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  1. Repair
  2. KitchenAid
  3. KitchenAid Dishwasher
  4. Dishwasher burning smell

KitchenAid dishwasher burning smell

Common reasons your KitchenAid dishwasher has a burning smell

The most common reasons your KitchenAid dishwasher has a burning smell are a defective electronic control board, damaged user interface control or a faulty pump and motor assembly.

  • 66%

    66% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 15%

    15% of the time it's the
    User Interface Control

  • 13%

    13% of the time it's the
    Pump and Motor Assembly

  • 6%

    6% of the time it's the
    Something else

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    Most common repairs needed to fix a KitchenAid dishwasher

    Electronic Control Board Replacement

    A burning smell coming from your dishwasher could be caused by a defective electronic control board. The circuit board has a myriad of wires and small components that can short out and burn up – causing a burning smell. Also, defective electronic control board can send electrical current to the heating element at the wrong time and cause a burning smell to come from inside the dishwasher tub. When you smell a burning odor coming from your dishwasher, have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert visit your home and replace the electronic control board if it’s defective.


    How to replace a dishwasher electronic control board

    User Interface Control Replacement

    A burning smell coming from your dishwasher could be caused by a damaged user interface control. An electronic component on the user interface control can short out and cause an electrical burning smell. When you detect an electrical burning smell coming from your dishwasher, disconnect power and have a Sears Home Services Repair Technician visit your home and examine the controls and components of the dishwasher. The technician will replace the user interface control if it’s damaged.

    Pump and Motor Assembly Replacement

    When you detect a burning smell coming from your dishwasher while it’s running, a faulty pump and motor assembly could be causing the odor. Wiring inside the pump motor will produce a rancid smell as wiring insulation gets hot and starts smoking. A bad motor bearing can produce a metallic burning smell. When you detect these types of smells coming from your dishwasher, it’s time to schedule a service call and have a Sears Home Services Technician check out the dishwasher and replace the pump and motor assembly if it’s faulty.

    What to expect when you experience a KitchenAid dishwasher burning smell issue

    How is the burning smell problem fixed?

    Correcting most burning smell problems usually involves replacing the electronic control board, user interface control or pump and motor assembly. 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 burning smell

    When the dishwasher has a burning smell 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 burning smell 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.

    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

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    Additional possible KitchenAid dishwasher symptoms you may experience