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  1. Repair
  1. Repair

Dishwasher not drying

Common reasons your dishwasher not drying

The most common reasons your dishwasher is not drying are a broken heating element, defective electronic control board or a stripped wire connector.

  • 35%

    35% of the time it's the
    Heating Element

  • 27%

    27% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 8%

    8% of the time it's the
    Wire Connector

  • 30%

    30% of the time it's the
    Something else

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    What our customers say about us

    With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it

    Thorough

    James called to give an estimated arrival time. He was professional and personable. He had 2 professional ideas of the problem and found 1 was correct, but he didn't stop there. He did a thorough check of the appliance. 1 small part was needed. He ordered the part to my house. Fortunately, he was able to schedule for the next week, just before Thanksgiving. As before, he called ahead, arrived and quickly fixed the problem. My appliance is working perfectly.

    Kirsten A, Oxford, PA

    Service Call

    Luke was great. Polite and knowledgeable even though the dishwasher was older than he!

    James G, Hillsboro, MO

    Daniel

    Daniel went above and beyond to fix my dish washer. Very pleasant to deal with.

    Paul F, Hghlnds Ranch, CO

    Common dishwasher repair parts you may need

    Replacing one of these dishwasher parts may fix your problem.

    Heating Element Replacement

    Typically, dishwashers include a heating element positioned at the tub's base, aiding in drying dishes as the cycle concludes. If this heating element malfunctions, dishes won't dry properly. Although visible cracks or damage might indicate the issue, damages aren't always apparent. When the heating element seems defective and fails to work, it's advisable to arrange for a Sears Home Services Expert to assess and fix your dishwasher.

    How to replace a dishwasher heating element

    Electronic Control Board Replacement

    If your dishwasher isn't drying dishes properly, it might be due to a faulty electronic control board. This board is responsible for sending power to the heating element and fan (if your dishwasher has one) to dry the dishes after the cycle. If there's a problem with the relay or the logic on the circuit board, it may prevent the heating element and/or fan from receiving power. Diagnosing whether the electronic control board is defective can be tricky. It's best to have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert come to your home and repair the dishwasher if it's not drying dishes properly.

    How to replace a dishwasher electronic control board

    Wire Connector Replacement

    If your dishwasher isn't drying, it could be due to a stripped wire connector between the electronic control board and the heating element. During the drying cycle, the electronic control board sends electrical current through the wire harness to the heating element. If the wire connector between these components is stripped, no electrical current will reach the heating element. Additionally, a stripped wire on the user interface control may prevent you from selecting a heating option correctly. If your dishwasher isn't drying properly, it's best to have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert visit your home to fix the problem.

    How to repair broken or damaged wires

    What to expect when you experience a dishwasher not drying issue

    How do I fix a dishwasher not drying problem?

    Fixing most issues with dishes not drying typically requires replacing the heating element, electronic control board, or wire connector. However, because there could be several reasons for the problem, it's important to conduct a thorough diagnosis. Getting an accurate diagnosis is crucial for knowing the cost of the repair.

    Sears Home Services offers this advice for fixing a dishwasher that is not drying

    If your dishwasher isn't drying, there could be various reasons behind it. To avoid replacing parts unnecessarily, we suggest having a Sears Home Services professional conduct diagnostic tests to pinpoint the exact issue. Our technicians have expertise in diagnosing all kinds of dishwasher problems.

    What to expect with a dishwasher not drying diagnosis

    Diagnosing issues with modern appliances can be challenging without the right expertise and training. If proper diagnostic techniques aren't employed, resolving problems with your dishwasher may involve guesswork when replacing parts. Appliances, particularly those developed in the last decade, have become highly advanced, with many featuring intricate electronic components that are not easy to assess. As a result, DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming more complex.

    Repair Dishwasher Resources

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    Glossary Terms

    What is Hard Water?

    Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.

    What is Wattage?

    Wattage is the measure of electrical power expressed in watts (W), indicating the rate at which a device consumes energy.

    What is Refrigerant?

    Refrigerant is a chemical compound used in HVAC systems and refrigerators to absorb heat from the environment by cycling through states of evaporation and condensation, enabling the cooling process through its cycle of evaporation and condensation.

    What is R-12 Refrigerant?

    R-12 refrigerant, also known as Freon-12, is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compound that was once widely used in air conditioning systems, refrigerators, and aerosol propellants before its phase-out due to environmental concerns.

    Common dishwasher symptoms to look out for

    These dishwasher brands may also experience not drying