How to Troubleshoot & Replace Whirlpool AP5690151 / W10518394 Dishwasher Heating Element

New fill valve and new heating element. 

Replaced with heating element 

I ordered the part after googling possible causes because it was cheap enough and easy to replace. One thing you have to do though, at least with my dishwasher, was run a diagnostic cycle before it turned the element back on. Just press any 3 buttons in order 1,2,3,1,2,3,1,2,3 and it starts the diagnostic and you can hit the start/resume button to cycle through to the end then it works. 

Everything went smoothly, of course pulling the dishwasher was a little bit of a challenge. At the end, dishwasher works as a new one. Thank you 

After what feels like 100 years the heating element died. The replacement was super easy and I decided to replace the chopper and a worn out control panel. 

1) Found low if not the lowest price on AppliancePartsPros.com 2) Watched excellent how-to video included on web page containing item 3) Ordered 4) Replaced per instructions in video. VERY pleased. 

Forum repair information indicated if the dishwasher light blinks 7 times, pauses, and repeats, then it is the heater circuit. I pulled the DW out and checked continuity on the thermistor and heating element. Element was open. Order late on a Tuesday night and arrived on Friday. I was expecting it on Thursday, but with the snow storms, it was delayed a day. Third time ordering from APP and always the best prices and usually arrives next day. This is the company to order your parts... 

Ordered a heating element and hi-limit thermostat. Replaced both and started it up a few minutes ago. So far, no leaks and will know later tonight or in the morning if my efforts and diagnosis were correct, crossed fingers. 

Replaced heating element. 

I ordered a new heater element and two new washers. Here's what I learned after watching their video and then doing the repair: 1. I didn't need to order new rubber washers. Even though they weren't in the diagram, the new heater came with new rubber washers along with the nuts. 2. I didn't need to pull the dishwasher out from the wall. I was able to reach underneath and undo the nuts. Your experience may vary depending on how meaty your forearms are, but it is possible. 3. Once I reassembled, it still didn't work! Pull out your instruction manual, and run a diagnostic cycle on it to reset everything. I had to hit 3 buttons in a 1-2-3 sequence 3 times to activate the cycle.