Maytag Dishwasher Not Preheating

I own a 6 year old Maytag dishwasher with the "Accutemp" feature, which brings water to 140 degrees prior to running the cycle. The heater element is not functioning, so the water remains lukewarm throughout the cycle and thus leaves the dishes unclean.

What steps should I take to troubleshoot the heating element and fix the problem?

Currently my work-around is to run the water heater at a higher temperature, (expensive and dangerous).

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

 

The wiring diagram for your dishwasher should be in the kick plate.

Check to see if you are getting 110 volts to the element.

If there is a 110 volts to the element check the element for continuity.

If you are not getting 110 volts at the element check the thermostat for continuity. Make sure you remove the wires so you do getting reading from something else.

I you need a part for your dishwasher here is a good place to get Maytag Parts.

 

No voltage at element. Element has continuity. Orange lead from control panel passes through a small element (Looks like a limiter. Could it be the thermostat? the element does not reach into the tub as the heating element or water level control do) The small element also has continuity.

There are six more wires from the control panel in the bottom of the dishwasher that all connect to the motor assembly, four on the right side and two on the left. It appears the four on the right are motor controls, I'm not sure what the two on the left do. Could that be the thermostat?

 

yes it could be. simple way to test is bypass the thermostat and see if you get voltage to the element and see if it starts gettting hot.