For quite a while now our Whirlpool Gold Quiet Partner III hasn't been working properly. It seems to clean the dishes fine but there is always water on them when the cycle is done. The "sanitized" light flashes instead of being a solid green light. Also, the cycle takes about three hours. I have been guessing that the problem is the heating element but wasn't sure. Also, there is black crud that comes out of the round vent in the door into the dishwasher. The model number is GU1200XTLB1. There was a time when it worked fine and got so hot it would warp the kids' crazy straws. This is not the case anymore. FYI, the temperature of the water from our tap is hot enough (our hot water heater is set high enough).
Thanks!
Kathleen

I would check the element. If it is not getting hot, then it could be something as simple as a wire that broke or burned off the tip of the element.

The way to know for sure is to test for voltage at the element when its in its sanitize cycle. If no voltage is present at the element, then the problem is elsewhere. You will need to race back the wires (or refer to the wiring diagram) to see what to check next, but Id start there.

As far as the black crud. Is there crud anywhere else in the dishwasher that would give a hint to where its coming from? Or is it just coming out of the vent.