The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Dishwasher not drying dishes 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 TroubleshootingThe vent might not be opening properly. As the dishes are drying, many dishwashers use a vent to let out the hot, steamy air generated during the rinse cycle. If the vent does not open properly, the dishwasher will leave moisture on the dishes. Check the vent to ensure that it is opening properly.
A dishwasher turbidity sensor measures the amount of food particles in the water being circulated through the appliance to help determine how long a wash or rinse cycle should last. Some sensors also incorporate a thermistor to regulate the temperature. If the sensor is faulty, it may prevent the dishwasher from entering the drying cycle.
Some dishwashers use a vent fan motor to help dry the dishes at the end of the cycle. If the fan motor is not working, the dishwasher won’t dry the dishes properly. To determine if the fan motor has failed, test the motor for continuity. Also, try turning the fan blade by hand to ensure that it spins freely. If the fan motor has burned out or the fan blade won’t turn smoothly, replace the vent fan motor.
Some dishwashers use a heating element to heat the dishwasher during the drying cycle. If the heating element has failed, the dishwasher won't dry dishes properly. To determine if the heating element has burned out, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the heating element does not have continuity, replace it. Note that some dishwasher heating elements have a resettable fuse that can trip, preventing voltage from reaching the element to heat it. Pressing the button on the fuse will reset it and restore power to the element
Some dishwashers use a heating element to heat the dishwasher during the drying cycle. If the heating element assembly has failed, the dishwasher won't dry dishes properly. To determine if the heating element assembly has burned out, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the heating element assembly does not have continuity, replace it. Note that some element assemblies have a resettable fuse that can trip, preventing voltage from reaching the element to heat it. Pressing the button on the fuse will reset it and restore power to the element.
A wire harness allowing voltage to be sent from the dishwasher control board to a heating element could be loose or damaged and unable to provide power to the element. If this happens, the dishwasher may not be able to dry the dishes properly. You should inspect all wire harnesses for loose connections or damage, especially burn marks near the connection points, and replace if necessary.
Not all cycles are created equal. If the dishes are coming out too wet, confirm the cycle you are using has heated dry or the heated dry option is selected.
The float switch is a safety device designed to shut off the water inlet valve if the dishwasher is overfilling. If the float switch is defective or stuck, it might interrupt the cleaning cycle, preventing the dishware from drying properly. You can use a multi meter to test the float switch for continuity. If the float switch is defective, replace it.
Although it is not as important as using detergent in the dishwasher, using rinse aid will result in better drying performance. Rinse aid is formulated to help keep the water from adhereing to the dishes and works well on plastic dishware that is often hard to dry. Most dispensers have settings to adjust the amount of rinse aid being used. Consult your owner's manual for recommended settings.
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 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 control module regulates the voltage to the heating element circuit. If the control module fails, some components will not function properly or will not work at all. Control modules are often misdiagnosed; make sure to check more commonly defective parts first before replacing the control module.
The control board regulates the voltage to the heating element circuit. If the control board fails, some components will not function properly or will not work at all. Control boards are often misdiagnosed; make sure to check more commonly defective parts first before replacing the control board.
The main control board regulates the voltage to the heating element circuit. If the main control board fails, some components will not function properly or will not work at all. main Control boards are often misdiagnosed; make sure to check more commonly defective parts first before replacing the main control board.
The timer regulates the voltage to the heating element circuit. If the timer fails, some components will not function properly or will not work at all. Timers are often misdiagnosed; make sure to check more commonly defective parts first before replacing the timer.
