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Thermador Dishwasher not drying dishes

If your Thermador dishwasher is not drying dishes, start with the parts most likely to affect the dry cycle. A stuck or failed vent is the most common cause, since the vent has to open to release hot, moist air at the end of the rinse. Next, check the turbidity sensor, which can keep the dishwasher from moving into the drying portion of the cycle if it is reading incorrectly. A bad vent fan motor is another common reason a Thermador dishwasher leaves dishes wet, especially on models that use forced-air drying. After that, inspect the heating element or heating element assembly, because a failed element means the dishwasher is not heating to dry. Also look at the wire harness that carries power from the control board to the heating element, since a loose or burned connection can stop drying even when the element itself is good. If your dishwasher dishes are still wet after the cycle, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact Thermador vent, vent fan motor, turbidity sensor, heating element, heating element assembly, or wire harness that fits your machine.

01 - Thermador 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 - Thermador 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 - Thermador 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 - Thermador 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 - Thermador 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 - Thermador 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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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Thermador dishwasher not drying dishes?
How do I test a Thermador dishwasher heating element that is not drying dishes?
Can a bad vent or vent fan motor cause a Thermador dishwasher to leave dishes wet?
What does the turbidity sensor do, and can it stop my Thermador dishwasher from drying?
How do I find the right Thermador dishwasher drying part for my model?

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