Dishwasher Heated Dry Not Working? Diagnose and Repair Guide
If you've noticed your dishes emerging damp or soggy after a full wash and dry cycle, your dishwasher's heated drying function may be broken. Malfunctioning heated drying can leave dishes dripping wet, covered in moisture spots, or warm but not completely dry.
With some targeted testing and parts replacement, you may be able to get your dishwasher's dry cycle working again.
Symptoms of a Broken Heated Dry
How can you confirm that your dishwasher's heated drying capability is actually malfunctioning? Here are some telltale signs:
- Dishes are left noticeably wet, damp, or cool after a complete cycle
- Puddles of water pooling in the bottom of the dishwasher tub
- The "Heated Dry" or "Heating" indicator light is blinking at the end of the cycle
- Dishes feel cool or cold to the touch when unloading
- Moisture droplets visible on tub walls and door interior
If your dishes aren't getting fully dry and hot airflow is not effectively evaporating residual moisture, your heated dry setting is likely not engaging. Next, let's explore the reasons why.
Reason 1 - Improperly Loaded Dishes
If dishes are packed too tightly or the racks are overloaded, airflow can become restricted within your dishwasher's tub. When air and steam circulation is blocked, moisture is not efficiently wicked away from your dishes during the heated dry phase.
Try rearranging your dishwasher loading to ensure adequate spacing around dishes:
- Leave room between dish item for air to pass through
- Don't overload dish racks or place dishes on top of one another
- Ensure bottom rack isn't packed tightly edge-to-edge
Giving your dishes sufficient breathing room allows the heating element to warm air that can evaporate remaining moisture for dry dishes.
Test Loading Changes
Run a dedicated test cycle with improved loading habits to see if overly tight packing was causing your residual moisture. Be sure to completely empty the dishwasher first and don't add detergent, as drying performance is what you are specifically testing.
If adjusted loading habits alone don't bring back a strong heated drying result, then move onto assessing other potential issues.
Reason 2 - Faulty Heating Element
The dishwasher's heating element enables the hot, moisture-wicking airflow during drying cycles. If the heating component is not working correctly, high heat will not be produced to dry dishes effectively.
Signs of a malfunctioning or failing heating element include:
- Dishes are not hot or are cool after a full cycle
- Heating indicator light does not activate
- Burned or corroded smells from vent
- Visible damage to heating element housing
Carefully inspect the heating element at the bottom of your dishwasher tub for any signs of degradation or loose wiring connections. Use a multimeter to check continuity through the element circuit.
If faulty readings are confirmed, replacing your dishwasher heating element may be required. Be sure to order the exact replacement part number designed specifically for your dishwasher make and model.
Consider DIY or Professional Replacement
If you are generally handy with repairs and electrical wiring, a heating element replacement can potentially be a DIY job. If you have any reservations, however, calling a technician for service is wise.
Reason 3 - Thermostat Issues
Your dishwasher's thermostat monitors internal tub temperatures and cycles the heating element on and off accordingly during drying. If the thermostat fails or incorrectly gauges temps, desired heating levels may not be reached.
To evaluate if you have a malfunctioning thermostat, take the following troubleshooting steps:
- Locate the thermostat mounted to interior tub walls
- Visually inspect for damage or loose wiring
- Use a multimeter to check if reading correctly
- Test continuity through thermostat contacts
If your thermostat is not kicking on the heating element per intended operation, a replacement should restore normal automated temperature control.
Professional Assistance Recommended
Due to the intricacies of testing and replacing a dishwasher thermostat, assistance from an appliance repair technician is highly recommended over DIY repairs.
Reason 4 - Vent or Fan Failure
Proper ventilation is key for eliminating hot moisture inside your dishwasher during heated drying cycles. Steam and airflow are channeled out either through a fan or external home venting.
If the steam ventilation fan or exhaust vent tube become blocked, steam will remain trapped in the tub instead of exiting. Symptoms of vent/fan failure include:
- Excess moisture buildup inside tub
- Steam leaking from door/seals
- No signs of steam from external vent
- Unusual fan noises or warnings
- Inspecting fan operation and blade spin
- Checking ventilation tubing for kinks
- Clearing out any debris blocking ventilation
Replace the entire fan motor assembly if electrical issues are causing failure. Ensure vent hose alignment if drainage problems exist.
Reason 5 - Cracked Dispenser
If cracks develop in your dishwasher detergent dispenser, the controlled release of rinse aids could be disrupted. Detergent aids are essential for finishing rinses and prevent spotting.
Signs your dispenser needs replacing:
- Visible cracking on dispenser surface
- Cloudy film or spots on dishes
- Excess water pooling in bottom tub
Order an exact replacement dispenser suited for your dishwasher make and model. Check compatibility prior to purchasing.
DIY Replacement Option
Those with repair experience can replace a cracked dishwasher dispenser on their own fairly easily, with only basic tools required.
Reason 6 - Condensed Water Buildup
If excess moisture drips and pools in the bottom of your tub instead of properly draining, drying efficiency will be reduced as heating elements are forced to work harder against excessive ambient steam.
Causes for unwanted moisture buildup include:
- Clogged or misaligned drain hoses
- Faulty water inlet valve
- Disabled condensation drying feature
- Clogged condenser coils
Carefully dry out your dishwasher tub and use a wet/dry vacuum to remove standing water. Then, check condenser coils underneath for any debris accumulation impeding proper moisture removal.
Performing a Heated Dry Test Cycle
Running a dedicated heated dry test cycle is useful for isolating the performance of the heating element function directly.
To test heated drying:
- Select longest, hottest drying cycle
- Allow empty dishwasher to run full duration
- Open dishwasher once cycle fully completes
- Use infrared thermometer to test tub interior temperature
- Inspect if tub feels excessively moist or steamy
If temps are low and moisture remains, the heating mechanisms requiring repair should be clear.
Consider a Service Call
If you are unable to diagnose the specific cause of failure based on testing, bringing in an appliance repair technician to evaluate is recommended.
When to Call a Repair Professional
While some heated dry malfunctions like blocked vents or overloaded tubs can be DIY fixes, components like electrical heating elements, thermostats, and electronic control boards often require a professionally trained repair technician.
Issues typically warranting service calls include:
- Electrical shorts in heating element
- Advanced control board diagnostics/replacement
- Complicated dispenser and drainage system repairs
Find authorized dishwasher repairmen in your area through online searches or by checking your user manual for service contact info.
Costs for repairs like heating element or thermostat replacement typically run $150-$250, but can vary based on technician hourly rates.
Preventing Future Heated Dry Problems
You can adopt some ongoing maintenance habits to get the best performance and lifespan from your dishwasher heating components:
- Regularly inspect/clean ventilation system
- Filter out food debris from washes
- Ensure proper loading spacing around dishes
- Always use recommended rinse aid liquids
- Immediately investigate any new steam/heat issues
Catching and addressing minor heated drying problems promptly reduces chances of control board computer failures down the road.
Diagnosing your dishwasher's broken heated drying function first starts with confirming symptoms like excess moisture and cool, wet dishes. Causes typically involve airflow blockages, heating element degradation, thermostat issues, moisture buildup, or cracked dispensers.
Targeted testing guided by service manuals checks which components need professional parts replacements - most commonly the heating element, thermostat, or electronic control board.
Even complicated heated dry malfunction can be repaired by appliance technicians.