Dishwasher didn't clean very well last time I ran it. Discovered Heating Element had broken into 2 pieces. Have a new one on order from this site(for plastic tub). My question is: might there be something else wrong (not just the heating element)? I don't know how the dishwasher is programmed. Does it test for continuity (or a ground, etc.) through the heating element when running a cycle, causing the dishwasher to end its cycle if it doesn't pass that test (therefore dishes were not clean)? The pre-wash detergent had been used after I ran it, but the normal wash detergent was still in its container, & the little flip door was still closed. Last time this happened, I switched from a dry detergent to a gel detergent, & things worked fine after that.

Also, any tips on heating element replacement procedure? Looks like there's 2 nuts under the tub I will have to access. Do these just unscrew, put new element in, screw nuts back on? I take it I'm going to have to pull the unit out from under the cabinet to do this?

One more question: is there a better way to replace the upper & lower racks without spending $300 plus? Mine are disentigrating. Might as well buy a new dishwasher if I have to spend this much.
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I successfully replaced the heating element. I did have to pull the dishwasher out to access the big plastic nuts holding the heating element down. Ran a wash cycle after replacement, and everything seems fine. Detergent was completely used, and dishes were clean.

The heating element came with new rubber washers. Used the existing nuts - they were fine. Pretty easy fix, overall. Next up is to figure out what the horrible grinding noise is on draining cycle. From the posts on this site, sounds like a piece of something stuck in the sump area, next to the grinder perhaps. It's always something.