How to replace a dishwasher high-limit thermostat

This DIY repair guide gives step-by-step instructions for replacing the dishwasher high-limit thermostat. The high-limit thermostat at the bottom of the dishwasher tub shuts off the heating element when it detects water temperature above 207 degrees Fahrenheit. A defective high-limit thermostat trips at a cooler temperature, preventing the heating element from heating. You can check for electrical continuity through the high-limit thermostat using a multimeter. If you measure no continuity when there’s no water in the tub, the high-limit thermostat tripped well below its set point and is defective. Replace the defective high-limit thermostat with a manufacturer-approved dishwasher part.

Use these steps to replace the high-limit thermostat in Kenmore, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, JennAir and Amana dishwashers. You also can use the same basic procedure to replace the high-limit thermostat on some GE, Frigidaire, Electrolux, Samsung and LG dishwashers.

Instructions

1. Shut off electrical power

Unplug the dishwasher or shut off the house circuit breaker for the dishwasher.

To verify that power is disconnected, make sure the control panel doesn’t light up when you press a control button or the power button.

2. Remove the outer door panel and control panel

With the dishwasher door open, remove the Torx screws from the inner door panel. Support the outer door panel with one hand as you remove the final 2 screws so the outer door panel doesn't fall.

Separate the outer door panel and control panel slightly from the inner door panel, and rest the outer panel on the floor while you disconnect the user interface control wire harness from the control panel.

Pull off the outer door panel and control panel.

3. Remove the bottom front access panel and toe panel

Using a nut driver, remove the screws that hold the bottom front access panel and toe panel in place.

Pull the access panel and the toe panel forward and remove them.

4. Remove the high-limit thermostat

Pull the wires off the high-limit thermostat.

Release the mounting bracket from the dishwasher frame and pull out the metal mounting bracket along with the high-limit thermostat.

Pull the high-limit thermostat out of the mounting bracket.

5. Install the new high-limit thermostat

Push the new high-limit thermostat into the mounting bracket.

Reinstall the mounting bracket with the new high-limit thermostat into the dishwasher frame.

Connect the wires to the new high-limit thermostat.

6. Reinstall the bottom front access panel and toe panel

Position the toe panel on the dishwasher and then position the access panel in front of the toe panel. Insert the mounting screws and tighten the screws firmly.

7. Reinstall the outer door panel and control panel

Position the outer door panel and control panel close enough to the inner door so you can reconnect the user interface control wire harness.

Reconnect the user interface control wire harness and attach the outer door panel and control panel to the inner door panel.

Reinstall the mounting screws.

8. Restore electrical power

Reset the house circuit breaker or plug in the dishwasher to restore electrical power.