The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Dishwasher overheating are ordered from most likely to least likely to occur. Check or test each item, starting with the items at the top of the page.
Top 4 Reasons Dishwasher Dispenser is Not Working?
Top 5 Reasons Dishwasher is Leaking?
Top 4 Reasons Dishwasher is Making Noise?
Top 5 Reasons Dishwasher is Not Cleaning?
Top 5 Reasons Dishwasher is Not Draining?
Top 4 Reasons Dishwasher is Not Drying Dishes?
Top 3 Reasons Dishwasher Won’t Fill with Water?
Top 5 Reasons Dishwasher Won’t Start?
How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter - Tech Tips from Repair Clinic
How to Avoid Dishwasher Back-fill - Tech Tips from Repair Clinic
Use A Tray Under Dishwasher - Tech Tips from Repair Clinic
Resistance Testing: Dishwasher Heating Element - Tech Tips from Repair Clinic
Wash Grease Filters in Dishwasher - Tech Tips from Repair Clinic
Open Your Dishwasher Door - Tech Tips from Repair Clinic
Load Your Dishwasher Properly - Tech Tips from Repair Clinic
Run Affresh Inside Your Dishwasher - Tech Tips from Repair Clinic
Dishwasher Lights Flashing? Dishwasher Troubleshooting
Dishwasher Buttons Not Working? Dishwasher Troubleshooting
Dishwasher Leaking From Motor Area? Dishwasher Troubleshooting
Dishwasher Overflowing? Dishwasher Troubleshooting
Dishwasher Door Won't Latch? Dishwasher Troubleshooting
Dishwasher Runs For Hours? Dishwasher TroubleshootingA shorted heating element may be raising the temperature of the water beyond what is normal for proper operation and causing the dishwasher to overheat. You can use a multimeter to test the heating element for a short to help determine if the component should be replaced.
A shorted heating element assembly may be raising the temperature of the water beyond what is normal for proper operation and causing the dishwasher to overheat. You can use a multimeter to test the assembly for a short to help determine if the component should be replaced.
The high-limit thermostat monitors the dishwasher internal temperature and shuts off the heating element if the dishwasher overheats. If the high-limit thermostat is malfunctioning, it may shut off the voltage to the heating element circuit. However, this is rarely the case. Before replacing the high limit thermostat check all the more commonly defective parts. If you have determined that all of the other components are working properly, test the thermostat by using a multimeter to test it for continuity.
The thermostat should be firmly pressed against the tub. If the thermostat is loose or is not in the support bracket correctly, it will not sense the water and air temperature properly, causing an overheat condition.
The thermostat monitors the dishwasher internal temperature and shuts off the heating element if the dishwasher overheats. If the thermostat is malfunctioning, it may shut off the voltage to the heating element circuit. However, this is rarely the case. Before replacing the thermostat check all the more commonly defective parts. If you have determined that all of the other components are working properly, test the thermostat by using a multimeter to check it for continuity.
The water supply temperature may be too hot. The recommended water supply temperature for a dishwasher to clean properly is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If your hot water temperature is higher, it should be turned lower for safety reasons.
A defective dishwasher temperature sensor can allow the water being circulated to become too hot and overheat the appliance. You can use a multimeter to test the sensor to help determine if the component has shorted or is defective.
