How to replace the fuse kit on a Whirlpool dishwasher

Is your Whirlpool dishwasher acting up due to an overheating control board? Don’t worry, we’re here to help you tackle the problem head-on by replacing the thermal fuse kit yourself, and you could save on costly service fees. Plus, we’ve included a step-by-step how-to video just below, ensuring you have the confidence to get the job done right!

Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!

The fuse kit on a Whirlpool dishwasher includes the fuse, a sleeve, aluminum foil, zip ties, and instructions. The purpose of the thermal fuse is to cut off power to the control board in case of overheating.

Replacing the fuse kit is a relatively straightforward repair that can be completed in just a few minutes. By following the step-by-step instructions and using the provided tools, you can restore your dishwasher yourself and save the cost of a service call. 

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-nggkUlV_E

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

What you’ll need

• Torx 15 screwdriver
• flathead screwdriver 
• Wire strippers
• Small screwdriver

Safety precautions

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs to any appliance parts that hold water. Have towels ready for any residual water in the system when removing parts. 
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Don’t test wiring with a multimeter for live voltage if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short circuiting when testing. 
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 

Replacement steps

Removal

1. Start by opening the door of the KitchenAid dishwasher.
2. Use a Torx 15 screwdriver to remove all the screws from the inner door panel.  
3. Support the door at the bottom and slide out the control panel, allowing the outer door to come off.
4. Disconnect the wire plug from the control board by pressing the tab with a flat-blade screwdriver and pulling it out.
5. Remove the tape covering the fuse using wire strippers or any suitable tool.
6. Cut both wires connected to the fuse using side cutters on the wire strippers.
7. Strip approximately a quarter-inch of insulation from the ends of the wires.
8. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to press down the tabs inside and free the fuse. Push it down and pull it out on both sides and remove the old fuse. 

Installation

1. Put the sleeve provided in the kit over the two wires.
2. Insert one of the wires into the connector block and use a flat-blade screwdriver to tighten the screw securely.
3. Repeat the previous step for the second wire, ensuring that the connection is tight.
4. Slide the sleeve over the connector, positioning it in the middle.
5. Use the aluminum foil tape provided in the kit. Peel off the protective layer and wrap it around the sleeve, ensuring a secure and protective layer.
6. Slide the new fuse into the control board, pushing it back until you hear a click that the tabs are locked.
7. Attach the fuse to the harness using the zip ties provided in the kit. Use one zip tie on the top and one at the bottom, securing the fuse firmly.
8. Cut off any excess zip tie length with wire strippers, being careful not to cut any unnecessary wires.
9. Plug in the control panel into the electronic control board.
10. Place the control panel on the dishwasher door and secure it with the four long screws, using a Torx 15 screwdriver. Leave them slightly loose.
11. Close the door.
12. Install the outer door by placing the two L-shaped brackets underneath the appropriate part of the door. Hang the door over and drop it down, pushing it in.
13. Lift up the outer door so that the tabs at the bottom of the control panel fit into the cutouts on the top of the outer door.
14. Open the door, align the holes, and insert one screw in the middle on one side using a Torx 15 screwdriver.
15. Secure the doors together by tightening the screws on both sides.
16. Install the remaining screws and tighten them, taking care not to over-tighten and potentially break the plastic.
17. Close the door, plug the dishwasher back in, and run a test to check for any problems.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the fuse kit on your Whirlpool dishwasher. 

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

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