KDTE254ESS1 KitchenAid Dishwasher - Overview

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Dishwasher Upper Rack Adjuster – Part Number: WPW10546503
$45.12
In Stock
Dishwasher Upper Rack Adjuster
★★★★★
★★★★★
(285)
Part #WPW10546503
This OEM Dishwasher Upper Rack Adjuster is a grayish-black, plastic part which will require a screwdriver to install. It fits onto the dishwasher rack and connects it to the track allowing it to slide in and out. If broken then the rack will no longer slide properly, and the part must be replaced. The installation has been rated as "easy" by customers. Before beginning any repair, you should unplug the dishwasher and wear gloves to protect your hands. Check your model number and user manual to see if this part is right for you! Your dishwasher should have a left and right upper rack adjuster, and both are the same part. These parts are sold individually, so if you are looking to replace both, you will need to order two parts.
Door Balance Link Kit – Part Number: 8194001
$44.46
In Stock
Door Balance Link Kit
★★★★★
★★★★★
(149)
Part #8194001
The door balance kit helps support the dishwasher door. This kit includes 2 door balance links and 2 door balance mounts with wheels.
Dishwasher Mounting Bracket – Part Number: WP8269145
$23.11
In Stock
Dishwasher Mounting Bracket
★★★★★
★★★★★
(30)
Part #WP8269145
Sold individually. This part secures the upper side of the dishwasher to the underside of the counter or cabinet to prevent the dishwasher from moving, shaking, or tilting forward.
Dishwasher Dish Rack Slide Track - Left Side – Part Number: W11259785
$88.40
In Stock
Dishwasher Dish Rack Slide Track - Left Side
★★★★★
★★★★★
(63)
Part #W11259785
This slide rail is for use on the left-hand side. The dishrack slide rail supports the dishrack as it slides in and out from the dishwasher.
Dishwasher Dish Rack Slide Track - Right Side – Part Number: W11259786
$94.50
In Stock
Dishwasher Dish Rack Slide Track - Right Side
★★★★★
★★★★★
(115)
Part #W11259786
This slide rail is for use on the right-hand side. The dishrack slide rail supports the dishrack as it slides in and out from the dishwasher.
Dishwasher Tine Pivot – Part Number: WPW10082853
$14.43
In Stock
Dishwasher Tine Pivot
★★★★★
★★★★★
(31)
Part #WPW10082853
The tine pivot clip, also known as the tine row pivot, is used in dishwashers and is located in the upper dishrack. At around 3 inches in length, the clip is used to keep the tine row in place in the dishrack. If your clip is cracked or damaged, it is best to replace this part. To repair, first lift the release tab and hold the other side to prevent it from falling off. After lifting it off, you can set the new clip on the tine row and lock it up. Refer to the manual provided by the manufacturer for further installation instructions and guidance. Remember to wear work gloves as a safety precaution. This repair was rated as very easy by our customers and should be done in 15 minutes or less.
Dishwasher Door Seal – Part Number: W11177741
$76.66
In Stock
Dishwasher Door Seal
★★★★★
★★★★★
(55)
Part #W11177741
Prevent leaks and maintain optimal cleaning performance with this durable dishwasher door seal. It creates a secure barrier to keep water contained during wash cycles, ensuring reliable operation. Replace by removing the old seal and fitting the new one snugly around the door frame.
Dishwasher Positioner – Part Number: WPW10195840
$56.05
In Stock
Dishwasher Positioner
★★★★★
★★★★★
(13)
Part #WPW10195840
Also known as rack adjuster. Sold individually. This is an original part from KitchenAid, Kenmore, Whirlpool, Jenn-Air, and Maytag for use with Dishwashers. The dishrack adjuster arm positioner clip holds the adjuster arm in the right position on the dishrack. The most common reason for replacing the strap is if the rack will not stay in its desired position. This part is sold individually. There are no tools needed to replace the positioner.
Touch-Up Paint - White – Part Number: 72017
No Longer Available
Touch-Up Paint - White
★★★★★
★★★★★
(23)
Part #72017
This 18 ml bottle of white appliance touch-up paint is used to cover scratches or marks on your appliance. The white touch-up paint can be used on refrigerators, microwaves, ranges, clothes dryers, and freezers. This is a genuine OEM part and includes a brush applicator. Please remember to wear gloves to protect your hands when applying this paint.
Dishwasher Heating Element – Part Number: W10703867
$113.00
In Stock
Dishwasher Heating Element
★★★★★
★★★★★
(40)
Part #W10703867
This dishwasher heating element is a genuine replacement component designed for select models from Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Kenmore, and affiliated brands. Constructed from a durable nickel-chromium alloy, it efficiently heats water during the wash cycle and provides the necessary heat to dry dishes at the end of the cycle. A malfunctioning heating element may result in poor cleaning performance, wet dishes, insufficient water temperature, or failure to start. In some cases, blinking control panel lights may indicate a heating issue. Replacing this part can restore optimal functionality and improve overall appliance efficiency. Compatibility should be confirmed using your dishwasher’s model number prior to installation.
Dishwasher INLET VALVE – Part Number: W11175771
$83.55
In Stock
Dishwasher INLET VALVE
★★★★★
★★★★★
(43)
Part #W11175771
This water inlet valve should be located behind the lower kick plate panel in either the right or left corner. The attaching solenoids on the valve open and close according to the desired amount of water needed.
Dishwasher Dishrack Adjuster – Part Number: WPW10195839
$49.45
In Stock
Dishwasher Dishrack Adjuster
★★★★★
★★★★★
(1)
Part #WPW10195839
This dishrack adjuster allows you to change the height of the top rack in your dishwasher, making room for larger items below or optimizing space for smaller loads. If the clip becomes damaged or worn, the rack may not stay in place and could shift during cycles. Replacing the adjuster restores proper rack positioning and smooth operation. This part is sold individually, so be sure to order the correct quantity for your dishwasher model.

