent leaks.
  7. Reconnect the wire harness, reinstall any covers or lower panels, and slide the dishwasher back into place.
  8. Restore water and power, then run a test cycle or enter service mode to confirm the control reads temperature correctly and there are no leaks at the sensor mount.
  9. Monitor the first full cycle to verify normal heating and cycle completion without fault codes.

The Part You Need

PartNotes
Samsung dishwasher thermistor (temperature sensor)Amazon | Common part numbers include DD32-00005A (also listed as AP4579881, PS4222316) and DD32-00009A. Check the model and serial plate inside the dishwasher door or on the side of the tub to find your exact replacement part number, or search by your full model number on a Samsung parts site.
Thermistor gasket or seal (if sold separately)Amazon | Some thermistor assemblies include a gasket, others require ordering it separately. Inspect the pump housing mounting point during disassembly to confirm fitment.

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

When to Call a Pro

If you’ve replaced the thermistor and tested it with a multimeter but the dishwasher still flags a temperature fault or won’t heat, the problem is likely in the wiring harness or the control board itself. Diagnosing a harness short or a failed board input requires a service manual, wiring diagram, and experience tracing sensor circuits. A qualified appliance tech can pinpoint the fault without swapping more parts and can also handle any leak-testing or pump-housing work if the sensor mount area shows signs of water damage or corrosion.


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