Can a damaged dishwasher heating element break something else?
Over the years I have bought brand new heating elements for dishwashers, stoves and water heaters that were no good. Remove the new element and check it for continuity. If you aren't familiar with this type of test, here is a Dishwasher Element Continuity Video. I would also check the resistance of the element. Turn your multi-meter dial to the ohms position. You should get a reading somewhere between 10-30.



The bad element could have caused an overload in the Electronic Control Board. This is the "brain" of the appliance. Remove the inside door cover to expose the wiring and make sure all of the wires are tight and not burnt. Smell the control board and see if you detect any type of electrical burn.