Questions And Answers for KDTE254ESS1

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Kristin - For model number KDTE254ESS1
July 5, 2023
Hi, Dishwasher is leaking onto the floor. Removed the kickplate and with a flashlight could see that it was leaking/dripping from the center of the dishwasher. Please help!
Chris Boyle Profile
Hello Kristin, thank you for your inquiry. We would recommend checking if the hoses and clamps have gone loose. If this is not the case, you may need to check the pump and motor, part number PS11765780, to fix the issue. We hope this solves your problem!
$272.17
In Stock
Dishwasher Pump Motor
1 person found this instruction helpful.
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Carol - For model number KDTE254ESS1
October 29, 2023
Unresponsive control panel. What can I do to fix this?
Chris Boyle Profile
Hi Carol, thank you for the question. First, you may need to make sure that there is power coming to the unit. If the unit has power but the issue persists, then you may need to check the control panel, part number PS11769520, as it is most likely faulty and may need to be replaced. Glad to be of assistance!
$332.57
In Stock
Control Panel - Black
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Martin - For model number KDTE254ESS1
September 18, 2025
I need the lower left and right support rails and can’t seem to find them
Chris Boyle Profile
Hello Martin, thank you for getting in touch. The lower left side track, part number PS11723167, and the right side track, part number PS11723168, are compatible with your model number. We hope this helps.
$201.76
In Stock
Lower Rack Slide and Track
$197.84
In Stock
Right Hand Track
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Jim - For model number kdte254ess1
October 12, 2025
upper spray arm needs replaced unable to find the part
Chris Boyle Profile
Hello Jim, thank you for contacting us. The upper spray arm that you are looking for is part number PS11752935. We hope this helps.
$82.76
In Stock
Dishwasher Upper Spray Arm
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Julie Fournier - For model number KDTE254ESS1
February 6, 2026
When the dishwasher is done washing as well as the heating system, the plastic containers are not dried and a lot of water is sitting on top of the cups. It never used to do that. We changed the heating element and it didn’t fix the problem. What could be the issue?
Chris Boyle Profile
Hi Julie, thank you for your inquiry. The issue is likely due to a failure to lack of rinse aid, rather than the heating element itself. Because plastic is a poor conductor of heat, it relies heavily on proper air circulation and rinse aid to dry. If you are not using a rinse aid (like Jet-Dry), the water will not "sheet" off the plastics and will instead form beads that remain wet. Check the vent, if the vent is blocked by debris, steam stays inside and condenses back onto the dishes. Glad to be of help!
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Common Symptoms of the KDTE254ESS1

How this model fails, and the parts that fix it.

