Whirlpool Dishwasher Heating Element Replacement #W10717674

Total Parts Cost

$NaN

08:57

Description

This video provides step-by-step instructions for replacing the heating element on Whirlpool dishwasher model #WDF550SAFS. The most common reason for replacing the element is if the dishwasher is not cleaning or drying properly.

All of the information in this heating element replacement video is applicable to the following brands: Whirlpool

Tools used: phillips head screwdriver

Step By Step Instructions

Print Instructions

To replace the heating element in your dishwasher, you will need to fully uninstall the appliance.

Before you do this, you should turn off the power supply to your dishwasher and shut off the water supply valve.

Using a Phillips head screwdriver, unthread the four mounting screws securing the toe kick panel and the inner access panel.

Remove both panels and set them aside.

Now, unthread the top screws securing the terminal box cover.

Slide the cover to the right to remove.

Note the orientation of the wiring, then untwist the wire nuts to disconnect the power wires and the grounding wire if applicable, or release the grounding wire by unthreading the screw.

Unthread the strain relief nut and detach the strain relief and power wires from the terminal box.

Next, unthread the water supply line from the water supply valve.

Feed it through the cabinet.

Disconnect the drain hose from the sink drain or garbage disposer and feed it through the cabinet as well.

Now, open the dishwasher door and remove the mounting bracket screws.

To move the dishwasher, you may need to adjust the legs to lower the appliance.

Now, gently pull the dishwasher out of the cabinet.

Tip the dishwasher back and rest it on a towel or blanket.

Disconnect the heating element wires and remove the insulating sleeves.

Use a 5/16 inch nut driver to unthread the outer mounting nut.

Detach the grounding wire, then unthread the inner mounting nut.

Remove the washer and detach the mounting plate.

Now, return the dishwasher to its upright position.

Place a weight on top to support the appliance.

Open the dishwasher door and remove the lower dish rack, then the retaining tabs back to release the heating element, and you can fully remove the old component.

Install the new heating element by aligning it in the retainers and inserting the terminals through the base of the tub.

Bend the retaining tabs down to secure.

Replace the lower dish rack.

Remove the weight and tip the dishwasher back.

Align the mounting plate over the heating element terminals.

Replace the washer, then thread and tighten the inner mounting nut.

Align the grounding wire, then thread and tighten the outer mounting nut.

Slide the insulating sleeves over the terminals and connect the heating element wires.

Return the dishwasher to its upright position.

Confirm that the ends of the drain hose and the water supply line are accessible through the cabinet wall.

Then, gently slide the dishwasher back into the cabinet.

Adjust the leveling legs if necessary.

Replace the screws to secure the mounting brackets to the cabinet or countertop.

Feed the water supply line through the cabinet and reconnect it to the supply valve.

Feed the drain hose through the cabinet and connect it to the sink drain or garbage disposer.

Make sure the hose is elevated above the connection point.

Fully reposition the wires and strain relief in the terminal box.

Then, thread and tighten the strain relief nut.

Join the power wires together and secure them with the wire nuts.

Black wire to black wire, white wire to white wire.

Join the grounding wires together as well, or secure the grounding wire under the screw with the wires positioned inside the terminal box.

Realign the cover and rethread the screw to secure.

Position the inner access panel behind the toe kick panel.

Place the two panels against the frame and align the slots in the inner panel with the toe kick bracket screw holes.

With the inner panel flush against the floor, thread and tighten the four mounting screws.

With the repair completed, turn the water supply back on as well as the power, and your dishwasher should be ready for use.