How to Troubleshoot & Replace Bosch AP2802450 / 00480317 Heater Assembly

On my Bosch she55m15uc/64, the cycle would take 3-4 hours, with the machine stuck on "1 minute" for a long time. The interior was getting moldy and smelly, and the dishes had a white film. At first, I thought it was the heater relay on the control board, but I pulled that relay and it seemed to be working. I could get an ohmmeter on the heater element without taking the bottom off the dishwasher, and the resistance was infinite. Replacing the heater did the trick. On my unit there was a good wiring diagram inserted at the bottom, front of the dishwasher - right below the door. This was very helpful in going through the circuits and determining that the heater element was the problem. 

The bottom of the dishwasher was full of water leaking from the Heater Assembly. This caused the float to activate the Drain Pump that ran all night and would continue to run even though a CL was showing in the LED that the machine was done with its cycles. The Heater Assembly had a hole burned through the side by the heater element after 15 years of use. Had to disassemble the whole dishwasher to replace the part. Not an easy job but cost 1/4 the price of a new dishwasher and works like new again. 

Installed a new washer water heater module along with its attached temperature sensor. Some difficulty removing the integrated front wood panel. Wiring harness replacement is important otherwise stretched wires prevent replacing the front panel in alignment with wiring harness cutouts. Mistake required complete disassembly once again. 

Replaced the heating assembly and repaired the control board. Video was invaluable for this repair. 

I you tubed the symptoms and checked the circuit board for burnt spots that can happen when the board goes bad. The board looked good so I assumed it was the water heater that was bad. After watching the Appliance Pro video, I ordered the part and replaced the heater. That was the ticket! My Bosch dishwasher is working great and I saved a ton of money.