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What is the method to remove the heating element from a dishwasher?

The new part looks like it just pushes in, no nuts screws or bolts. The old one does not just pull out. I do not wish to crack the cabinet. There must be special trick or maybe a special tool. HELP

Public Comments

  1. Do NOT attempt this is you don't know what you are doing and it sounds like that's the case. Call in a professional. Honestly, you will have bigger problems on your hands if you attempt this task and haven't a clue. Call in a professional.
  2. If the old element uses nuts to secure it to the tub and the new element does not, I would check to see if I have the correct replacement element. Take the toe plate or kick plate(near the floor on the front of the unit) off and see if you have access to the heating element. If not, you may want to disconnect the utilities from the dishwasher and then pull it out of the cabinets (assuming it is a built in unit). You can lay the unit on its back or side and have ample room to work. See how the old element is connected to the electrical wiring and how it is secured to the tub. Also look for retaining clips on the element inside the tub. If your new part does not use the same securing method, you will need to try to find the correct replacement part, or talk with a repair person to find out if and how to secure the new style part. It is VERY common for the replacement parts to not be identical in design to the old part. Sometimes this is due to improvements in design or to the use of a different supplier for the parts. Your new element may well be a "universal" style part and as you may have found, it really isn't a universal fit for all machines. Most elements I have replaced use nuts that thread over the end of the element or have a tang or tab that is welded or pressed over the ends of the element and use screws to secure it to the tub. You may be able to find an exploded view diagram on the Internet. Try the manufacturer's website to see if you can find a diagram. You will need your model and serial number to find this. If you can see how the old element is secured to the underside of the tub, and if you can get the old part out of the machine, take it with you to get a new one. I have never seen a heating element in a dishwasher that pushes through the tub without some other means of securing it.