How to Replace the Heating Coil on a Kenmore Dishwasher

Disconnect the dishwasher breaker in your home's main service panel.

Remove the screws securing the lower kick panel to the front of the dishwasher to remove the panel.

Remove the screws securing the water inlet valve. These are on the left side, located near the front lower compartment of the dishwasher. Move the inlet valve to the side.

Pull the two wire connectors off the heating coil terminals located in the center of the left side of the dishwasher.

Use an adjustable wrench to remove the two bolts securing the heating element to the dishwasher.

Open the dishwasher door and remove the lower dish rack.

Remove the lower wash arm by lifting the tabs below it. Lift up on the arm. On some models, the lower wash arm may be secured using a plastic nut located on the top of the center of the arm.

Pull the heating coil terminals through the bottom of the dishwasher. Release the heating coil from the retainer brackets in the bottom of the dishwasher and remove the old coil.

Install the new heating coil by inserting the terminals through the holes on the bottom of the dishwasher. Snap the coil into the clips on the bottom of the wash tub.

Replace the lower wash arm.

Reinstall the two bolts on the bottom of the heat element terminals to secure the heating element in place.

Connect the two wires to the terminals on the new heating coil.

Replace the water inlet valve. Use the screws that were removed to secure it to the dishwasher frame.

Replace the lower kick panel, using the screws that were removed to secure it into position.

Restore the dishwasher's power supply in your home's main service panel.