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Replaced Hinge Link
636 of 690 people found this instruction helpful.
  • Scott from Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • Easy
  • Less than 15 mins
  • Screw drivers
Pulled dishwasher from under counter, attached link to spring, hooked spring back into frame/chassis, threaded link through pulleys, attached other end of link onto door, reinstalled dishwasher under counter. All's well. Note-I purchased an extra link anticipating that the other one will fail. They're cheap enough.
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Door spring link broken
162 of 205 people found this instruction helpful.
  • Sean from Ramona, CA
  • Easy
  • 15 - 30 mins
  • Screw drivers, Wrench (Adjustable)
1. Open the dishwasher and remove the two plastic grommets about halfway down on either side of the opening. Then remove the two screws under the grommets.

2. Remove the kick plate under the door. May have to lower unit by turning the feet using the adjustable wrench.

3. Make sure you have enough slack in the water i nput line and electrical wiring that you can pull the dishwasher out about 12 inches or more.

4. There is a spring and nylon rope link on both sides of the unit. Probably just one link is broken, but the replacement comes with two, so you can replace both or save one as a spare. Look at the good side and it should be pretty self explanatory how it attaches. I found it easiest to first thread the link around the lower pulley, then attach the link to the spring, then spring to the rear support, then the link to the door.

5. Reverse (2 to 1) to reinstall the dishwasher.
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The door would drop open when it was released
127 of 153 people found this instruction helpful.
  • David from La Quinta, CA
  • Easy
  • 30 - 60 mins
  • Nutdriver
This was the second time I had this problem so I knew the symptoms and remedy. The tools needed were two nut drivers a ¼” and 5/16” along with a flat pry bar and Phillips screw driver. I started by removing the lower front panel by removing the two ¼” screws on either side. The lower panel will lift up and then can be removed by pullin g on the bottom. There is a flat sheet metal piece behind the front panel with insulation that can be removed very easily along with the front panel. When the front panel is removed it exposes the front legs that may need to be dropped to let you lift the dishwasher over the tile (if you have ceramic tiles). The next step would be to remove any ties to the counter top if it is attached. Mine were attached by the two straps on either side with Phillips screws. After the top is free, lower the front legs by lifting the dishwasher with the flat pry bar and threading the legs up into their holders. With the legs lifted the dishwasher can be pulled out to expose the tension springs located along the sides at the very bottom. Chances are the ropes are broken off the plastic holders that fit over the door hooks.
Remove the plastic guides by removing the 5/16” nut from the middle of the lower roller. Remember to note which hole the screw is coming from this also sets the tension for how fast or slowly the door drops. Placing the nut closer to the front will drop the door slowly and toward the back will drop the door more quickly. I placed mine in the middle hole. When the plastic guides are removed attach the nylon pope to the spring and attach to the back of the dishwasher. There is a hole located on a flat piece of sheet metal the spring will attach to at the back of the dishwasher (if it is broken). Check the other side if it is still in tact. With the spring in place weave the rope around the plastic guides then pull the springs to help get the plastic end over the door hook located at the bottom of the door. Repeat this operation for the other side (kit has a both sides covered) and reinstall dishwasher in cabinet.
Steps
1) Remove front panel (1/4” nut)
2) Release Dishwasher from Cabinet
3) Lower front legs
4) Pull Dishwasher out from under Cabinet
5) Remove Rope Guide (5/16” nut)
6) Install new Rope Guide (Supplied in Kit)
7) Attach new rope to Spring and attach spring to dishwasher
8) Weave rope through rope guide
9) With door closed pull spring to relieve tension so rope can be attached to door
10) Repeat for other side (Kit has both sides)
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