Is Kenmore Elite made by Whirlpool?
Kenmore Elite is a Sears house brand, not a single manufacturer; different Kenmore Elite appliances (including dishwashers like model 46513333600) have been produced by multiple OEM manufacturers over time, and Whirlpool has been one of those suppliers for certain models.
How to tell who built your specific Kenmore Elite dishwasher
We recommend using the identification details and service information in the 46513333600 owner's manual to match your unit to the correct parts and service procedures.
Common ways to narrow it down:
- Check the model and serial label location described in the manual.
- Use the full model number 46513333600 when ordering parts.
- Compare the control layout and rack/drawer design to the manual illustrations.
- Match replacement parts by exact part ID, not by “looks similar.”
- If you are troubleshooting, note any error code or symptom before ordering parts.
Why the manufacturer matters (and when it does not)
For most repairs, what matters is the exact model number and the correct part ID. Manufacturer identity is mainly helpful when you are:
- Looking up error-code families and diagnostic steps
- Confirming wiring/connector styles
- Verifying fit for hoses, brackets, and drawer components
Quick guide
| What you need | Best identifier to use | Example for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Correct replacement part | Part ID | Water valve WPW10186746 |
| Correct procedures/specs | Model-specific documentation | 46513333600 owner's manual |
| Installation requirements | Installation instructions | 46513333600 installation guide |
Related parts that often come up in dishwasher troubleshooting
If your question is tied to a symptom (not filling, not draining, overheating), these model-compatible parts are commonly involved:
- Water valve WPW10186746 (fill problems)
- Dishwasher thermal fuse 99003624 (no power or intermittent power)
- Thermostat 99003623 (heating and temperature control)
- Drain hose clamp WP596669 (leaks at drain connections)
Why it matters
Kenmore Elite branding does not guarantee a Whirlpool-built unit, but using the exact model number 46513333600 and the correct part IDs ensures you get the right repair parts and instructions regardless of the original OEM.
Last updated: January 2026
Are Kenmore Elite dishwashers good?
Kenmore Elite dishwashers, including model 46513333600, are built for strong everyday cleaning and are designed for years of dependable operation when installed, operated, and maintained as described in the 46513333600 owner's manual.
What “good” looks like in real use
A good dishwasher consistently cleans, drains, and dries without frequent service calls. For this Kenmore Elite dishwasher, we focus on these practical indicators:
- Dishes come out clean with no gritty residue (good wash action and filtration)
- The unit drains fully at the end of the cycle (no standing water)
- Drying performance is consistent (venting and heat management working correctly)
- Racks roll smoothly and don’t rust prematurely (care and loading habits matter)
- No recurring leaks at inlet or drain connections (hoses and clamps stay tight)
Quick checklist: how to judge your dishwasher’s performance
Use this simple comparison to decide whether your 46513333600 is performing like a “good” dishwasher.
| What you notice | Most likely cause | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Cloudy glasses, film on dishes | Detergent, water hardness, loading | Adjust detergent and loading; follow care tips in the manual |
| Standing water after cycle | Drain restriction or loose connection | Check drain path and connections; inspect the drain hose clamp WP596669 |
| Poor drying, damp plastics | Normal for plastics; venting issue possible | Use rinse aid and proper options; verify venting and airflow |
| Intermittent heating issues | Heating circuit protection or sensor issue | Check for error indications; review troubleshooting guidance |
Why it matters
A “good” dishwasher is not just about brand; it is about consistent wash temperature, proper water circulation, and reliable draining. Routine care and periodic leak checks help protect your kitchen and keep performance steady over time.
Tips that keep Kenmore Elite dishwashers performing well
- Scrape, don’t pre-wash; heavy pre-washing can reduce detergent effectiveness
- Load so spray arms can spin freely and water can reach all surfaces
- Use rinse aid to improve drying and reduce spotting
- Clean and maintain the dishwasher regularly (filters, interior, and seals)
- Periodically check inlet and drain hose connections for leaks (recommended in the manual)
If you’re seeing an error code
Use our Kenmore he dishwasher error codes reference to match the code to likely causes and next steps.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the common problems with Kenmore dishwashers?
