How to Diagnose and Replace a Frigidaire Dishwasher Heater Assembly

If your Frigidaire dishwasher finishes cycles with cold, wet dishes or you are seeing the i60 error code on Gallery models, the heating element is likely the culprit. The heater element in Frigidaire dishwashers is a tubular metal element that sits in a ring at the bottom of the stainless steel or plastic tub. It performs double duty: heating wash water during the main wash and rinse cycles, and providing radiant heat during the heated dry phase.

This guide focuses specifically on diagnosis (confirming the element is the actual problem before buying parts) and the physical replacement process. Frigidaire heating elements are replaced from underneath the unit, not from inside the tub, which means you can complete this repair without removing the dishwasher from the cabinet in most installations.

Before You Start

• Tools needed: Phillips #2 screwdriver, adjustable pliers or wrench, digital multimeter, towels
• Parts needed: Heater element ($30-$75), rubber mounting grommets ($5-$10, sometimes included)
• Time required: 40-50 minutes
• Difficulty: Advanced
• Safety warning: The heating element operates on 120V AC. Disconnect power at the breaker and verify with a voltage tester before touching any terminals. A failed element can short to the metal tub, creating a shock hazard through the dishwasher frame.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Run the Diagnostic Tests

Before disassembling anything, run two quick tests:

Heat test: Start a Normal cycle and let it run for 20 minutes (through the first wash phase). Carefully open the door (water will be hot if the heater is working). Touch the inside of the tub near the bottom. If the tub feels cool or lukewarm, the heater is not functioning. On Gallery models, the display may show the i60 error code, which specifically indicates a heater circuit fault.

Visual test: Open the door during the heated dry phase (near the end of a cycle). Look at the element ring at the bottom of the tub. A working element glows dull orange-red during the dry phase. If it shows no glow while the dry indicator is active, the element has failed. Note: some newer models do not glow visibly during the wash-heating phase because the water absorbs the heat. The glow test is only reliable during the dry phase.

Step 2: Disconnect Power and Access the Element Terminals

Turn off the circuit breaker. Remove the lower access panel (kick plate, 2 Phillips screws). The heating element terminals protrude through the bottom of the tub. They are two metal posts (typically 1/4" spade terminals) with wires connected via push-on spade connectors. The terminals are usually near the front-center of the tub bottom.

Step 3: Perform Electrical Testing

Disconnect the wire leads from both element terminals (pull the spade connectors off). With your multimeter set to ohms:

Continuity test: Measure resistance across the two element terminals. A good Frigidaire dishwasher element should read between 10 and 30 ohms (varies by model and wattage). An open circuit reading (OL or infinity) confirms the element wire has burned through internally.

Ground fault test: Measure between each element terminal and the bare metal of the dishwasher frame. Both readings should be infinite (OL). If either terminal shows any resistance to ground, the element insulation has broken down and the element is shorting to the tub. This is dangerous and requires immediate replacement. A ground-faulted element can energize the entire dishwasher frame.

Step 4: Remove the Element Retaining Hardware

The element is secured to the tub bottom with a mounting system underneath. Frigidaire uses a nut-and-grommet system: each terminal post passes through the tub floor with a rubber grommet providing the watertight seal, and a retaining nut holding the element in place. Use an adjustable wrench or pliers to remove the nuts from both terminal posts. As you loosen the nuts, the grommets will decompress and release their grip on the tub floor.

Step 5: Remove the Old Element

With the retaining hardware removed from below, push the element terminals up through the tub floor. Go to the front of the dishwasher, open the door, and reach into the tub. The element is a circular ring sitting in a groove at the bottom. Lift one end up and maneuver the element out past the filter housing and spray arm hub. It requires some bending and angling to extract. If mineral scale has bonded the element to the tub floor, gently rock it side to side to break it free. Do not pry with a screwdriver against the tub surface, as this can gouge plastic tubs or scratch stainless steel.

Step 6: Clean the Mounting Area

Inspect the holes in the tub floor where the terminals pass through. Clean any mineral scale or debris from around the holes. Check the tub surface where the element ring sits for any damage or excessive scale buildup. If the old rubber grommets remained in the holes, remove them. The new installation needs fresh grommets for a proper seal.

Step 7: Install the New Element

Feed the new element into the tub through the door opening. Position the ring in the bottom groove with the terminal posts aligned to the holes in the tub floor. Push the terminals through the holes from inside the tub. From underneath, install new rubber grommets onto each terminal post (if not pre-installed). Install the retaining nuts and tighten snugly. The grommets must compress evenly to create a watertight seal. Do not overtighten, which can crack the grommets or damage the tub material around the holes.

Step 8: Reconnect Wiring and Test

Reattach the wire spade connectors to the element terminals. Ensure each connector is pushed on fully and grips snugly. Restore the water supply. Run a quick fill cycle to check for leaks at the terminal penetrations. Watch from underneath with a flashlight. If you see any dripping, tighten the retaining nuts an additional quarter turn.

Once confirmed leak-free, restore power at the breaker. Run a Normal cycle and check for heat after 20 minutes (open the door carefully, the tub should feel hot). Let the cycle complete and verify dishes are dry at the end.

Common Causes of Premature Heater Failure

• Hard water mineral buildup: Scale accumulates on the element surface, insulating it and causing it to overheat in spots. This accelerates internal wire deterioration. Regular vinegar cleaning cycles slow this process.
• Running without water: If the fill valve fails and the element activates in a dry tub, it overheats rapidly and burns out. The control board should prevent this via the float switch, but a stuck float can allow it.
• Power surges: Voltage spikes can damage the element's internal resistance wire.

When to Call a Professional

• The element terminals show corrosion or arcing damage, suggesting a wiring issue beyond simple element replacement.
• The tub floor is cracked around the element mounting holes (water seeps even with new grommets).
• The ground fault test is positive, indicating the element is shorting to the frame. This is a safety issue that should be repaired promptly.
• The element passes all tests but the heater still does not work. The control board relay that sends power to the element may have failed, requiring board-level diagnosis.
• Gallery models with MaxBoost dry where both the element and fan are not working, suggesting a shared power delivery or control board issue.

Cost Comparison: DIY vs Professional

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FAQ

Q: What ohm reading should a good Frigidaire dishwasher heating element have? A: A properly functioning element reads between 10 and 30 ohms across its two terminals. The exact value depends on the element wattage and model. An open-circuit reading (OL/infinity) means the element is burned out. Any resistance reading to ground (from either terminal to the metal frame) indicates a dangerous short.

Q: Why are my Frigidaire dishwasher dishes still wet after replacing the heater? A: If the element is confirmed working (tub feels hot during wash) but dishes are still wet, check the heated dry setting (make sure it is enabled, not just air dry). On Gallery models with MaxBoost, the fan module may have also failed. The fan is behind the rear tub wall and circulates hot air. A working element without fan circulation results in heat but no evaporation.

Q: Can a bad heating element cause my Frigidaire dishwasher to trip the breaker? A: Yes. If the element has developed a ground fault (insulation breakdown allowing current to flow to the metal tub), it will trip a GFCI breaker or a standard breaker if the current is high enough. Test for ground fault before attempting any repair. If confirmed, the element must be replaced before using the dishwasher again.

Q: How long does a Frigidaire dishwasher heating element last? A: Typically 6-10 years under normal use. Hard water areas see shorter lifespan (4-7 years) due to mineral scale accelerating element degradation. Running a monthly vinegar cleaning cycle helps extend element life by dissolving scale before it builds up and insulates the element.

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