W10518394 Genuine OEM Whirlpool Dishwasher Heating Element
The W10518394 is a Genuine OEM Whirlpool replacement dishwasher heating element compatible with select Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, and Kenmore Whirlpool-built dishwashers — including the WDF, WDT, ADB, and related series. The heating element is mounted at the bottom of the dishwasher tub and serves two purposes: it heats the wash water to the temperature required by the selected cycle (improving cleaning performance and helping detergent dissolve and work effectively), and it provides drying heat at the end of the cycle to evaporate moisture from dishes during the heated dry phase. When the element fails, dishes come out wet, glassware is spotted or cloudy, and wash performance noticeably degrades.
This is an oval-shape element rated 1200W, approximately 15"L x 3"W x 3"H. As a Genuine OEM part manufactured by Whirlpool to factory specifications, the W10518394 directly replaces W10518394VP, W10134009, W10441445, 8194250, 8563007, 8563464, 8572861, 2977737, 1381534, 8268559, A3-06, AP4325066, AP5690151, EAP9605070, PD00012075, PS1960583, and PS9605070. The element mounts to the bottom of the tub with large nuts on the underside — the rubber washer (Whirlpool 717273) and heater nut (Whirlpool 8268548) are sold separately if they need replacement. Important: after installation on most Whirlpool dishwashers, you must run the diagnostic mode to reset the control board to recognize the new element. Installs in 30–45 minutes with basic hand tools.
Quick Answer
The W10518394 Genuine OEM Whirlpool Dishwasher Heating Element fixes Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, and Kenmore dishwashers where dishes come out wet, glassware is spotted, wash water isn't getting hot, or the heated dry phase isn't working. Oval shape, 1200W, ~15"L x 3"W x 3"H. Genuine OEM. Replaces W10518394VP, W10134009, W10441445, 8194250, 8563007, 8563464, 8572861, 2977737, AP4325066, AP5690151, PS1960583, PS9605070. Diagnostic reset required on most Whirlpool dishwashers after installation. Rubber washer (717273) and heater nut (8268548) sold separately if needed.
Common Problems This Part Fixes
- Dishes coming out wet at the end of the cycle — element not providing heat for the drying phase
- Wash water not getting hot enough — poor cleaning performance even with proper detergent
- Glassware coming out cloudy or spotted — water not reaching temperature for proper detergent activation
- Heated dry cycle not working — no warm air at the end of the cycle
- Element visibly burned through, broken, or showing arcing damage
- Multimeter continuity test on the element shows an open circuit (no continuity)
- Heating element showing the wrong region glowing red (only a 6" segment heating rather than the whole element)
- Detergent not fully dissolving — water too cool to activate the formulation
Replaces Part Numbers
This dishwasher heating element directly replaces the following OEM and cross-reference part numbers:
W10518394, 2977737, 8194250, 8563007, 8572861, W10134009, W10441445, W10518394VP, AWP40983, PD00004893, EAP8260087, AP5690151, PS8260087.
If your part number is not listed above, contact our support team before ordering and we will verify compatibility. Always confirm the shape and dimensions of your old element match this oval ~15" element before ordering — some Whirlpool dishwashers use a different horseshoe-style element instead.
Compatibility
This dishwasher heating element is compatible with select Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, and Kenmore dishwashers, including:
- Whirlpool dishwashers — WDF330PAHS, WDF520PADM, WDT720PADM, WDT730PAHZ series and related models
- Whirlpool dishwashers — additional WDF and WDT series models (verify with parts diagram)
- Maytag dishwashers — select models (verify with parts diagram)
- KitchenAid dishwashers — select models
- Amana dishwashers — ADB1400AGW and related models
- Kenmore / Sears dishwashers — select Whirlpool-built models
Important — Confirm Element Shape Before Ordering: The W10518394 is an oval-shape heating element approximately 15" in length. Some Whirlpool-platform dishwashers use a different horseshoe-style heating element instead, which is NOT interchangeable with this one. Before ordering, visually compare your old element's shape and length to this part, or check your dishwasher's parts diagram to confirm W10518394 is the correct element for your specific model. If your element is horseshoe-shaped, you need a different part number — contact our support team with your model number.
