I have a model 665.16054401 that initially had flashing clean light. I reset that following posts in the forum. Then, the unit wouldn't leave the wash cycle - endless repeating. Reading the forums again, I did these things:
1. Tried running water hot before starting cycle. Did not solve.
2. Ran the diagnostics test per instruction sheet found in the base molding of the dishwasher. Noticed that heater element was not heating up. So problem is with heater.
3. Tested the heater element using a multimeter - it reads 13 ohms, within the range of 10-30 ohms described in the forums. So I assumed the heater element was ok, leading to the last step:
3. The forums stated the last thing to do was replace the control board if the heater element tested ok. That part is #8564546 as listed on Searsrepairparts.com; but I purchased the control board from Repairparts.com (I appreciate the ability to return the part if not needed.) using that part number for reference and installed it.

However, I continue to have the same issue - unit stays in wash cycle.

So? Could the heater element be bad, even though it is testing at 13 ohms? What do I do next?

ntc or heater hi-limit thermostat no good. not my brand but look for something stuck underneath, with couple wires connected. jake will know.

Hi denbarth,

Yes, I was thinking possibly the heater hi-limit thermostat like ivoid mentioned, but first feel your heating element all around inside your dishwasher, if you feel bumps on it or pits in it, its definitely your element thats bad.

Here's the heating element for your model in case you need to order it:
Manufacturer part number 8537057 is RepairClinic item number 1164450
8537057

Because it could show good with the ohm check you did, but with bumps and pits in it, that would make it not get hot.

Jake

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The majority of the surface of the heating element is dark/black/smooth to the touch, but several areas have what appear as a chalky white coating, and those areas, rather than being smooth, are rough like sandpaper. If that qualifies as bumps and pits, then that condition clearly is evident.

Is there an easy way to test the hi-limit thermostat? Maybe I could exclude that as a possibility, which would again point to the heater elements as being bad?

Yes, it sounds like its your heating element, because the whole element should be smooth and not even rough like that.

The hi-limit thermostat part# 661566 is about the size of a dime, held to the bottom of the tub with a metal bracket. You'll see it, it has two wires on it. Here's how to check it. Take the two wires off, then get your ohm meter and ohm it for continuity, it should read 0-1 ohm.

The outer door panel comes off for better access.

Page#17 here tells you how:
https://secured.whirlpool.com/Service/SrvTechAdm.nsf/2cd44500d572193285256a45004fd9d6/52521bdbd0ef763c85256cbc00520548/$FILE/8178022.pdf
Fig. 3-7

Just read step#1 the rest explains how to remove your soap dispenser.

Number 30 is the thermostat - part# 661566


Let us know how it goes.

Jake

__________________
Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

If you need more repair advice help on your appliance, click Here

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Jake The high limit thermostat checked out ok, so I ordered and replaced the heating element. And that was the solution. The dishwasher is working normally. I returned the control panel. I am thankful for allowing returns, that allowed me to troubleshoot the problem. Thank you for your guidance and expertise.

Excellent denbarth, glad the heating element fixed it.

Jake

__________________
Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

If you need more repair advice help on your appliance, click Here

Look-Up & Order Parts

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The dishwasher continues to work perfectly; when I shipped the unneeded control panel back, the return credit showed up on my next Visa statement. This has been a very pleasant process.

Excellent denbarth, thanks for letting us know about the control panel return satisfaction.

Jake

__________________
Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

If you need more repair advice help on your appliance, click Here

Look-Up & Order Parts

Shop Home Appliances