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Dishwasher not drying dishes
If your dishwasher is not drying dishes and leaves glasses, plates, or silverware wet at the end of the cycle, the problem is usually tied to the drying system. The most common cause is a vent that is not opening to release hot, steamy air, followed by a faulty turbidity sensor that can keep the dishwasher from moving into the drying cycle. On some models, a failed vent fan motor is next on the list, since it helps pull moisture out during drying. If your dishwasher dishes are still wet, also check the heating element or heating element assembly, which supplies the heat needed for proper drying, along with any resettable fuse built into the element circuit. A damaged or loose wire harness can also stop voltage from reaching the heater. If your dishwasher is not heating to dry, testing these parts with a multimeter is often the fastest way to narrow it down. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact vent, turbidity sensor, vent fan motor, heating element, heating element assembly, or wire harness that fits your specific dishwasher.
01 - Dishwasher Vent
The vent might not be opening properly. As the dishes are drying, many dishwashers use a vent to let out the hot, steamy air generated during the rinse cycle. If the vent does not open properly, the dishwasher will leave moisture on the dishes. Check the vent to ensure that it is opening properly.
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02 - Dishwasher Turbidity Sensor
A dishwasher turbidity sensor measures the amount of food particles in the water being circulated through the appliance to help determine how long a wash or rinse cycle should last. Some sensors also incorporate a thermistor to regulate the temperature. If the sensor is faulty, it may prevent the dishwasher from entering the drying cycle.
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03 - Dishwasher Vent Fan Motor
Some dishwashers use a vent fan motor to help dry the dishes at the end of the cycle. If the fan motor is not working, the dishwasher won’t dry the dishes properly. To determine if the fan motor has failed, test the motor for continuity. Also, try turning the fan blade by hand to ensure that it spins freely. If the fan motor has burned out or the fan blade won’t turn smoothly, replace the vent fan motor.
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04 - Dishwasher Heating Element
Some dishwashers use a heating element to heat the dishwasher during the drying cycle. If the heating element has failed, the dishwasher won't dry dishes properly. To determine if the heating element has burned out, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the heating element does not have continuity, replace it. Note that some dishwasher heating elements have a resettable fuse that can trip, preventing voltage from reaching the element to heat it. Pressing the button on the fuse will reset it and restore power to the element
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05 - Dishwasher Heating Element Assembly
Some dishwashers use a heating element to heat the dishwasher during the drying cycle. If the heating element assembly has failed, the dishwasher won't dry dishes properly. To determine if the heating element assembly has burned out, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the heating element assembly does not have continuity, replace it. Note that some element assemblies have a resettable fuse that can trip, preventing voltage from reaching the element to heat it. Pressing the button on the fuse will reset it and restore power to the element.
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06 - Dishwasher Wire Harness
A wire harness allowing voltage to be sent from the dishwasher control board to a heating element could be loose or damaged and unable to provide power to the element. If this happens, the dishwasher may not be able to dry the dishes properly. You should inspect all wire harnesses for loose connections or damage, especially burn marks near the connection points, and replace if necessary.
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07 - Heated dry not selected
Not all cycles are created equal. If the dishes are coming out too wet, confirm the cycle you are using has heated dry or the heated dry option is selected.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my dishwasher not drying dishes even though the cycle finishes normally?
How do I test a dishwasher heating element if my dishes are still wet after the cycle?
Can a bad vent or vent fan motor cause a dishwasher to not dry dishes?
What does the turbidity sensor do, and can it stop the dishwasher from drying?
How do I find the right dishwasher drying part for my model?