Unlock the Right Part
for Your Repair
Find the exact part you need
Enter your model number to see parts that fit your machine.
Price Match Guarantee
In-stock parts ship the same day
365-Day Return Policy
Price Match GuaranteeChoose Product
Identify Problem
03
Find Solutions
HomeRepair HelpUniversal Dishwasher RepairUniversal Dishwasher has a burning smell Repair
Universal Dishwasher has a burning smell
A dishwasher burning smell usually points to an electrical part overheating or shorting out, and the most common place to start is the drain valve solenoid. If your dishwasher smells like burning, check the drain valve for burn marks near the solenoid terminals and test it for continuity. Next, inspect the heating element, since a shorted heating element can cause a dishwasher electrical burning smell and often shows blistering, raised spots, or a visible break. After that, look at the timer and control board for signs of scorching or other heat damage, because either part can short and create a dishwasher overheating smell. If the smell shows up after the tub fills and the unit only hums or stays unusually quiet, the pump and motor assembly may be failing. A bad drain solenoid kit can cause the same issue as well. On RepairClinic.com, you can enter your model number to find the exact replacement part for your specific dishwasher, whether you need a drain valve, heating element, timer, control board, pump and motor assembly, or drain solenoid kit.
01 - Universal 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.
Enter model number to search for the required part specific to your product
Top Solution
02 - Universal 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 - Universal 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 - Universal 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 - Universal 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 - Universal 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 dishwasher have a burning smell during the cycle?
Can a dishwasher heating element cause a burning smell?
Could a drain valve or drain solenoid cause a dishwasher burning smell?
My dishwasher smells like burning and hums but does not wash properly. Is the pump motor bad?
How do I find the right replacement part for my Universal dishwasher?
Shop by Universal Dishwasher Parts
Shop by Popular Universal Dishwasher Models
Our Story
Family-owned and operated since 1912, Burke America Parts Group is the longest-running genuine appliance, HVAC, and outdoor power equipment parts solution in North America. At Repair Clinic, we're proud to be an international brand trusted by the pros as well as the DIY community.
About Repair Clinic
© 2026 RepairClinic.com