Home › Appliances › Dishwasher Not Heating

DISHWASHER FAULTS

Dishwasher Not Heating

A dishwasher may stop heating because the heater, heat pump, thermostat, temperature sensor, wiring or control board has failed.

!

Switch off, unplug and close the water supply before dismantling the appliance

Dishwashers combine mains electricity, hot water and hidden pumps. Stop using the machine if it leaks, trips the electrics, smells burnt or contains sharp broken glass.

MOST LIKELY CAUSES

Start with these

Heating element or heat pump fault Water remains cold through the wash.
Temperature sensor fault The control receives an incorrect reading.
Wiring or connector damage Heat and moisture can damage connections.
Control-board fault The heater may not receive power.
◫ Symptom variations Match the exact point in the wash cycle. ⌄
  • Dishes stay cold
  • Grease remains after wash
  • Programme takes too long
  • Heating error code appears
  • Machine trips during wash
✓ Quick checks Simple checks before removing panels. ⌄
  1. Note the exact cycle stage when the fault appears.
  2. Record any error code before switching off.
  3. Check filters, spray arms, hoses and visible water connections.
  4. Confirm the appliance is level and correctly loaded.
  5. Unplug before touching filters, hoses or internal parts.
If the cause is external: correct the hose, filter, loading or supply fault and test carefully.
If electrical, pump or internal leaks are suspected: stop and call an appliance engineer.
1 Step 1 — Confirm the selected programme should heat Switch off and unplug before removing filters, hoses or panels. ⌄

Process

Use a normal hot programme rather than rinse-only or eco testing.

Success looks like: The test condition is valid.
Escalate when: One low-temperature programme does not prove a fault.
2 Step 2 — Check for error codes Switch off and unplug before removing filters, hoses or panels. ⌄

Process

Record the exact code and model.

Success looks like: The fault area is narrowed down.
Escalate when: Do not remove panels while powered.
3 Step 3 — Inspect only external warning signs Switch off and unplug before removing filters, hoses or panels. ⌄

Process

Look for tripping, burning smells or visible leakage.

Success looks like: A safety issue is identified.
Escalate when: Internal testing requires competence.
⌁ Common causes explained Why dishwasher faults develop. ⌄

A dishwasher may stop heating because the heater, heat pump, thermostat, temperature sensor, wiring or control board has failed.

The stage of the cycle is the main clue. Fill faults happen at the start, circulation faults during washing, heater faults once the wash is underway, and pump faults during draining.

⌘ Advanced diagnostics Appliance-engineer checks and repair work. ⌄
  • Test heater resistance and insulation.
  • Check thermostat and temperature sensor.
  • Inspect wiring and connectors.
  • Verify water-level permission to heat.
  • Test control-board heater relay.
▣ Parts that may need replacing Common components linked to this fault. ⌄
  • Heating element
  • Heat pump
  • Temperature sensor
  • Thermostat
  • Control board
! When to call an appliance engineer Conditions that should end basic troubleshooting. ⌄
  • The dishwasher trips the electrics.
  • Water leaks from inside the cabinet.
  • The circulation or drain pump is grinding or seized.
  • Internal electrical testing is required.
  • The appliance must be dismantled to reach the fault.
  • The same fault returns after basic checks.
? Frequently asked questions Common dishwasher questions. ⌄

Why is there a small amount of water below the filter?

A small amount can be normal on some models. Standing dirty water above the filter usually indicates a drainage fault.

Why are plastics still wet after the cycle?

Plastic retains less heat than glass or ceramic, so some moisture is normal even when the drying system works.

Should I keep resetting the electrics if the dishwasher trips?

No. Unplug it and arrange electrical fault testing.