Whirlpool Dishwasher GU1500XTLQ1 - Air Vent Looking Old

[GoodFerNuthin]

Our dishwasher hasn't been drying well, and it started to mildew, so I ran a bleach cycle and then started going over the nooks and crannies with a toothbrush and bleach solution.  I also took the opportunity to inspect the air vent (top left when looking at closed door,) which was also mildewed.  I disconnected the wax motor and pulled the actual vent out (Part No. Part number: 8545533

) and while inspecting it, I observed what appears to be a rubber flap valve that, when lying flat, would close the vent openings, but they were curled so that they rested open.  Having never looked at one of these vents before, I don't know whether this flap is supposed to lie flat in a "normally closed" position, or curl up in a "normally open" position.  I suspect it's supposed to lie flat, and that it is age that has curled it.

Any thoughts?  Might this help account for the dishwasher not drying well?

[Samurai Appliance Repair Man]

Get the tech sheet from behind the kickplates and test the continuity of the heating circuit from the control board, pins P6 to P7. Should have 10 to 35 ohms. 

You can also test the resistance of the vent wax motor, pins P10 to to P7. Should be about 600 to 1800 ohms. If the resistance is good, run the diagnostic cycle to ensure that the vent wax motor is getting voltage at the appropriate time during the cycle. Alternatively, you can disassemble the door and hot wire the wax motor. Wait a couple of minutes and see if it extends or not.