Dishwasher element and thermostat

I've had this issue with my thermal fuse blowing. If the water gets too hot, this will trip. If you have a meter and know how to handle yourself around electricity (power off and verified), then you can pull the liner out to get to the electronics. (I don't know the exact method for the Hotpoint). Follow the power lines and you'll find the fuse. Mine has two wires connected to tabs on a little card. If the fuse shows open on the meter, then you can get another for just a few bucks off your favorite auction site, or local appliance parts store (a few bucks more, but immediate delivery). If you have the hot water heater temp high, then you might want to make sure you don't use the "heat water" function, otherwise the fuse will blow again.

Please let us know if this helps, it will benefit others in your situation.

If you are using hot water connection then check the temperature of incoming water is hot enough. If cold water inlet only is used then most likely the heater element or thermostat in the dishwasher is faulty and the water is not heating enough.

Hello

Possible causes;

Incoming Water; Most manufacturers recommend that the water coming into your dishwasher be at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If the water is too cold, then your dishes don't clean properly. Or the dishwasher must run longer to heat up the water. Test the water temperature by running the hot water on your faucet for about 2 minutes or until it gets really hot. Place a waterproof thermometer under the water. If the water is too cold, increase the water temperature setting on your water heater.

Thermostat;The thermostat is responsible for regulating the water and drying cycle temperature. If this thermostat isn't working, the heating element at the base of the dishwasher tub may not come on. Test this element by selecting the hottest temperature setting. Run the dishwasher on the shortest cycle. Let the dishwasher run for a few minutes, and open it up. If the dishwasher water is not hot or the drying cycle isn't starting, order a new thermostat from a parts dealer since this component is difficult to fix.

Heating Element/Drying Fan; The heating element heats up the water and air. Access this element by removing the bottom rack. It looks like a long black rod. If any part of this component is broken or corroded, you must order a new one. You usually cannot fix this element. The drying fan is located in the main housing of the dishwasher, and it blows air around your dishes to dry them. Check this part by disconnecting the dishwasher from the power supply and opening up the housing. Examine the fan, and see if any dirt or debris is preventing it from moving. Clean it. If the fan won't turn at all or if the motor is burnt out, order a new fan since it's difficult to repair this part.

If your dishwasher isn't drying your dishes properly, see if you have selected a heated drying cycle. An air drying cycle doesn't completely dry your dishes. Never overload the dishwasher, as this prevents heat from circulating around your dishes, keeping them from drying properly. Plastic and Teflon

Yes, you need to remove the element taking note of the connections and wire colors. Also note the seals used on the element. Remember that sometimes a "cold" element does not show the fault and only once heated does the "short circuit" show. Take the element with you to the dealer as many different elements (shapes and sizes as well as electrical connections on elements are available).

Before I went with the controller, I would probably try the heating element itself, they are usually not that hard to replace and may be cheaper. I know its not that much advice, but just trying to help.

If the dry cycle has a problem, check these:

Heating element
Drying fan
Thermostat
Heating element Your dishwasher has an electrical heating element that helps to dry the dishes. If the element is burned out, the dishes won't dry properly, and you need to replace the element.

Drying fan Many high-priced dishwashers have a small fan that blows air or heated air into the dishwasher to speed up the drying process. If the fan is defective, you need to replace it.

Thermostat Some dishwashers have a thermostat that monitors the drying temperature. If the thermostat is defective, the heating element may not cycle on or off properly. If that's the problem, you need to replace the thermostat.

Your air gap is clogged, the thing sticking up from the sink next to the faucet. there is a hose that goes from the air gap to the dishwasher, somewhere in that system is clogged. You can clear it if you have a quarter inch drain snake.

hi,
The cycle doesn't complete
If the cycle doesn't complete, check these:

Water-heating cycle
Timer

Water-heating cycle
Many dishwashers heat the wash and/or rinse water to a higher temperature, as the cycle calls for it. In these cycles, the dishwasher pauses after it has filled with water, waiting for the water to reach the pre-set temperature. What happens next, depends, as follows:

On some units, the pause is timed and the unit continues after the allotted time. 

On others, the cycle can't continue until the water reaches the higher temperature. If you have this type of dishwasher and the water isn't being heated (say, because of a problem with the heating element or thermostat), after the unit stops at the heating cycle, it never continues. When you repair the heating-system problem, the "cycle problem" is fixed too. 

Timer
Timers don't often fail. But if every other part of the dishwasher seems to be working properly and the timer knob seems to be stuck in one place--doing one function continuously--the timer may be at fault. Dishwasher timers can't be repaired. If yours is defective, replace it. 

I see an error code
If your dishwasher has a digital readout and you see an error code, it may indicate a problem with the unit. If this happens, look up the error code in your owner's manual to find out what the problem is.

Good Luck
Thanks for using FixYa

did you solve this problem mine is doing the same?

The dishwasher should heat the water to about 50 C as the cycle calls for it. In these cycles, the dishwasher pauses after it has filled with water and waiting for the water to reach the temperature. In your case it look like the water isn't being heated (because of a problem with the heating element or thermostat), after the unit stops at the heating cycle, it never continues. Another possible is that the timer unit is defective (this is the worse case because of its cost !!!!)