How to Replace the Heating Element in a Frigidaire Dishwasher
The heating element in a Frigidaire dishwasher serves two purposes: it heats the wash water to the optimal temperature for detergent activation (typically 140-155 degrees F) and it provides radiant heat during the drying phase. On Gallery models with MaxBoost dry, the heating element works in conjunction with a fan module to accelerate drying. When the element fails, the most obvious symptom is wet dishes at the end of a cycle. A secondary symptom is poor cleaning, since cold water does not dissolve detergent effectively.
The Frigidaire heating element is a circular element mounted through the bottom of the tub, accessible from underneath the unit. Unlike some brands where the element is accessed from inside the tub, Frigidaire elements are removed from below, which means you do not need to remove the door or inner panels. This makes the replacement relatively straightforward if you can access the underside of the dishwasher.
Before You Start
- Tools needed: Phillips #2 screwdriver, 1/4" nut driver, adjustable wrench or pliers, digital multimeter, towels
- Parts needed: Heating element assembly ($30-$75), element gasket/rubber grommet ($5-$10 if not included)
- Time required: 40-50 minutes
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Safety warning: Disconnect power at the circuit breaker AND turn off water supply. The heating element operates on 120V and draws significant current. A failed element can short to ground, creating a shock hazard. Always test for ground fault before handling.
Do You Have the Right Tools?
Water pressure gauge ($60), spray arm tester, float switch multimeter ($85), and drain inspection camera. Our technician arrives with $15K+ in professional tools — your diagnostic is free.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Confirm the Heating Element Has Failed
Before buying a replacement element, confirm the existing one is actually bad. Disconnect power at the breaker. Remove the lower access panel (kick plate) using 2 Phillips screws. Locate the heating element terminals underneath the dishwasher tub. They are two metal prongs protruding through the tub bottom with wire connectors attached. Disconnect the wires from both terminals (pull the spade connectors off). Set your multimeter to the ohms (resistance) setting. Touch one probe to each element terminal. A good Frigidaire heating element reads between 10 and 30 ohms. An open circuit (infinite resistance, or OL on the meter) confirms the element is burned out.
Also test for ground fault: set the multimeter to ohms and touch one probe to either element terminal and the other probe to the bare metal of the dishwasher frame. You should read infinite resistance (no continuity). If you read any resistance, the element has shorted to ground and is a shock hazard. Replace immediately.
Step 2: Disconnect Power and Water Supply
Turn off the circuit breaker. Close the hot water supply valve under the sink. Open the dishwasher door and remove any standing water from the tub bottom using towels or a wet-dry vacuum. The less water in the tub, the less will leak when you remove the element from below.
Step 3: Remove the Lower Access Panel
Remove the 2 Phillips screws holding the kick plate and pull the panel forward. You now have access to the underside of the dishwasher tub. Lay towels under the work area because some water will drip when the element seal is broken.
Step 4: Disconnect the Element Wires
Locate the two element terminals protruding through the tub bottom. Each terminal has a spade connector wire attached. Note which wire goes to which terminal (photograph or label them). The wires are not interchangeable on some models because one terminal connects to the neutral line and the other to the hot line through the control board relay. Pull each spade connector straight off the terminal. If the connectors are corroded and tight, use needle-nose pliers to grip the connector (not the wire) and wiggle while pulling.
Step 5: Remove the Element Mounting Hardware
The heating element is held in place by a mounting bracket or retaining nut system from underneath. On most Frigidaire models, there is a single retaining bracket with a lock nut on each terminal. Use a 1/4" nut driver or adjustable wrench to remove the nuts from the terminals. Some models use a rubber compression grommet that seals the element penetration through the tub. As you loosen the nuts, the grommet compresses and releases its grip on the element posts.
Step 6: Remove the Old Heating Element
Once the retaining hardware is removed, the element can be pushed up and out through the bottom of the tub. Go to the dishwasher door (open it) and reach inside the tub to lift the element out. It is a ring-shaped element that sits in a groove at the bottom of the tub. Maneuver it past the lower spray arm hub and the filter assembly. If the element is stuck due to mineral deposits, gently rock it back and forth while lifting. Do not force it, as you can crack the tub bottom. Clean any mineral scale from the element mounting holes in the tub floor.
Step 7: Install the New Heating Element
Compare the new element to the old one. The diameter, terminal spacing, and overall shape should match exactly. Lower the new element into the tub through the door opening and position it in the bottom groove. Feed the terminal posts through the holes in the tub floor. From underneath, install the new rubber grommets (if the old ones are damaged or if new ones were included) and the retaining nuts. Tighten the nuts snugly. The grommets must compress evenly around the terminal posts to create a watertight seal. Over-tightening can damage the grommets; under-tightening will cause leaks.
