4KHWS160VW8 KitchenAid Miscellaneous - Instructions

I've replaced several Kitchen-Aid hot water dispensers because of no hot water. This time, I decided I'd dig deeper.

I noticed that the thermal fuse was the first item on the Part-Select list. I assumed it was the most frequently ordered part.

I removed the hot water tank from under the sink. I disassembled the tank and shell. I disassembled the tank and heating elelment. I tested the heating without the thermal fuse. I reassmbled the tank, replaced the thermal fuse, reassembled the tank and shell assemblly. Then I re-installed the entire heating unit back under the sink. Due to leaks, I had to redo the water supply connection. Then it worked fine! Note: I decided to replace the thermostat because the casing had become cracked and brittle. I ordered that seperately.

The exploded diagrams on the Part-Select site were extremely helpful in both diagnosing the problem and making the repair. Thanks for your help.

I've replaced several Kitchen-Aid hot water dispensers because of no hot water. This time, I decided I'd dig deeper.

I noticed that the thermal fuse was the first item on the Part-Select list. I assumed it was the most frequently ordered part.

I removed the hot water tank from under the sink. I disassembled the tank and shell. I disassembled the tank and heating elelment. I tested the heating without the thermal fuse. I reassmbled the tank, replaced the thermal fuse, reassembled the tank and shell assemblly. Then I re-installed the entire heating unit back under the sink. Due to leaks, I had to redo the water supply connection. Then it worked fine! Note: I decided to replace the thermostat because the casing had become cracked and brittle. I ordered that seperately.

The exploded diagrams on the Part-Select site were extremely helpful in both diagnosing the problem and making the repair. Thanks for your help.

Unplug unit, turn off water, use 1/4" open end wrench to push down on collet holding in copper tubing - pull out copper tubing (per instructions in units manual), use pliers to squeeze clamp on water deliver plastic tube and remove. Bring unit up on counter, remove three screws holing top on and also remove on/off/temp knob and two screws holding nameplate trim ring on around knob. Locate thermal fuse wire (from thermostat to one leg of the heating element) and remove. Check continuity of both heating element and thermal fuse. No continuity in thermal fuse - replace -. Install new thermal fuse assembly by connection one end to the heating element and other end to thermostat. Re-assemble in reverse order of dissembly.

Removed unit (disconnected both top water tubes) because unit was behind garbage disposer. Unplugged and Drained water from unit. Then removed thermostat cover and top cover from unit to access the thermal fuse. Removed the thermal fuse by disconnecting the two electrical spade connectors. Replaced thermal fuse, reassembly and reinstalled unit. Problem fixed; unit is again producing instant hot water.

Turned off water to the dispenser, unfastened dispenser from water supply copper tubing and flexible tubing hot water outlet. Removed dispenser, drained out water, removed screws holding metal jacket, slid metal holding tank and insulation out far enough to expose wiring. Then removed thermal fuse wire & tested with ohm meter, no circuit. Ordered a thermal fuse and installed it (slip on connectors at each end) Assembled the dispenser and put it back under the sink. The only problem was the flexible tube had hardened from heat of metal tank and leaked where it fastened to the tank. Cut off 1/2 in and used a screw hose clamp to fix the problem.

I removed the unit from under the sink, by disconnecting the water intake hose clamp with pliers and pushing down on the compress fitting for the water outlet coper pipe feed. The unit hangs like a picture frame on a holder mount. I dissembled the unit and determined both the thermostat and thermal fuse failed. Replaced both, assembled and back working

This unit on eBay is about $400, but with a $15 part bought here and a simple repair it is like new. Hot water dispensers, as it turns out, are simple appliances. With a bit of information shown on the website, I determined the problem was the thermal fuse or the thermastat. With a multi-tester showing the fuse was blown, it was an easy solution to purchase the item here and install. Thanks

Removed the heater from under the sink by shutting off the cold water valve and disconnecting the water in and out connections, and the power plug. Disassembled the Instanthot making note of the original wiring connections. Noted the heat fuse which I assumed had blown. To confirm I bypassed the thermostat and fuse wire, plugged in the unit and found it heating rapidly.
Checked on the partselect web site, identified the heat fuse and ordered same. After arrival, I easily replaced the fuse, re-wrapped the heater with the insulating blanket being careful to keep all wires outside the blanket and away from touching the heater. Reassembled the heater and reconnected the unit beneath the sink. Bingo!! Hot water again.

I took the four screws holding the bottom and top on out. Slid the inside out. Replaced the displacer by removing the old that was held by a clip to the tube. Slid the insides back into the jacket. Put the four screws back in and reinstalled the dispenser.

Removed the tank & removed the oldThermostat, replaced with the new one.

I turned off the water supply to the water heater.I unplugged the appliance. Disconnected the two water lines. The water heater was simply hanging on the wall, so it was easy to take it out from under the sink. I pulled the thermostat knob out. I opened the top cap and the front plate by removing the screws (4). I then removed the existing thermal fuse and plugged the new one. I proceeded to close the water heater and installed it back using the same steps in reverse. It only took a few minutes for the water to get hot. Thank you to Instant Repairman for the right diagnosis.

Removed the top and side plates, pulled out the defective wire and installed the new one. Reassembled and reinstalled and it worked like new.