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HomeRepair HelpWhirlpool Dishwasher RepairWhirlpool Dishwasher has a burning smell Repair
Whirlpool Dishwasher has a burning smell
If your Whirlpool dishwasher has a burning smell, the problem is usually tied to an electrical part overheating or shorting out. The most likely cause is the drain valve solenoid, which can burn at the terminals and create a sharp dishwasher burning smell. Next, check the heating element, since a shorted element can blister, crack, or break and cause the dishwasher to smell like burning. On some Whirlpool models, a failed timer can also overheat and leave visible burn marks, followed by the control board, which may short after a power surge or internal component failure. If the smell shows up after the tub fills and the machine just hums or stays quiet, the pump and motor assembly may be overheating. The drain solenoid kit is another common source of a dishwasher electrical burning smell. A quick inspection for scorched wiring, melted terminals, or obvious damage can help narrow it down, and a multimeter test for continuity is often the next step. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact Whirlpool replacement part, whether you need a drain valve, heating element, timer, control board, pump and motor assembly, or drain solenoid kit.
01 - Whirlpool 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 - Whirlpool 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 - Whirlpool 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 - Whirlpool 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 - Whirlpool 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 - Whirlpool 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 Whirlpool dishwasher have a burning smell during the cycle?
Can a shorted heating element make my Whirlpool dishwasher smell like burning?
Why does my Whirlpool dishwasher smell like burning and make a humming noise?
How do I know if the drain valve or drain solenoid is causing the burning smell?
How do I find the right Whirlpool dishwasher part for a burning smell repair?
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