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HomeRepair HelpKitchenAid Dishwasher RepairKitchenAid Dishwasher not drying dishes Repair
KitchenAid Dishwasher not drying dishes
If your KitchenAid dishwasher is not drying dishes, start with the parts most likely to affect the drying cycle. A stuck or failed vent is the most common issue, since the vent has to open to release hot, steamy air so moisture can escape. Next, check the turbidity sensor, which can keep the dishwasher from entering the drying portion of the cycle if it is reading incorrectly. On models that use one, a bad vent fan motor can also leave dishes still wet by failing to move moist air out at the end of the wash. After that, test the heating element or heating element assembly for continuity, because a failed heater means the dishwasher is not heating to dry. It is also worth inspecting the wire harness between the control system and the heater for loose connections, damage, or burn marks that can stop voltage from reaching the element. If your KitchenAid dishwasher dishes are still wet after a cycle, entering your model number on RepairClinic.com is the fastest way to find the exact vent, vent fan motor, turbidity sensor, heating element, heating element assembly, or wire harness that fits your specific dishwasher.
01 - KitchenAid 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 - KitchenAid 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 - KitchenAid 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 - KitchenAid 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 - KitchenAid 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 - KitchenAid 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 KitchenAid dishwasher not drying dishes?
How do I test a KitchenAid dishwasher heating element if the dishes are still wet?
Can a bad vent or vent fan motor cause a KitchenAid dishwasher to not dry?
What does the turbidity sensor do in a KitchenAid dishwasher, and can it affect drying?
How do I find the right KitchenAid dishwasher drying part for my model?
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