Can I keep running the equipment with this fault active?

Generally no. Faults on Appliance units are emitted when a sensor, safety, or control circuit is outside its operating envelope. Running through an active fault risks compressor, heater, or control-board damage. Diagnose and clear the fault first.

What part is most commonly replaced for Whirlpool Dishwasher Thermistor/Temperature Sensor Replacement?

The most frequently replaced parts for Whirlpool Dishwasher Thermistor/Temperature Sensor Replacement are listed in the Parts Reference section of this guide with OEM part numbers and typical price ranges. Check the table for direct replacements.

Is Whirlpool Dishwasher Thermistor/Temperature Sensor Replacement a DIY repair or do I need a technician?

Sensor swaps, fan motor replacements, and condenser cleaning are typical DIY-level repairs. Anything involving refrigerant, gas, or high-voltage (>240V) work requires a licensed technician for both safety and code-compliance reasons.

Whirlpool Dishwasher Thermistor/Temperature Sensor Replacement

Q: What does Whirlpool Dishwasher Thermistor/Temperature Sensor Replacement mean?

Poor heating, cycle errors, or stopped mid-wash? A failed thermistor sends bad temperature data. Replacing the sensor restores normal heating.

Q: How do I fix Whirlpool Dishwasher Thermistor/Temperature Sensor Replacement?

Follow the step-by-step diagnosis below. The most likely fix is identified by checking power, sensor resistance, and control-board signals in order — using a multimeter and the part numbers documented in the parts reference table.

Whirlpool Dishwasher Thermistor/Temperature Sensor Replacement — What This Part Does

The thermistor (temperature sensor) sits in the sump at the bottom of your Whirlpool dishwasher and reports water temperature to the control board. The board uses that reading to decide when to heat, how long to run each cycle, and whether the wash temperature is safe and effective. When the sensor fails or sends a signal outside the normal range, the control can’t trust the data and may stop heating, throw an error code, or run cycles that don’t clean properly.

The sensor is a thermistor, a resistor that changes value with temperature. At 77°F it should read around 50,000 ohms. Over time, internal failures, water exposure, or corrosion at the connector can push the resistance out of spec or cause an open or short. Loose or corroded wiring at the sensor plug is another common fault. Poor seating in the sump housing can also let water in or create intermittent contact, which confuses the control.

Jump to Replacement Steps

Signs It Needs Replacing

Dishes come out cold or only partially clean The dishwasher runs through a cycle but the water never gets hot because the control board thinks the temperature is wrong and won’t command the heater.
Error code pointing to temperature or thermistor fault Many Whirlpool models display a code when the sensor reading is out of range or the circuit is open or shorted.
Cycle stops mid-wash or takes much longer than normal The control board pauses or extends the cycle waiting for a temperature it never sees because the sensor is sending bad data.
Heater runs continuously or not at all Without a valid temperature signal the board may lock the heater on trying to reach target temp or refuse to turn it on at all.
Intermittent faults that come and go A loose or corroded connector at the sensor can make contact sometimes and fail other times, causing random errors or heating problems.
Water leaks near the sump area after recent service If the sensor wasn’t twisted fully into the sump housing or the seal is damaged, water can seep out during or after a cycle.

How to Replace It

Turn off power to the dishwasher at the breaker and shut off the water supply valve under the sink.
Remove the lower access panel (toe kick) and pull the dishwasher forward if needed to reach the bottom or side of the sump area.
Locate the thermistor or temperature sensor, usually a small probe or plug-in assembly mounted in or on the sump at the bottom of the tub.
Disconnect the wire harness connector from the sensor and inspect the pins and terminals for corrosion, moisture, or bent contacts.
Use a multimeter set to resistance (ohms) and measure across the sensor terminals (not the harness). At room temperature (around 77°F) a good thermistor reads approximately 50,000 ohms. If the reading is far off, infinite (open), or near zero (shorted), the sensor is bad.
Release the old sensor by twisting counterclockwise or unclipping the retainer (depending on your model) and pull it straight out of the sump.
Insert the new sensor into the sump housing, align any tabs or grooves, and twist or press until it locks in place. Check that any rubber seal or grommet is seated properly to prevent leaks.
Reconnect the wire harness to the new sensor and make sure the connector clicks or latches fully.
Slide the dishwasher back into place, replace the lower panel, restore power and water, and run a short cycle to confirm the machine heats normally and no error codes appear. Check the sump area for any signs of water leakage during and after the test cycle.

The Part You Need

Part	Notes
Whirlpool dishwasher temperature sensor or thermistor	Amazon \| Part numbers W11612329, W10567618, or WPW10706573 depending on model. Check the model and serial number plate (inside the door edge or on the side of the tub) and cross-reference on the Whirlpool parts site or with your parts supplier to get the exact sensor for your dishwasher.

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

When to Call a Pro

If you’ve replaced the sensor and reconnected everything correctly but still see temperature errors or no heating, the fault may be in the control board, main harness, or heater circuit. Tracing those circuits requires wiring diagrams and live voltage checks. Also call a pro if you’re not comfortable working around 120V wiring inside the dishwasher or if you need to remove and reinstall the machine in a tight cabinet space. Any active water leaks from the sump or loose plumbing connections should also be handled by a technician to avoid floor damage.