Dishwasher Help Forum

My Smeg DWI45 dishwasher has stopped heating the water. Initially, it threw up an E3 error code and I just opened/closed door and continued the cycle as per the Handbook - but at the end of the cycle it was obvious that it had just used cold water (not heated by the element at the bottom ) and the inside was cold, dishes still dirty and, the element was cold to the touch.

Since then, the E3 code has disappeared but it's still washing 'cold.'
Does the element need replacing and, if so, how hard is it to replace?

How do I test it with a meter (what should my meter resistance settings be) and yes I know, I will unplug it first.?

Any help will be greatfully appreciated as I'm fed up washing the kids' dinner plates already !!

There is a reset thermostat which may have tripped. This should be checked first before replacing any parts.
It's underneath the dishwasher tank in amongst all the electrics and so forth so if you don't feel comfortable trying to reset this yourself try Repairs@ for a local engineer.

Power off if you're going in yourself

Craig

I've actually taken the heating element out and tested it with a meter ( I set the meter to 200 ohms ) and initially got a reading of around 26 ohms. I've tested it a few times since and all I'm getting now is 1 ohm resistance.
Also, the element itself is looking rather black at two or three places .....

Do you reckon I should look for this tripped thermostat and then replace the original element and try a wash again ?

What does this reset thermostat look like ?

It'll be near the heater and have a button on it (manual reset). Push the button, if it clicks then there's the problem, if it doesn't I would take Craig's advise, reassemble the appliance and call an engineer

Dave.

So, if it doesn't click does that mean I can re-install the original heating element and try another cycle ?

What about my meter readings - are they normal and, what do they indicate ?

Typical heater readings are 20-30 ohms. The safety stat will only "click" if it needs to be reset. There are any number of other reasons why the appliance will not heat - computer board failure is the worst, water level problems, wiring through the door...... lots of things.

If your stat doesn't "click" and the heater is sound, it may well be time for a bit of pro help.

Power off it you are going to refit and test.

Regards,
Penguin45.

Thanks Penguin. As no one has replied to me about the reset switch, do you have any ideas what I should be looking for ...?

I did reply above, it's near the heater with a button on it

I would urge you at this stage to call an engineer in all honesty as we can only give general guidance

Dave.

I 'reset' the thermostat thing and it clicked. I then reinstalled the original heating element and tried another wash. Still cold - as is the element.

Sounds like the element has 'gone' to me.

I've also noticed that the two lights on the left of the control panel are lit/flashing but this display isn't shown in the troubleshooting section of the manual....

I'm going to replace the heating element anyway and see what happens. Would you recommend this ?