How to Troubleshoot & Replace Whirlpool AP3841139 / 8194200 Heating Element Kit

Replaced the heating element, the control board, and the rubber gaskets. After two weeks of running once per day, the dishwasher is running like new again. Some tips: 1. Consider replacing the plastic nuts that secure the heating element, as a damaged heating element may have melted the threads. Hand tighten, then about a 1/4 turn with an adjustable wrench. 2. Getting to the control board required removing all Torx #15 screws from the door, not just the 6 securing the controls at the top. 

Installed the H. Element kit 

Replaced the heating element and controller. Should have worn gloves as the underside of back has sharp metal parts. Got sliced while screwing on the nuts to the new heating element. 

Followed the u-tube Vidio that was part of the part order. Was extremely helpful! Appliance parts pro is the ONLY way to go!! Parts came the next day?? 

Ordered the replacement part(s). Was concerned my curved element didn't match the angled element, but after reading reviews, realized this was indeed the part needed. It also came with the replacement circuit board. Repair went smoothly enough, thanks much to the video showing the steps. Only difference between my unit and the video was that I had to remove the whole front panel, not just the top six T15 screws. Once I figured that out, I replaced the board and put everything back together. Ran a test cycle and everything is working much better. All in all, about a 1/2 hour start to finish. I also scrubbed the tub down with a magic eraser and some paper towels. Looks and works like it's brand new! 

The problem was intermittent. After resetting and rewashinging the dishes for about a year I replaced the heating element and control board (heating element kit). The frame under the dishwasher has some razor sharp edges. After 5 cuts, I know why the guy in the video wore gloves. The plastic nuts on the heater came off easy but were hard to screw back on, I used a socket and was careful not to overtighten. My hardest problem was pulling the dishwasher out of the cabinet. I disconnected a lot of stuff that I didn't need too. 

Changed board and heating element 

Replaced the heating element with the new heating element and control card. 

Found a technical manual, not the users manual, online. Analyzed the electrical schematic. The tech manual had steps to enter a diagnostic mode that steps through each part of the cycle briefly, then you can check for specific components not working properly. I had a feeling that since the dishes were not drying, there was something wrong with the heating element. The diagnostic mode proved the element was not heating. I checked the resistance of the element and found that it was an open circuit. Heating element was definitely burned out. I went online searching for parts. Found Appliance Parts Pros, with a video on how to change out the element which was very helpful, and also a recommendation to replace the controller board along with the element, which was very helpful. I did replace both the element and controller, and it was very easy to do. Worst part was actually disconnecting and taking the dishwasher out from under the counter! The actual repair was almost too easy!! Thanks for the help, Appliance Parts Pros!! 

Ordered the parts and repaired it. Watched the video, which was very nice. No guessing how the easiest way to complete the job is. The upper wash arm had fallen off several years ago. The plastic button holding it on wears off with rotation...needs to be re engineered. We replaced it and dishwasher works like new. Very disappointing when you order a new heating element and the replacement they offer does not work with the existing mother board. You have to replace the mother board as well so the heating element ends up costing $189.00. Very poor Design engineering! Delivery time was excellent.