Customer Questions and Answers for Dishwasher Heating Element by Whirlpool

Gunns, The "clean" light flashing seven times, indicates an issue in the heater circuit. The most common issue is a water temperature that's to low. First thing you'll need to do is "reset" the control board. Then start the dishwasher and allow it to wash for five minutes, then unlatch the door, remove the lower rack and check the water temperature with an accurate thermometer. The water temperature at this point needs to be a minimum of 120 dgrs.F. if not the control can't increase the water temperature to the proper temp. in the allotted time, and the light will blink. If the water temperature is in range, then you will need to check the heater element 8194200 thermostatWP661566 and wiring for "open" circuits. If all checks OK install the heater element kit. Thanks

Hello Don, When the clean light flashes it can only mean one of two things. It can mean that the clean button is stuck and the control panel WP3385731 is in need of replacement or it can mean that the heating circuit has failed. The way to tell which has happened is that if the heating circuit has failed, the clean light will flash seven times with a pause and then flash seven times with a pause, etc. If this is the case, you need to troubleshoot the heating circuit. There are five components: the heating element, the high limit thermostat, the door switch, the control, and the wiring harness. There should be a tech sheet behind the kick panel which will show the wiring diagram. This should enable you to shoot through the circuit with an ohm meter. If it reads open from the control board, you will need to test each component individually. It will also guide you through a self diagnostic test that is necessary to run through to clear the code so the unit can run a cycle once repaired. Let us know if we need to render further assistance.

Hello Stuart. No, it is normal to bend the element W10518394 some to match the holes.

Hello Jay! Here is a link from our free repair forum that will assist you with your repair request. Thanks! http://forum.appliancepartspros.com/dishwasher-repair/174855-replacing-heating-element.html

Phil, Yes, there could still be an issue with the water temperature. You need to check the water temperature in the tub once the dishwasher has filled. You'll need to start the dishwasher and allow it to fill, when the motor starts, check the water temp in the bottom of the tub with a "cooks" thermometer, The minimum water temperature at this time needs to be 120 dgrs.F.(130 to 140 dgrs. is even better). You may have to run the hot water at the kitchen sink, to purge any water in the pipes, so the dishwasher starts with the proper temperature. A damged heater element isn't a common issue, but you can check the resistance of the heater(10 to 30 ohms) with a multimeter.

Hi Junior, look for your model number either inside the door jam on the left, right, or top. Sometimes it's on the door or on back of the unit. We likely have the element you need and they are normally easy to replace. Hope this helps.

Hello Abby. Yes, if the heater is broke, it should repair the issue with the flashing clean light when replaced.

Hello James! Unfortunately, we do not have the specs available on parts to verify the material. I do apologize for the inconvenience.

Hello James. The element W10518394 is a cal rod heater.

Wayne, Normally, No, an open heater element would not create the issue with the control panel, you described. We would expect other issues, during the wash cycles, Based on your post description, you most likely have a keypad issue WP8269460, and of course a new heater element W10518394. Thanks