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HomeRepair HelpDishwasher RepairDishwasher overheating Repair
Dishwasher overheating
If your dishwasher is overheating, the problem is usually in the heating circuit, not the wash system. The most common cause is a shorted heating element, followed by a shorted heating element assembly that keeps driving water temperature higher than normal. After that, check the high-limit thermostat, since a failed thermostat can stop regulating heat correctly, though it is less common. A thermostat that is loose or out of position against the tub can also misread internal temperature and let the dishwasher get too hot. In rarer cases, the main thermostat itself may be faulty. Before replacing parts, also verify your home’s hot water supply is not set above the recommended 120 degrees Fahrenheit, since incoming water that is too hot can make it seem like the dishwasher is overheating. If your dishwasher gets too hot, smells overheated, or seems to run with excessive heat during the cycle, testing these parts with a multimeter is the right next step. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact heating element, heating element assembly, high-limit thermostat, or thermostat for your specific dishwasher.
01 - Dishwasher Heating Element
A shorted heating element may be raising the temperature of the water beyond what is normal for proper operation and causing the dishwasher to overheat. You can use a multimeter to test the heating element for a short to help determine if the component should be replaced.
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Top Solution
02 - Dishwasher Heating Element Assembly
A shorted heating element assembly may be raising the temperature of the water beyond what is normal for proper operation and causing the dishwasher to overheat. You can use a multimeter to test the assembly for a short to help determine if the component should be replaced.
Top Solution
03 - Dishwasher High Limit Thermostat
The high-limit thermostat monitors the dishwasher internal temperature and shuts off the heating element if the dishwasher overheats. If the high-limit thermostat is malfunctioning, it may shut off the voltage to the heating element circuit. However, this is rarely the case. Before replacing the high limit thermostat check all the more commonly defective parts. If you have determined that all of the other components are working properly, test the thermostat by using a multimeter to test it for continuity.
Highly Likely
04 - Thermostat out of position
The thermostat should be firmly pressed against the tub. If the thermostat is loose or is not in the support bracket correctly, it will not sense the water and air temperature properly, and can cause the dishwasher to overheat.
Highly Likely
05 - Dishwasher Thermostat
The thermostat monitors the dishwasher internal temperature and shuts off the heating element if the dishwasher overheats. If the thermostat is malfunctioning, it may shut off the voltage to the heating element circuit. However, this is rarely the case. Before replacing the thermostat check all the more commonly defective parts. If you have determined that all of the other components are working properly, test the thermostat by using a multimeter to check it for continuity.
Highly Likely
06 - Water supply temperature too hot
The water supply temperature may be too hot. The recommended water supply temperature for a dishwasher to clean properly is 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius). If your hot water temperature is higher, it should be turned lower for safety reasons.
Highly Likely
07 - Dishwasher Temperature Sensor
A defective dishwasher temperature sensor can allow the water being circulated to become too hot and overheat the appliance. You can use a multimeter to test the sensor to help determine if the component has shorted or is defective.
Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my dishwasher overheating?
How do I test a dishwasher heating element for an overheating problem?
Can a bad thermostat cause a dishwasher to overheat?
What if the thermostat is good but the dishwasher still gets too hot?
How do I find the right heating element or thermostat for my dishwasher?