whirpool dishwasher?

1st - do a search on google with the model number, and you should find a parts seller with drawings showing wiring and all parts.

2nd- follow the wires - you will have one for the heater, maybe a few for the motor (different speeds), etc, and you will probably see a single or pair, the goes to a door micro switch somewhere, that might interupt the power to the timer motor.
FOLLOW THE WIRES (while its unpluged)

It sounds like you have limited electrical experence, so understand this, the netrual may be tied together. Start following the wires where they come into the unit (unpluged) - the timer will most likely be switching the hot side of everything, and the returns from everything, will mostlikely be all made up in one spot, or, consolidate as the feed their way around the inside of the unit.

S
December 2006