How to replace heater coil on Kitchenaid

I believe my heater coil on my ss kitchenaid is defective. The replacement parts come with a new computer box that apparently must be replaced also. Can someone tell me where this box is located and is it easy to replace?. Also, does the whole dishwasher need to be removed to access the coil or can I get to the terminals thru the access panel on the bottom?

Thanks

The control board is located behind the user panel and can be accessed by removing the top screws along the inside door panel and tilting the panel toward you being mindful of the wires the run down the back. The heating element can be reached without pulling the unit from the cabinet if you have small arms and know what you are feeling for. It is usually best to pull it so you can be sure and get the wires removed and reinstalled as well as securing the mounting nuts to the new element to prevent leaking. Don’t over tighten the mounting nuts, just compress the rubber seals on the element enough to make a water tight seal. Get it all back together and you should be good.

thank you for your time

Glad I could help.

I replaced my heater coil and control box. The cycle began to run fine, but when I woke in the am the lights on the panel were off and there is water in the bottom of the dishwasher. I can not get the panel light to illuminate. The circuit breaker is not flipped. Please help, wife getting upset!

Sounds like the thermal fuse has failed which is mounted to the control board. I wrote about it in my post Kitchenaid Dishwasher no Power or Lights which if you replaced the board, you already know where it is located. A bit of a coincidence that you just installed a heater kit and the fuse fails, but not surprising. If you use a multimeter to measure between the two terminals, you will find 120vac if the fuse is bad. The replacement comes as a kit and all parts must be installed to prevent this from happening again.

thanks, replaced the fuse and now will see how it works

Glad I could help.