How to Install Dishwasher Terminal Block 00640476 in a Thermador Dishwasher
Quick answer: Turn off the dishwasher breaker and verify it is dead, remove the lower kick plate, open the junction box cover, note which wire lands on each terminal, unscrew the old block, mount 00640476, reconnect the line, neutral and ground leads, then close up and run a short cycle.
The terminal block is the point where your house wiring meets the dishwasher. On a Thermador built-in unit it lives in a small metal junction box low on the frame, behind the toe panel or kick plate, and it carries the incoming line, neutral and ground conductors to the machine's own harness. Heat from a loose screw, water creeping down a cord, or years of vibration can scorch the block, melt its plastic housing, or leave a terminal that no longer grips. The result is a dishwasher that is dead, intermittent, or smells of hot plastic.
Part 00640476 is the replacement block used across the Bosch and Thermador dishwasher family; the same block is listed for models such as SHX68P05UC53 and SHE43P02UC64 as well as many Thermador units, and it supersedes numbers like 00611295 and 00645207. Because you are working on the mains connection, the job demands care with power isolation rather than mechanical skill. Plan on 30 to 60 minutes, most of it spent lying on the floor with a flashlight.
See part details and every compatible model: 00640476
- Switch off the dishwasher breaker and verify with a non-contact tester at the junction box before removing any cover. Pulling a plug is not enough on hard-wired units.
- Tape or lock the breaker so nobody flips it back on while you are under the machine.
- Wear gloves; the junction box and kick plate edges are thin stamped steel.
- If the conductors are heavily charred, stop and involve an electrician; the fault may be upstream in the house wiring.
- Never leave the ground lead disconnected, even for a test.
Tools and Parts You Need
- Non-contact voltage tester and a multimeter to prove the circuit is dead
- Torx and Phillips screwdrivers for the toe panel and junction box cover
- Small flat screwdriver for the terminal screws
- Wire strippers in case a conductor end is scorched and needs trimming
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Work gloves
- Phone camera to photograph the wiring before you touch it
Step-by-Step Installation
- Isolate the power Turn off the dedicated breaker, then confirm with a non-contact tester at the cord or conduit entering the dishwasher. Test the tester on a live outlet first so you trust the result.
- Remove the toe panel Take out the screws along the bottom of the kick plate and pull it away. On some Thermador models a second insulating panel sits behind it; remove that too.
- Open the junction box Locate the small metal box near the front right or front left corner, remove its cover screw, and lift the cover. Photograph the wiring before touching anything.
- Note and free the conductors Identify the line, neutral and ground positions. Loosen each terminal screw, slide the house conductors out, and then release the harness leads on the appliance side.
- Remove the old block Unscrew or unclip the block from the box. Inspect the box for scorch marks and the conductor ends for melted insulation; trim and re-strip any damaged ends.
- Mount 00640476 Seat the new block in the same orientation and fasten it. Connect the harness leads first, then land the house conductors in the same positions as your photo, one wire per terminal.
- Tighten and dress the wires Snug each terminal screw firmly and tug each conductor to confirm it holds. Route the wires so nothing is pinched when the cover goes back on, then refit the cover and strain relief.
- Test the dishwasher Restore the breaker, press the power button, and start a short cycle. Listen for the fill valve and watch for any error on the panel before refitting the toe panel.
Fit Checks Before You Call the Job Done
- Number of terminal positions matches the old block, typically one each for line, neutral and ground
- Mounting tabs or screw holes line up with the junction box on the dishwasher frame
- Terminal screws accept the house conductor gauge without forcing
- Block housing sits fully inside the box so the cover closes flat
- Old part number or one from the replaces list, such as 00611295 or 00645207, matches the removed block
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Trusting the plug alone Many Thermador dishwashers are hard-wired. Unplugging a nearby cord or turning the unit off at the panel leaves the block live. Always open the breaker and test.
Swapping line and neutral The dishwasher will often still run, but the control may misbehave and the safety design is compromised. Follow your photo and the markings on the block.
Leaving a scorched wire end Discoloured copper and brittle insulation will loosen again and overheat. Cut back to clean copper and strip fresh before connecting.
Under-tightening the terminal screws A loose terminal is usually what killed the old block. Tighten firmly and give each conductor a pull test.
Pinching wires under the cover Crushed insulation inside a steel box is a shock and short hazard. Dress the conductors neatly before you close the cover.
Troubleshooting After Installation
Dishwasher completely dead after replacement Recheck the breaker, then confirm voltage is present at the block with a meter. If power reaches the block but not the harness side, a harness lead is not seated.
Panel lights flicker or the cycle resets A conductor is not fully clamped. Kill the power and retighten every terminal, checking that insulation is not caught under the screw.
Breaker trips when power is restored Look for a stray strand touching the box or the ground terminal, or a damaged conductor. Correct it before trying again.
Burning smell returns Stop and cut the power. The fault may be in the house wiring or in the harness beyond the block; have it inspected before running the machine.
Care Tips After the Repair
- Once a year, with the breaker off, remove the toe panel and check the terminal screws for tightness.
- Keep the area under the dishwasher dry; a leaking door seal or drain hose lets water reach the junction box.
- If you ever move the dishwasher, disconnect at the block rather than tugging on the conductors.
- Use the correct strain relief on the cord or conduit so the block never carries the weight of the cable.
Compatible Models (Sample)
This part is listed for 676 Thermador models in our fitment data. Always confirm your exact model number on the appliance's rating plate.
Replaces or is replaced by: 00188670, 00611295, 00640477, 00645207, 00648135, 00705347, 201-401805, 209445
Repair Difficulty and Time
Difficulty: Moderate. Typical time: 30 to 60 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 00640476 the right block for a Thermador dishwasher?
Yes, it is the family part shared by Thermador and Bosch built-ins and is listed for several hundred models. Verify your model number on the label at the edge of the door.
Can I replace the block without pulling the dishwasher out?
Usually. The junction box is reachable through the toe panel opening, so the unit normally stays in its cabinet.
Do I need an electrician?
If you are comfortable isolating a circuit and verifying it is dead, this is a straightforward swap. Bring in an electrician if the wiring is charred or the box shows heat damage.
Is there a video for this repair?
A manufacturer video exists for this part. Combine it with the steps here and photograph your own wiring before you start.
Final Checklist
- Breaker off and confirmed dead with a tester
- Toe panel and junction box cover removed
- Wiring photographed before disconnecting
- Old block removed, box and conductors inspected
- 00640476 mounted, wires landed per photo, screws snug
- Cover, strain relief and toe panel reinstalled
- Short cycle run without error