Heated Dry Not Working? Dishwasher Drying Fixes

Is your dishwasher leaving dishes drippy and wet after the final rinse? Then the heated dry function may not be working properly. This common issue can be frustrating, especially if you're used to sparkling, dry dishware ready to put away after each wash.

But don't despair - in most cases, heated dry failures can be fixed with a few simple troubleshooting steps.

How Does Heated Drying Work?

During the heated dry cycle, a heating element at the bottom of the dishwasher heats up to help evaporate any remaining moisture on the dishes and interior. The heating element warms the air inside to just below boiling - around 180degF to 195degF. A thermistor monitors the temperature to prevent overheating.

This burst of heat should dry dishes and plasticware thoroughly before the end of the cycle. Some dishwashers have a vent or drying fan that pulls humid air out during drying. The heated dry cycle typically lasts 30 minutes or more after the final rinse.

Common Causes of Heated Dry Failure

If the dishes aren't getting dried properly, the most likely culprits include:

• Faulty or burnt-out heating element
• Clogged or blocked vent preventing air circulation
• Poor door seal allowing moisture to escape
• Drain pump failure preventing complete water removal
• Defective control board not activating heated dry
• Failed thermistor giving inaccurate temperature readings

Pinpointing the specific cause takes a bit of troubleshooting. Let's look at how to diagnose common heated dry problems.

Diagnosing Your Dishwasher's Heated Dry Problem

Start troubleshooting by confirming a few things:

• The heated dry option is selected in your wash cycle settings
• Check for any error codes on the display panel
• Run a short cycle and inspect if the heating element gets hot
• Check that condensation on dishes is minimal after washing

Next, dig a bit deeper with these steps:

Inspect the Vent and Drain Hoses

Clogs in the vent or drain hoses can lead to excess moisture in the dishwasher interior. Check that:

• The vent hose is kink-free and clear of debris buildup
• The drain hose has no visible clogs or kinks
• Water is pumped out completely after the wash cycle

Test the Heating Element

Use a multimeter to check the heating element for continuity. If there's no continuity, the element is burnt out and needs replacement. Also visually inspect the element for signs of cracks or damage.

Assess the Door Seal

A faulty door seal can't retain heat and moisture properly. Inspect the seal for any gaps, cracks, or tears. Confirm the door is properly sealed by placing a piece of paper inside and closing - it should stay in place when you open the door.

Check the Thermistor

This sensor monitors interior temperatures during heated drying. Use a multimeter to test it for accuracy. If it's malfunctioning, it will provide incorrect temp readings to the control board.

Test the Drainage Pump

Remove the drain pump and check if the impeller spins freely. Test for electrical continuity on the pump motor windings. A seized pump or electrical failure can lead to standing water issues.

Inspect Control Board Functions

If heated drying isn't activating at all, the main control board could be faulty. Check the control board connections and technical manual for further testing procedures.

Fixing a Faulty Dishwasher Heating Element

If testing confirms the heating element is burnt out or cracked, replacement is needed. Follow these steps:

1. Turn off power supply and water line to dishwasher
2. Remove lower access panel to locate heating element
3. Disconnect wires connected to element terminals
4. Unscrew the retaining nut to remove heating element
5. Inspect element and confirm it's faulty
6. Install new heating element, ensuring the gasket is properly seated
7. Reattach wire connections - take photos to remember wiring layout
8. Replace access panel and test dishwasher heated drying cycle

Unclogging a Blocked Vent Hose

Follow these steps if moisture buildup indicates your vent hose is clogged:

1. Disconnect the vent hose from vent outlet on dishwasher
2. Inspect hose for debris and blow out with air
3. Use a pipe cleaner to loosen stubborn clogs
4. Reconnect vent hose and confirm vent fan operates properly to pull air
5. Test heated dry cycle to ensure proper moisture removal

Replacing a Worn or Damaged Door Seal

Follow these instructions to install a new door seal:

1. Pop out old door seal from channel by pressing in sides
2. Clean seal channel with hot, soapy water and let dry fully
3. Apply silicone sealant in channel to hold new gasket in place
4. Press new door seal into channel around entire door perimeter
5. Allow silicone to cure for 24 hours before running dishwasher
6. Check door seal integrity by closing door on paper test

Testing and Replacing the Drain Pump

If standing water remains, the drain pump may be malfunctioning. Test as follows:

1. Unplug dishwasher power supply
2. Detach pump from dishwasher base
3. Check that pump impeller spins freely by hand
4. Use multimeter to test electrical continuity on pump motor
5. Replace pump if impeller is seized or windings show no continuity
6. Reinstall drain pump, ensuring proper mounting and hose connections

Replacing a Faulty Control Board

If replacing other components doesn't resolve the heated dry problem, the main control board may need replacement:

1. Unplug dishwasher before servicing
2. Open control panel to access main control board
3. Label and detach all wiring connections
4. Remove mounting screws to remove control board
5. Install new control board and restore connections
6. Test heated dry cycle and other dishwasher functions

With repairs complete, keep your dishwasher's heated dry function operating properly by:

• Regularly inspecting and cleaning door seals
• Checking and cleaning vent/drain hoses
• Using quality detergents and rinse aids
• Not overloading or improperly loading your dishwasher
• Promptly replacing defective parts like pumps or seals

Investing some time in maintenance goes a long way towards getting consistently dry dishes from your dishwasher. But even reliable appliances can fail, so keep this heated dry troubleshooting guide handy just in case.