Common problems on the Kenmore Elite dishwasher model 46513333600 are poor cleaning from clogged filters or blocked spray paths, draining problems from restrictions in the drain route, leaks at hose connections, and no-start issues tied to power, door closure, or safety devices. Use the 46513333600 owner's manual for model-specific care and operating steps.
Most common symptoms and what usually causes them
- Dishes not clean: coarse filter cup full, spray arm holes blocked, overloading, or incorrect detergent amount
- Won’t drain: food debris in the filter area, kinked drain hose, or a loose/blocked drain connection
- Leaks: loose inlet or drain hose connections, or a seal issue around the drawer
- Won’t start: power supply issue, drawer not fully closed, or an open safety circuit (such as a fuse)
- Poor drying: detergent and rinse aid choices, water temperature, or a heating control problem
Quick checks we recommend first (fast, no parts)
- Disconnect power before any inspection or service.
- Check and empty the coarse filter cup; it must sit flush before you run a cycle.
- Confirm you are using automatic dishwasher detergent only (never soap or laundry detergent).
- If the home hot water has not been used for 2 weeks or more, run hot water at the sink first.
- Periodically inspect inlet and drain hose connections for leaks.
Detergent and filter basics (these fix a lot of “performance” complaints)
The manual notes that too little detergent can cause poor cleaning and spotting, and too much can cause etching or suds that may overflow. Water hardness also changes how much detergent you need.
| Issue you see | Common cause | Best first action |
|---|---|---|
| Film or spots | Hard water, too little detergent | Adjust detergent for hardness; use rinse additive |
| Cloudy glass | Too much detergent | Reduce detergent amount |
| Food bits left | Coarse filter cup full | Clean coarse filter cup and plate |
When a part is commonly involved
If basic cleaning and loading steps do not help, these parts are often involved in common dishwasher complaints:
- For no power/no start symptoms: dishwasher thermal fuse 99003624
- For drying or temperature-related symptoms: thermostat 99003623
- For fill problems (no water entering): water valve WPW10186746
Why it matters
Most “dishwasher problems” start as airflow, water flow, or detergent issues. Keeping the coarse filter cup clean and using the right detergent amount prevents recirculating debris, protects the spray system, and reduces leak and overflow risks.
Last updated: January 2026
How do I get my Kenmore Elite dishwasher out of lock mode?
To take your Kenmore Elite dishwasher model 46513333600 out of lock mode, press and hold the Sensor Dry (Lock) pad for 3 seconds until the lock indicator light turns off.
Quick unlock steps
- Make sure the dishwasher is between cycles (not actively running a wash or delay).
- Press and hold Sensor Dry (Lock) for 3 seconds.
- Watch for the lock indicator light to turn off.
- Try pressing Start/Resume, then close the drawer within 3 seconds.
- If the controls still beep and flash, repeat the 3-second hold.
What you should see and hear
If Child Lock is on, pressing other pads typically causes the lock indicator to flash and the dishwasher to beep. Unlocking stops that behavior.
| What happens | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Lock light is on | Controls are locked | Hold Sensor Dry (Lock) 3 seconds |
| Lock light turns off | Controls are unlocked | Select cycle, press Start/Resume |
| Lights flash, alarm sounds after Start/Resume | Drawer was not closed in time | Press Start/Resume again and close drawer within 3 seconds |
Why it matters
Child Lock prevents kids (and accidental bumps) from starting, stopping, or changing cycle and option selections. It does not lock the drawer itself, only the control touchpads.
Helpful reference
For the exact button location and lock icon on your control panel, follow the steps in the 46513333600 owner's manual.
Last updated: January 2026





