The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Dishwasher has a burning smell 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.
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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 drain valve will often use a solenoid to open the valve to allow the water to exit the dishwasher. Since the solenoid is an electrical component, it can short out and produce a burning smell. You should inspect the solenoid for any burn marks near the terminals. You can also use a multimeter to test the drain valve solenoid for electrical continuity to determine if the component is able to function properly. If the solenoid is faulty, the entire drain valve assembly may need to be replaced.
The heating element may be shorted, causing a burning smell. In most cases when the element shorts out, it will have blisters or raised sections on it; in other cases a shorted element will break in half. 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.
On some dishwasher models, the timer determines when power is sent to the various components of the dishwasher. If the timer receives a power surge, or a component fails, the timer can short-out causing a burning smell. Inspect the timer for burn marks. A damaged timer will need to be replaced.
The control board provides power to the various components of the dishwasher. If the control board receives a power surge, or a component fails, the control board can short-out causing a burning smell. Inspect the control board for burn marks. A burnt control board will need to be replaced.
The circulation pump uses a motor and impeller to force water up through the wash arms during the dishwasher's wash and rinse cycles. If the motor has burned out or is in the process of failing, it can produce a burning smell. You can often tell that a circulation pump motor has burned out if the motor isn’t making any noise or is just making a humming sound after the dishwasher has filled.
The drain solenoid opens the drain valve to allow the water to exit the dishwasher. Since the solenoid is an electrical component, it can short out and produce a burning smell. You should inspect the solenoid for any burn marks near the terminals. You can also use a multimeter to test the solenoid for electrical continuity to determine if the component is able to function properly.
The main control board provides power to the various components of the dishwasher. If the control board receives a power surge, or a component fails, the control board can short-out causing a burning smell. Inspect the control board for burn marks. A burnt control board will need to be replaced.
Dishrack Roller
On dishwashers with exposed heating elements, plastic or wood items like forks, spoons, and lids can fall through the racks and onto the element. When the element comes on in the dry cycle the items can melt or burn causing a smell. Remove any items that may have fallen onto the heating element.
If the power connections in the junction box are not secure the wire can overheat, melting the coating on the wires. Check to ensure the connections are tight and not burnt. If the connectors are burnt the wires will have to be cut and reconnected securely.
The control module allows voltage to be sent to the various components of the dishwasher. If the control module receives a power surge, or a component fails, the module can short-out or overheat and cause a burning smell. Inspect the module for signs of damage or burn marks and replace if necessary.
