How to replace a dishwasher thermal fuse

This dishwasher repair guide explains how to replace the bi-metal thermal fuse in the control panel. The dishwasher thermal fuse is a safety device that shuts power to the controls off—making the control panel unresponsive to commands—if there's a short circuit in the wire harness. The fuse can also blow or trip due to a failure of a major component such as the heating element or pump. You can replace the dishwasher's blown thermal fuse in less than 30 minutes, using a manufacturer-approved replacement part.

These instructions work for replacing a blown thermal fuse in Kenmore 665-series, Kenmore Elite, Whirlpool and KitchenAid dishwashers.

Instructions

1. Shut off electrical power

Flip the house circuit breaker switch to the Off position to completely disconnect electrical power to the dishwasher (some older homes instead have a fuse that you remove from the fuse box). To verify that power is disconnected, make sure the display on the control panel can't be activated.

Don't attempt to access internal components until power is disconnected.

2. Release the control panel

Remove the Torx screws from the inner door panel that secures the control panel to the front of the dishwasher door. 

Fold the control panel forward and down for access to the thermal fuse. You don't have to completely remove the panel.

3. Remove the thermal fuse from the control circuit board

The thermal fuse is mounted on the control board housing. Push down the main release tab to release the fuse from the locking tabs. Pull the thermal fuse forward and out from under the other tabs.

4. Install the new thermal fuse

Connect the wires to the new thermal fuse. Position the thermal fuse under the locking tabs and push it into place.

5. Reattach the inner door panel

Install the screws in the inner door panel. Firmly tighten the screws but don't overtighten, which could strip the threads. 

6. Restore electrical power

Flip the house circuit breaker switch to the On position to restore electrical power to the dishwasher. The dishwasher display should light up after you restore electricity. Test that the dishwasher control buttons work.