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HomeRepair HelpKenmore Dishwasher RepairKenmore Dishwasher not drying dishes Repair
Kenmore Dishwasher not drying dishes
If your Kenmore dishwasher is not drying dishes and you keep finding dishes still wet at the end of the cycle, the most likely problem is a vent that is not opening properly to release hot, steamy air during drying. A faulty turbidity sensor is another common cause because it can keep the dishwasher from moving into the drying portion of the cycle. After that, check the vent fan motor, which helps move moisture out, then test the heating element or heating element assembly for continuity since a failed heater will leave a Kenmore dishwasher not heating to dry. A loose or damaged wire harness can also stop power from reaching the element. If your Kenmore dishwasher is not drying dishes properly, start with the parts tied directly to the dry cycle and look for obvious damage, poor connections, or a resettable fuse on the heater assembly that may have tripped. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact Kenmore vent, turbidity sensor, vent fan motor, heating element, heating element assembly, or wire harness that fits your specific dishwasher.
01 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 Kenmore dishwasher not drying dishes?
How do I tell if the heating element is bad in my Kenmore dishwasher?
Can a bad vent or vent fan motor cause a Kenmore dishwasher to leave dishes wet?
What does the turbidity sensor do, and can it stop my Kenmore dishwasher from drying?
How do I find the right replacement part for my Kenmore dishwasher?
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