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HomeRepair HelpKenmore Dishwasher RepairKenmore Dishwasher has a burning smell Repair
Kenmore Dishwasher has a burning smell
A Kenmore dishwasher burning smell usually points to an electrical component that is overheating or shorting, and the most likely culprit 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 element can blister, crack, or break and create a dishwasher electrical burning smell. After that, look at the timer and then the control board, both of which can short out after a power surge or internal failure. A failing pump and motor assembly is another common cause, especially if the dishwasher fills but the circulation pump motor only hums or stays quiet. The drain solenoid kit can also overheat and produce the same dishwasher overheating smell. If your Kenmore dishwasher smells like burning, entering your model number on RepairClinic.com is the fastest way to find the exact drain valve, heating element, timer, control board, pump and motor assembly, or drain solenoid kit that fits your specific dishwasher.
01 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 Kenmore dishwasher smell like burning during a cycle?
How do I tell if the heating element is causing the burning smell in my Kenmore dishwasher?
Can a Kenmore dishwasher drain valve or drain solenoid cause a burning smell?
Should I replace the control board if my Kenmore dishwasher smells like burning?
How do I find the right Kenmore dishwasher part for a burning smell repair?
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