Recently the "Sanatized" light on our dishwasher has been blinking at the end of every run. From what I've found this indicates that the temperature hasn't reached the 150 deg sanitizing temp. And that the typical causes are either the heating element in the bottom of the dishwasher is bad or the thermostat is bad. I'm handy with tools and a mulit-meter, but not sure exactly how to check these (i.e. what readings to expect), and not even sure where the thermostat is located. The heating element is obvious but not 100% sure how to get it out (pulled on it a little, but it didn't easily pop out so decided to wait).

One additional note, is that there is a white substance (calcium?) that has a thin caking on the heating element.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.