How to Test a Dishwasher Heating Element

Testing the parts of your dishwasher is vital to keeping it well maintained, and this includes the dishwasher heating element on your appliance. In order to check that this is working well, you will have to look at it physically, and this means extracting it from its place in the dishwasher and making a visual inspection. This is not difficult to do, and can be managed in an hour or so.

Step 1 - Remove the Heating Element

Before you can remove the dishwasher's heating element, you will need to turn off the power supply at the mains. You should also turn off the water supply. Then, open the dishwasher's panel, and find the thin tube which is at the base of the dishwasher. You may have to unscrew a covering panel before you can get to it. Now, unscrew the metal connections which connect it to the terminals, and then remove the wires using your pliers.

Step 2 - Testing the Heating Element

Once it has been removed, you can test the device using your multimeter. Your meter should be set at RX1, and each probe of the meter should touch a terminal. The meter's reading dial should not move. If you are satisfied, replace the heating element inside the dishwasher, and turn on the power and water supply.