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HomeRepair HelpWhirlpool Dishwasher RepairWhirlpool Dishwasher not drying dishes Repair
Whirlpool Dishwasher not drying dishes
If your Whirlpool dishwasher is not drying dishes, start with the parts most likely to cause moisture to stay behind at the end of the cycle. A stuck or failed vent is the most common issue, since the vent needs to open and release hot, steamy air during drying. Next, check the turbidity sensor, which can keep the dishwasher from moving into the drying cycle if it is reading incorrectly. After that, inspect the vent fan motor if your model uses one, because a bad fan motor can leave dishes still wet after dishwasher cycle completion. Heating problems are also common, so test the heating element or heating element assembly for continuity, and check for a resettable fuse on the element if your model has one. Finally, look over the wire harness that supplies power from the control board to the heating element, especially for loose connections or burn marks. Whether your Whirlpool dishwasher is not drying dishes, your dishwasher dishes are still wet, or you suspect the dishwasher is not heating to dry, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your machine.
01 - Whirlpool 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 - Whirlpool 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 - Whirlpool 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 - Whirlpool 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 - Whirlpool 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 - Whirlpool 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 Whirlpool dishwasher not drying dishes?
How do I test a Whirlpool dishwasher heating element if the dishes are still wet after the cycle?
Can a bad vent or vent fan motor cause a Whirlpool dishwasher to leave dishes wet?
What does the turbidity sensor do, and can it affect drying on a Whirlpool dishwasher?
How do I find the right Whirlpool dishwasher drying part for my model?
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