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HomeRepair HelpKenmore Dishwasher RepairKenmore Dishwasher overheating Repair
Kenmore Dishwasher overheating
If your Kenmore dishwasher is overheating, the problem is usually tied to the heating circuit, most often a shorted heating element or heating element assembly that keeps driving water temperature too high. A dishwasher overheating can also be caused by a bad high-limit thermostat, a thermostat that is loose or out of position against the tub, a faulty thermostat, or incoming hot water that is simply set too high. In most homes, the water supply should be about 120 degrees Fahrenheit for proper operation. If your dishwasher gets too hot, start by checking the heating element for a short with a multimeter, then move on to the heating element assembly and the temperature-sensing parts. Since the high-limit thermostat and thermostat are less common failures, it makes sense to rule out the heating parts first. On RepairClinic.com, you can enter your model number to find the exact Kenmore heating element, heating element assembly, high-limit thermostat, or thermostat that fits your dishwasher, so you can fix the overheating issue without guessing at parts.
01 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 Kenmore dishwasher overheating?
How do I test a Kenmore dishwasher heating element if the dishwasher gets too hot?
Can a bad thermostat or high-limit thermostat cause a Kenmore dishwasher to overheat?
What water temperature should a Kenmore dishwasher have to avoid overheating?
How do I find the right Kenmore dishwasher heating element or thermostat for my model?
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