Frigidaire Dishwasher Heating Element Replacement - Signs & How-To

Frigidaire Dishwasher Heating Element Replacement — What This Part Does

The heating element heats wash water during the cycle and provides the heat needed for the drying phase. It sits at the bottom of the tub and receives power from the control board through a relay circuit.

The element fails when the internal coil opens from age or corrosion, when terminals burn or corrode from loose connections, or when the plastic insulators and washers are installed incorrectly or go missing after previous service. A failed relay on the control board can also prevent power from reaching a good element.

Jump to Replacement Steps

Signs It Needs Replacing

• Dishes come out wet or damp after the cycle The element is not generating heat for the drying phase.
• Water stays cold during the wash The element is open or not receiving power from the control.
• Visible burn marks or corrosion on the element terminals Loose or corroded connections have damaged the terminal area.
• Meter reads open circuit across the element terminals The internal coil has failed and the element must be replaced.
• Element tests good but still no heat The heater relay or control board is not sending power to the element.

How to Replace It

1. Disconnect power at the breaker and shut off the water supply valve under the sink.
2. Pull out the lower dish rack and remove the lower spray arm by lifting or unscrewing it from the hub.
3. Pull the dishwasher partway out from the cabinet to access the underside and disconnect the two wires from the heating element terminals.
4. Use a multimeter to check continuity across the element terminals (if open, the element has failed).
5. Remove the retaining nuts and washers from the element terminals under the tub and pull the old element out from inside the dishwasher.
6. Insert the new heating element through the tub floor and install the plastic insulators, washers, and retaining nuts onto the terminals from underneath.
7. Reconnect the two heater wires to the terminals under the tub.
8. Reinstall the lower spray arm and dish rack, slide the dishwasher back into place, and restore water and power.
9. Run a heated cycle and verify the element heats the water and dries the load.

The Part You Need

Related Error Codes

If this part is failing you may also see one of these codes:

• Frigidaire Dishwasher I20 error code
• Frigidaire Dishwasher I30 error code
• Frigidaire Dishwasher I40 error code
• Frigidaire Dishwasher L0 L6 error code
• Frigidaire Dishwasher Loc error code
• Frigidaire Dishwasher Pf error code

When to Call a Pro

If the heating element tests good with your meter but the dishwasher still does not heat, the fault is usually in the control board relay or wiring harness. Tracing that circuit and replacing board-level components requires appliance diagnostic experience. Call a tech if you are not comfortable working under the dishwasher with electrical connections or if water leaks appear after reassembly.