Key Features
- Genuine OEM part manufactured by Whirlpool to factory specifications — guaranteed fit and performance
- Heats wash water for optimal cleaning performance and provides drying heat during the heated dry phase
- Rated 1200W for efficient heating and reliable temperature control
- Oval-shape element approximately 15" L x 3" W x 3" H
- Mounts in the bottom of the dishwasher tub, secured underneath with large nuts
- Note: rubber washer (Whirlpool 717273) and heater nut (Whirlpool 8268548) sold separately if yours need replacement
- Diagnostic reset required on most Whirlpool dishwashers after installation (typically pressing any 3 buttons in sequence 3 times)
- Replaces 18+ OEM and cross-reference part numbers including W10518394VP, W10134009, W10441445, 8194250, 8563007, 8563464, 8572861, AP4325066, AP5690151, PS1960583, PS9605070
- Compatible with Whirlpool WDF and WDT series, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana ADB1400AGW, and Kenmore Whirlpool-built dishwashers
- DIY repair — installs in 30–45 minutes with basic hand tools
Product Specifications
| Part Number |
W10518394 |
| Part Type |
Dishwasher Heating Element |
| Condition |
Genuine OEM |
| Application |
Dishwashers (Whirlpool platform) |
| Shape |
Oval (NOT interchangeable with horseshoe-style elements) |
| Wattage |
1200W |
| Dimensions |
Approximately 15" L x 3" W x 3" H |
| Mounting Location |
Bottom of dishwasher tub |
| Related Parts (Sold Separately) |
Rubber Washer (717273), Heater Nut (8268548) |
| Post-Install Step |
Diagnostic reset required on most Whirlpool dishwashers |
| Compatible Brands |
Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, Kenmore |
Installation Notes
⚠️ Unplug Dishwasher and Shut Off Water Before Starting — Don't Touch Element with Bare Hands Disconnect power at the breaker and shut off the water supply at the valve under the sink before beginning. Wear work gloves and safety glasses to protect your hands and eyes. Handle the new heating element only by the metal end terminals or its support brackets — do NOT touch the heating coil itself with bare fingers; skin oils can cause hot spots that shorten element life. From inside the dishwasher tub, the element is visible at the bottom — it's the looped metal coil running along the floor of the tub. Remove the bottom rack and any debris to clear access. To access the wire connections and mounting nuts, you'll need to either reach underneath the dishwasher from the front access panel or, on some installations, pull the dishwasher out partially. From underneath: disconnect the two wires from the bottom of the element terminals (photograph the wire connections first to ensure correct reinstallation). Remove the plastic nuts holding the element terminals in place. From inside the tub, lift the old element straight up and out. Inspect the rubber washers — if they're cracked, hardened, or torn, replace them now with new 717273 washers. Install the new W10518394 element through the same mounting holes, replace the rubber washers if needed, and secure with the plastic nuts (or new 8268548 nuts) from underneath. Reconnect the two wires to the terminals matching your original orientation. Important: after restoring power, run the Whirlpool diagnostic mode to reset the control board — on most models this is done by pressing any three buttons in sequence three times and closing the door, which initiates a ~30-minute diagnostic cycle. The new element will not be recognized by the control until this is done. Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver, 5/8" wrench, 5/16" nut driver, 3/4" wrench, work gloves, safety glasses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my dishes coming out wet — is the heating element the cause?
Most likely, yes — wet dishes are the classic signature of a failed dishwasher heating element. The element provides heat for the dry phase, evaporating moisture from dish surfaces. When it fails, dishes simply air-dry, which leaves them wet (especially plastics and the interior of inverted glassware). To confirm: with the dishwasher unplugged, disconnect the wires from the element and check continuity with a multimeter. A working element shows continuity; a failed element shows an open circuit (infinite resistance). Also check that you have the heated dry option enabled in your cycle settings — some users mistakenly turn off heated dry and then assume the element has failed.
After installing the new element, the dishwasher still isn't heating — why?
On most Whirlpool dishwashers, you must run the diagnostic mode after replacing the heating element so the control board recognizes the new part. To enter diagnostic mode on most Whirlpool models, press any three buttons in sequence three times rapidly, then close the door — this starts a roughly 30-minute diagnostic cycle that resets the heater logic. If you've installed the new element correctly and it still isn't heating after the diagnostic cycle, also check the high-limit thermostat (a safety component that can stop power to the element if it has failed open). Confirm your wire connections are tight on the element terminals as well.
How is the W10518394 different from horseshoe-shape heating elements?
The W10518394 is an oval-shape element about 15" in length. Some Whirlpool-platform dishwashers — even similar-looking models — use a horseshoe-shape element instead, which has a different mounting hole pattern and shape that won't fit positions designed for the oval element. The two are NOT interchangeable. Before ordering, compare your old element to a photo of the W10518394, or check your dishwasher's parts diagram. If your old element is horseshoe-shaped, contact our support team with your model number and we'll help identify the correct horseshoe-style element for your dishwasher.
Do I need to replace the rubber washers and nuts when installing this?
Not always — they're reusable as long as they're in good condition. Inspect the rubber washers (Whirlpool 717273) for cracks, hardening, or tears. If they're brittle or torn, replace them now while you have the element out — they prevent water leaks from the tub at the element mounting points. The plastic heater nuts (Whirlpool 8268548) are usually reusable unless visibly damaged. Both parts are sold separately if you need replacements. Reusing torn rubber washers is the most common cause of leaks after this repair, so don't skip the inspection.
Is this a Genuine OEM or aftermarket part?
This is a Genuine OEM part manufactured by Whirlpool to factory specifications. It is the exact same heating element installed in compatible Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, and Kenmore Whirlpool-built dishwashers from the factory — guaranteed fit, materials, and performance.
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