Whirlpool WP3400931 Push On Retainer Nut OEM Part

A bit of searching on the internet narrowed the problem down to either the heating element or the control board. As I am not much of a diagnostician I decided to replace both. Along this same line, I would never have attempted these repairs if it hadn't been for the clear, easy to understand repair videos provided for each part. Further, my decision to do my own repairs was made easier because the prices of the parts was so reasonable. I took my time, reviewed the videos and replaced the heating element, the control board and the soap dispenser all in just a bit over an hour. There were no special tools needed and no special skills. The dishwasher is a bit large so you might want someone to help you if you need to lay it on its side. I figure i saved a little over $400.00 by not just buying a replacement dishwasher.

Replaced the heater element and related parts. When we accessed the element, it turned out that its water sealed had failed at one terminal. This led to corrosion and ultimately to an arc-fire at the terminal. It was burned to an open-circuit. This necessitated snipping/cleaning the wire end, and soldering on a new terminal lug. Upon installing the new heater element and associated parts, the rubber coating on the threads of the heater element was too thick. It caused the new plastic nut to split. We were able to use the old, original nut which did not split. Also, the new heater element came with rubber washers which obviated the need for new ones. Ultimately, we got the whole enchilada re-assembled and everything works fine. One last note: in our KitchenAid dishwasher, to get the error code to clear we had to run a diagnostic cycle. This is spelled out in the manual hidden behind the lower panel. You press "Normal/Heat/Normal/Heat" quickly and it turns on the diagnostic cycle.

Fault indicated likely cause was a bad heating element. Ordered the heating element and had it 3 days later. I've worked on the dishwasher before and am mechanically inclined. So removal of the washer from the cabinet to gain full access to the machine was not new to me. This is not difficult - the video covers it very well. I found the replacement of the element straight forward and takes about 15 minutes to complete after gaining access. Again the video covers the replacement well.

The heating element was bad and was causing the fuse to blow. Watched videos on site to see how to replace the items that I purchased. Videos were very instructive and allowed me to do the install easily!