W11537778 Whirlpool Dishwasher Heating Element – Fix Your Dishwasher That Won't Dry Dishes, Leaves Dishes Wet, Has No Heat

The W11537778 dishwasher heating element is a critical component that heats water during the wash cycle and dries dishes during the dry cycle. This 1550-watt element is located at the bottom of the dishwasher tub and provides the heat necessary for effective cleaning and drying.

When this element fails, your dishwasher can't heat water to the proper temperature for dissolving detergent and removing grease, and it can't dry dishes at the end of the cycle. Replacing a failed heating element restores proper heating and drying performance.

✓ Common Symptoms Fixed

This W11537778 dishwasher heating element solves these common dishwasher problems:

• Dishwasher won't dry dishes
• Dishes come out wet at end of cycle
• No heat during wash or dry cycle
• Water doesn't get hot enough to clean properly
• Dishwasher takes too long to dry
• Dishes have water spots or streaks
• Heating element not glowing during dry cycle
• Tripped circuit breaker when dishwasher runs

✓ Key Features & Specifications

• Part Number: W11537778 (replaces W11047695, W11412298, W11536143, W11536777, W11537777)
• Type: Dishwasher heating element assembly
• Power: 1550 watts
• Compatibility: Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag dishwashers
• Function: Heats water during wash cycle and dries dishes during dry cycle
• Includes: Heating element and two plastic mounting nuts (W11538351)
• Material: Durable metal construction with corrosion-resistant coating
• Installation: Mounts at bottom of dishwasher tub

✓ Buying Options

We offer multiple options to fit your budget and quality preferences:

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): Genuine Whirlpool factory part – exact fit and quality as the original component installed in your dishwasher. Best for warranty compliance and guaranteed compatibility.

Universal/XPart: Premium aftermarket replacement engineered to meet or exceed OEM specifications. Offers excellent value with reliable performance at a competitive price point. Backed by our fit guarantee.

✓ Installation Tips

Difficulty Level: Moderate – requires accessing bottom of dishwasher tub

Estimated Time: 30-60 minutes

Tools Needed: Screwdriver, pliers, multimeter (for testing)

Installation Steps:

1. Disconnect power to dishwasher at circuit breaker
2. Turn off water supply to dishwasher
3. Remove lower dish rack for access
4. Locate heating element at bottom of tub
5. Disconnect wire connections from element terminals
6. Remove mounting nuts from underneath dishwasher (may need to access from below)
7. Pull out old heating element from tub
8. Insert new element through mounting holes
9. Install mounting nuts and tighten securely
10. Reconnect wire connections to terminals
11. Restore power and water, test dishwasher

⚠️ Safety Note: Always disconnect power before servicing your dishwasher. Test the old element with a multimeter before replacing to confirm it has failed. If you're not comfortable with electrical repairs, contact a qualified technician.

✓ Compatible Models

This heating element fits the following dishwasher models:

KitchenAid: KDFE104KBL0, KDFE104KPS0, KDFE104KWH0, KDFE204KBL0, KDFE204KBS0, KDFE204KPS0, KDFE204KWH0, KDFM404KBS0, KDFM404KPS0, KDPM604KBS0, KDPM604KPS0, KDPM704KPS0, KDPM804KBS0, KDPM804KPS0, KDTE104KPS0, KDTE204KBL0, KDTE204KBS0, KDTE204KPS0, KDTE204KWH0, KDTM404KBS0, KDTM404KPS0, KDTM604KBS0, KDTM604KPS0, KDTM704KPS0, KDTM804KBS0, KDTM804KPS0

Maytag: MDB4949SKB0, MDB4949SKW0, MDB4949SKZ0, MDB7959SKZ0, MDB8959SKB0, MDB8959SKK0, MDB8959SKW0, MDB8959SKZ0, MDB9959SKZ0, MDB9979SKZ0

Whirlpool: WDT750SAKB0, WDT750SAKV0, WDT750SAKW0, WDT750SAKZ0, WDTA50SAKB0, WDTA50SAKT0, WDTA50SAKV0, WDTA50SAKW0, WDTA50SAKZ0, WDTA80SAKZ0

Not sure if this fits your model? Contact our parts experts for free compatibility verification.

✓ Replacement Part Numbers

This heating element replaces these part numbers: W11537778, W11047695, W11412298, W11536143, W11536777, W11537777

✓ Why Choose XPart Supply?

• 🇨🇦 Canadian Business – 30+ years serving Canadian homeowners and repair technicians
• 📞 Expert Support – Free phone support to verify fit and answer installation questions
• ✓ Guaranteed Fit – We'll help you get the right part or provide a hassle-free return
• 🚚 Fast Shipping – Quick delivery across all Canadian provinces and territories
• 💰 Best Value – Competitive pricing on OEM and premium aftermarket parts

✓ Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my dishwasher heating element has failed?
Common signs include dishes not drying, water not getting hot during wash cycle, or the element not glowing red during the dry cycle. You can test the element with a multimeter – it should read 15-30 ohms of resistance. If it reads infinite resistance or zero, the element has failed.

What's the difference between OEM and Universal/XPart options?
OEM parts are genuine Whirlpool factory components – exact fit and quality. Universal/XPart parts are premium aftermarket replacements engineered to meet or exceed OEM specs at a competitive price. Both are backed by our fit guarantee.

Can I install this myself or do I need a technician?
This is a moderate-difficulty repair that most DIYers can handle with basic tools. The job takes 30-60 minutes. You'll need to access the bottom of the dishwasher tub and may need to work from underneath. If you're not comfortable with electrical repairs, we recommend hiring a qualified technician.

Why does my dishwasher trip the circuit breaker?
A shorted heating element is a common cause of tripped breakers. If the element's insulation has failed, it can create a short circuit that trips the breaker when the dishwasher tries to heat. Test the element for continuity to ground – if it shows continuity, it's shorted and needs replacement.

Will this fix my dishwasher's drying problem?
If the heating element has failed, yes – replacing it will restore drying performance. However, poor drying can also be caused by a faulty thermostat, rinse aid dispenser issues, or using the wrong detergent. If the element tests good, check these other components.