Step 8: Reconnect Wires and Test for Leaks
Push the spade connectors back onto the element terminals. Ensure they are fully seated and snug. Open the water supply valve. Run the dishwasher for just the fill phase (start a cycle and let it fill, then cancel after 2 minutes). Look underneath at the element terminal penetrations for any water dripping. If you see drips, tighten the retaining nuts an additional quarter turn. If no leaks, proceed to the full test.
Step 9: Reassemble and Run Complete Test Cycle
Reinstall the lower access panel. Restore power at the breaker. Run a complete Normal or Heavy cycle with a partial load of dishes. After the cycle ends, check the dishes: they should be hot to the touch, indicating the element heated the water. If your model has a heated dry phase, the tub interior should be dry with no pooled water. The element should glow orange-red if you open the door during the heating/dry phase (but close it quickly so the cycle does not cancel).
Signs Your Frigidaire Heating Element Is Failing
| Symptom | Likelihood of Element Failure |
|---|---|
| Dishes wet after dry cycle | High (most common symptom) |
| Dishes not clean (greasy film) | Medium (cold water issue) |
| Error code i60 on display | High (heater circuit fault) |
| Dishwasher trips breaker during heated dry | Very high (ground fault) |
| White mineral deposits visible on element | Not yet failed, but mineral buildup reduces efficiency |
| Element has visible cracks or pitting | Replace preventively |
Safety First — Know the Risks
Live 120V wiring in a wet environment is one of the most dangerous DIY scenarios. Water + electricity = serious shock risk. Our techs are licensed and insured — let them handle the risk.
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Gallery Models with MaxBoost Dry
If you have a Frigidaire Gallery with MaxBoost dry technology, the heating element works together with a dedicated fan module behind the rear tub wall. If dishes are still wet after replacing the element, the fan module may also be failed. The fan runs during the heated dry phase and circulates hot air over the dishes. You can verify fan operation by listening for a soft humming sound during the final dry phase. If the element is new and working (dishes are hot) but still wet, the fan is not moving air and needs replacement.
When to Call a Professional
- The element tests good but the control board relay is not sending power to it. Relay diagnosis requires testing board outputs under load, which is an advanced procedure.
- The tub bottom is cracked around the element penetration holes. This requires tub replacement or specialized epoxy repair.
- The ground fault test shows the element is shorted to the frame AND you find water damage or corrosion at the terminal connections. This may indicate a larger leak issue.
- You are not comfortable working underneath the dishwasher in a confined space with electrical connections.
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The Real Cost of DIY
Average DIY attempt: $150-400 in tools you may use once, plus the risk of further damage. Our diagnostic visit costs $0 — we find the problem and give you an honest quote.
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Cost Comparison: DIY vs Professional
| DIY | Professional | |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $30-$85 (element + grommet) | $30-$85 |
| Labor | $0 | $120-$250 |
| Time | 40-50 min | 30-40 min |
| Risk | Moderate (leak if grommet not sealed) | Warranty included |
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FAQ
Q: How do I test the Frigidaire dishwasher heating element? A: Disconnect power and remove the lower access panel. Disconnect the wires from the element terminals underneath the tub. Set your multimeter to ohms and measure across the two terminals. A good element reads 10-30 ohms. Open circuit (OL) means the element is burned out. Also test each terminal to the metal frame (should be infinite/open). Any reading to the frame means a ground fault.
Q: Can I run my Frigidaire dishwasher without a working heating element? A: The dishwasher will run cycles, but performance will suffer. Without heated water, detergent does not dissolve fully and grease is not cut effectively. Dishes will come out wet since there is no heated drying. The DishSense sensor may also extend cycle times attempting to compensate for cold water cleaning.
Q: What is the i60 error code on a Frigidaire dishwasher? A: The i60 code indicates a heating circuit fault. The control board detected that the water temperature did not rise after powering the heating element for the expected duration. This means the element is burned out (most common), the wiring to the element is broken, or the board relay that powers the element has failed.
Q: Does the Frigidaire dishwasher heating element also dry the dishes? A: Yes, on standard Frigidaire models the same element heats wash water AND provides radiant heat during the dry cycle. On Gallery models with MaxBoost dry, the element works with an additional fan module that circulates air. If only the fan fails, you get heat but no air movement, resulting in partially wet dishes.
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