Kenmore Dishwasher: Smells Like Burning
A burning smell often means an overheating pump motor, melted wiring, or a failing control board. Add a photo of your Kenmore Dishwasher in the box below: the Triage Profile says what it is, how urgent it is, and who to call.
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In the next five minutes
Safe first steps, before the call. Nothing here needs a tool.
Smoke or flames: get everyone out and call 911.
No smoke or flames? Turn the dishwasher off and switch off its breaker; keep the door shut.
Don’t use it again until it’s checked, and keep people away from it.
Everything else about this problem
Is it an emergency?
Is a burning smell from a Kenmore dishwasher an emergency?
Treat it as urgent. Turn it off and unplug it or switch off its breaker, and do not use it again until the cause is found. If you see smoke or flames, or smell gas, get everyone out and call 911.
Symptoms & causes
A Kenmore dishwasher emitting a burning smell during or after a cycle often indicates an electrical or mechanical component failure. This odor can range from a faint electrical smell to a strong burning plastic or rubber scent, sometimes accompanied by smoke or a tripped circuit breaker. Root causes typically include an overheating wash motor, a faulty heating element, melted wiring insulation, or foreign objects caught in the pump assembly.
Tools & parts
For testing and repair, you will need a multimeter to test electrical continuity and resistance of components like the heating element and motor. A basic screwdriver set (Phillips and Torx) is essential for accessing internal parts and panels. Pliers (needle-nose and slip-joint) are useful for manipulating wires and hoses, while specific replacement parts like a Kenmore heating element or a wash motor may be required.
Safety first
Immediately shut off power to the Kenmore dishwasher at the main circuit breaker to prevent electrical shock or fire hazards. Also, turn off the water supply valve to the dishwasher to prevent leaks during inspection or repair. Be cautious of sharp edges inside the appliance and potential residual heat from components like the heating element.
When to call a pro
If the wash motor is visibly burnt, seized, or emits a strong burning odor, its replacement is often complex and best handled by a professional technician due to intricate wiring and plumbing connections. Extensive damage to the main wiring harness or a failed control board, especially if multiple components show signs of electrical failure, requires specialized testing tools and expertise. Any persistent burning smell after basic checks, or if the dishwasher immediately trips the breaker upon reset, indicates a serious electrical fault that warrants professional intervention to ensure safety and proper repair.
Questions people ask
Why does my Kenmore dishwasher smell like burning plastic?
This often indicates melted plastic components, such as wiring insulation, a plastic pump housing, or even a utensil that fell onto the heating element. It's crucial to immediately disconnect power and inspect the lower tub area and heating element for foreign objects or visible damage.
Can a dirty dishwasher cause a burning smell?
While a dirty dishwasher usually causes a foul odor, extreme buildup of food debris or grease could potentially overheat and cause a burning smell if it comes into contact with the heating element or motor. However, a true burning smell often points to an electrical or mechanical failure rather than just dirt.
What should I do if my Kenmore dishwasher starts smoking?
Immediately shut off power to the dishwasher at your home's circuit breaker and turn off the water supply valve. Do not attempt to open the door or use the appliance again until a thorough inspection has been performed to identify and rectify the source of the smoke, which is a serious fire hazard.
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What it is, how urgent, who to call
Add a photo of your Kenmore Dishwasher in the box at the top. The Triage Profile says what it is, how urgent it is, and who to call.