Kenmore dishwasher not drying

Common reasons your Kenmore dishwasher is not drying

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

  • 51%

    51% of the time it's the Heating Element

  • 31%

    31% of the time it's the Electronic Control Board

  • 9%

    9% of the time it's the Wire Connector

  • 9%

    9% of the time it's the Something else

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Most common repairs needed to fix a Kenmore dishwasher

Heating Element Replacement

Most dishwashers have a heating element at the bottom of the tub that helps dry dishwasher at the end of the cycle. Dishes won’t dry when a dishwasher has a broken heating element. Sometimes you can see cracks or damage on the heating element but damage isn’t always visible. When the heating element isn’t working and appears to be broken, schedule a Sears Home Services Expert to diagnose and repair your dishwasher.

Electronic Control Board Replacement

A dishwasher that is not drying dishes could have a defective electronic control board. The control board sends current to the heating element and fan (if your dishwasher has a fan) to dry the dishes at the end of the cycle. A failed relay or corrupted logic on the circuit board could prevent the control board from sending electrical current to the heating element and/or fan. Determining whether an electronic control board is defective is difficult. Have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert visit your home and fix the dishwasher when it is not drying dishes.

Wire Connector Replacement

When your dishwasher is not drying, a stripped wire connector between the electronic control board and heating element could be causing the problem. The electronic control board sends current through the wire harness to the heating element during the drying cycle. No electrical current will reach the heating element when a wire connector between those components is stripped. Also, a stripped wire on the user interface control can prevent you from selecting a heating option correctly. When the dishwasher isn’t drying, have Sears Home Services Repair Expert visit your home and fix the problem.

What to expect when you experience a Kenmore dishwasher not drying issue

How is the not drying problem fixed?

Correcting most not drying problems usually involves replacing the heating element, electronic control board or wire connector. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Sears Home Services recommendations for a dishwasher that is not drying

When the dishwasher is not drying it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dishwasher failures.

What to look out for with a dishwasher not drying diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dishwasher problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

A Kenmore dishwasher that leaves dishes wet often has a bad heating element or vent problem. Damp plates erode the convenience of automated washing. Rather than towel-drying stacks of dishes, schedule dishwasher repair near me. Restoring the dry function delivers cabinet-ready results.

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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.

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Kirsten A, Oxford, PA

Service Call

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

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Daniel

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn’t my Kenmore dishwasher drying dishes?
A malfunctioning heating element, clogged vent, or faulty thermostat could prevent proper drying. Inspect these components for damage or blockages.
Could a malfunctioning heating element cause my Kenmore dishwasher not to dry dishes?
Yes, if the heating element is faulty, the dishwasher won’t dry properly. Replacing the heating element should resolve the issue.
How can I fix my Kenmore dishwasher if it’s not drying?
Check the heating element, thermostat, and vent for issues. Replacing damaged parts should restore proper drying functionality.
What should I do if my Kenmore dishwasher still isn’t drying after replacing the heating element?
If the issue persists, the control board or timer may need professional inspection and replacement.

Repair Dishwasher Resources

Glossary Terms

A dishwasher basket is a removable container designed to securely hold small items like cutlery and utensils during the wash cycle, ensuring efficient cleaning without loss or damage.

A dishwasher end panel is a finishing piece installed on the exposed side of a dishwasher, primarily when it is at the end of kitchen cabinetry, to ensure a seamless and aesthetically pleasing look in the kitchen.

A dishwasher diverter motor controls the direction of water flow to different spray arms within the dishwasher, ensuring optimal water distribution during each wash cycle for thorough cleaning.

A dishwasher drawer is a compact, space-saving kitchen appliance designed to clean dishes efficiently, resembling a standard kitchen drawer that slides out for easy loading and unloading.