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HomeRepair HelpThermador Dishwasher RepairThermador Dishwasher has a burning smell Repair
Thermador Dishwasher has a burning smell
If your Thermador dishwasher has a burning smell, the problem is usually an electrical part that is overheating or shorting out. The most likely cause is the drain valve solenoid, followed by a shorted heating element, a failed timer, or a burnt control board. A failing pump and motor assembly can also cause a dishwasher burning smell, especially if the circulation pump only hums after the tub fills, and a bad drain solenoid kit is another common source. On many units, you can spot the issue by looking for burn marks, melted terminals, or blistering on the heating element, then confirming with a multimeter continuity test. If your dishwasher smells like burning or you notice a dishwasher electrical burning smell during the cycle, these parts are the first ones to check. RepairClinic.com makes it easier to match the fix to your exact machine. Enter your Thermador model number to find the exact replacement part, whether you need a drain valve, heating element, timer, control board, pump and motor assembly, or drain solenoid kit for your specific dishwasher.
01 - Thermador Dishwasher Drain Valve
The drain valve will often use a solenoid to open the valve to allow the water to exit the dishwasher. Since the solenoid is an electrical component, it can short out and produce a burning smell. You should inspect the solenoid for any burn marks near the terminals. You can also use a multimeter to test the drain valve solenoid for electrical continuity to determine if the component is able to function properly. If the solenoid is faulty, the entire drain valve assembly may need to be replaced.
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02 - Thermador Dishwasher Heating Element
The heating element may be shorted, causing a burning smell. In most cases when the element shorts out, it will have blisters or raised sections on it; in other cases a shorted element will break in half. 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.
Highly Likely
03 - Thermador Dishwasher Timer
On some dishwasher models, the timer determines when power is sent to the various components of the dishwasher. If the timer receives a power surge, or a component fails, the timer can short-out causing a burning smell. Inspect the timer for burn marks. A damaged timer will need to be replaced.
Highly Likely
04 - Thermador Dishwasher Control Board
The control board provides power to the various components of the dishwasher. If the control board receives a power surge, or a component fails, the control board can short-out causing a burning smell. Inspect the control board for burn marks. A burnt control board will need to be replaced.
Highly Likely
05 - Thermador Dishwasher Pump and Motor Assembly
The circulation pump uses a motor and impeller to force water up through the wash arms during the dishwasher's wash and rinse cycles. If the motor has burned out or is in the process of failing, it can produce a burning smell. You can often tell that a circulation pump motor has burned out if the motor isn’t making any noise or is just making a humming sound after the dishwasher has filled.
Common
06 - Thermador Dishwasher Drain Solenoid Kit
The drain solenoid opens the drain valve to allow the water to exit the dishwasher. Since the solenoid is an electrical component, it can short out and produce a burning smell. You should inspect the solenoid for any burn marks near the terminals. You can also use a multimeter to test the solenoid for electrical continuity to determine if the component is able to function properly.
Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Thermador dishwasher have a burning smell?
How do I know if the heating element is causing the burning smell in my Thermador dishwasher?
Can a Thermador dishwasher drain valve or drain solenoid cause a burning smell?
My Thermador dishwasher smells like burning and hums but does not wash properly. What should I check?
How do I find the correct replacement part for my Thermador dishwasher burning smell problem?
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