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HomeRepair HelpKitchenAid Dishwasher RepairKitchenAid Dishwasher overheating Repair
KitchenAid Dishwasher overheating
If your KitchenAid dishwasher is overheating, the problem usually starts with the heating system itself. The most common cause is a shorted heating element, followed closely by a shorted heating element assembly, both of which can raise water temperature beyond normal operating range and make the dishwasher get too hot. After that, check the high-limit thermostat, make sure the thermostat is mounted firmly against the tub in its support bracket, and then test the thermostat itself for continuity if the other parts check out. It is also worth confirming that your home water supply is not set too high, since water hotter than about 120 degrees Fahrenheit can contribute to a KitchenAid dishwasher overheating. If your KitchenAid dishwasher gets too hot during the cycle, a multimeter can help you narrow down whether the heating element or thermostat is the fault. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact KitchenAid heating element, heating element assembly, high-limit thermostat, or thermostat that fits your specific dishwasher.
01 - KitchenAid 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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02 - KitchenAid 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 - KitchenAid 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 - KitchenAid 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my KitchenAid dishwasher overheating?
How do I test a KitchenAid dishwasher heating element for overheating problems?
Can a bad high-limit thermostat cause a KitchenAid dishwasher to overheat?
What water temperature should a KitchenAid dishwasher have?
How do I find the right KitchenAid dishwasher heating element or thermostat part?
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