How do I get my Kenmore Elite dishwasher out of lock mode?
To take your Kenmore Elite dishwasher model 66513969K013 out of lock mode, press and hold CONTROL LOCK for 3 seconds until the LOCK ON light turns off. Once unlocked, the dishwasher can run normally again.
How to confirm it is actually locked
When Control Lock is on, the dishwasher will act like the buttons do not work.
- Look for LOCK ON lit on the control panel
- If you press any button, the lock light flashes 3 times
- You may hear an audible tone when you press a pad
- The door still opens and closes, even while locked
- The dishwasher will not start while Control Lock is enabled
Lock and unlock steps (quick reference)
Use this as a simple checklist.
| Action | What to do | What you should see |
|---|---|---|
| Unlock controls | Press and hold CONTROL LOCK for 3 seconds | LOCK ON light turns off |
| Lock controls | Press and hold CONTROL LOCK for 3 seconds | LOCK ON light turns on |
For the exact button location and control-panel layout for your version, follow the instructions in the 66513969K013 owner's manual.
If it still will not unlock
These steps fix the most common “stuck in lock” situations.
- Press and hold CONTROL LOCK a full 3 seconds (do not tap)
- Close the door fully, then try again (some panels respond best with the door closed)
- If a cycle was interrupted, press CANCEL, then try unlocking
- If you are using Delay Hours, remember you must press START/RESUME again after opening the door
- Reset power: turn the dishwasher off at the breaker for 1 minute, then restore power and try again
Why it matters
Control Lock prevents unintended button presses between cycles. If it is on, the dishwasher cannot run, so unlocking is the first step before troubleshooting “won’t start” complaints.
Last updated: January 2026
How to do a hard reset on a Kenmore dishwasher?
For the Kenmore Elite dishwasher model 66513969K013, the control reset is done from the keypad: press CANCEL/DRAIN twice to reset the control, then reselect your cycle and press START/RESUME. The exact button names and timing are shown in the 66513969K013 owner's manual.
Reset steps (control reset)
- Open the door slightly to pause the cycle.
- Wait for spraying to stop, then open the door fully.
- Press CANCEL/DRAIN twice to reset the control.
- Select the new cycle and options.
- Press START/RESUME, then close the door within 3 seconds.
If the dishwasher still will not respond
These checks solve most “won’t start” or “stuck cycle” complaints after a reset:
- Make sure the door is fully latched; the cycle will not start if the door is not closed within 3 seconds after pressing START/RESUME.
- If you opened the door to add a dish, press START/RESUME again to resume.
- If water is standing in the bottom, run CANCEL/DRAIN and let it drain completely.
- Turn sound back on if you rely on beeps; press and hold HIGH TEMP for 3 seconds to toggle sound.
- If the unit drains poorly or leaves water after Cancel/Drain, inspect the drain path and consider the dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269 if the pump is not moving water.
What “hard reset” usually means on this model
On 66513969K013, a “hard reset” typically refers to clearing the control’s current cycle and restarting from the beginning using the CANCEL/DRAIN reset procedure.
| Reset type | What it does | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Control reset (CANCEL/DRAIN twice) | Clears the current cycle and lets you start over | Stuck cycle, wrong cycle selected, won’t resume |
| Cancel and drain (CANCEL/DRAIN once) | Drains water remaining in the tub | Water in bottom, need to stop mid-cycle |
Why it matters
Resetting the control the correct way prevents false “won’t start” symptoms and ensures the dishwasher drains safely before you restart a wash cycle.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the code f4e1 on a Kenmore Elite dishwasher?
On the Kenmore Elite dishwasher model 66513969K013, the F4E1 error code points to a wash motor or wash pump problem (the dishwasher is not circulating water correctly). After correcting the cause, clear the code using the reset steps in the 66513969K013 owner's manual.
What you should check first
- Power reset: Turn off the breaker for 1 minute, then restore power.
- Water supply: Confirm the shutoff valve is fully open and the fill line is not kinked.
- Filter and sump area: Clean debris that can restrict circulation.
- Spray arms: Make sure holes are not clogged and arms spin freely.
- Wiring connections: Inspect for loose or damaged connectors at the motor/pump.
Parts commonly involved (when F4E1 keeps returning)
If the dishwasher fills but does not wash well (little to no spray sound), these parts are common suspects:
| Symptom | Most likely area | Example part for 66513969K013 |
|---|---|---|
| Fills, then goes quiet, poor cleaning | Wash motor/pump not circulating | Dishwasher pump and motor assembly WPW10328226 |
| Drains but will not wash properly | Spray delivery issue | Dishwasher spray arm WPW10195601 |
| Intermittent operation, odd behavior | Control or sensing issue | Dishwasher electronic control board (model-specific diagnosis needed) |
How to clear the code after repair
Many Kenmore Elite dishwashers clear stored faults by entering a diagnostic or reset sequence. Use the exact button sequence and timing shown in the 66513969K013 owner's manual.
Why it matters
When the wash motor cannot circulate water, dishes stay dirty and the dishwasher can stop mid-cycle to protect components. Fixing the circulation issue restores normal spray pressure and cleaning performance.
Last updated: January 2026
Why does my Kenmore dishwasher take so long?
Kenmore Elite dishwasher model 66513969K013 can run long cycles by design because high-efficiency dishwashers use less water and energy and may extend wash time (often up to about 3 hours), especially when incoming water is cooler and the unit needs extra time to heat it. Check your cycle and options first before assuming a failure.
What to check first (most common causes)
- Cycle selection: Normal and Eco-style cycles typically run the longest; 1 Hour Wash is the fastest option.
- Incoming water temperature: 120°F (49°C) hot water at the dishwasher helps prevent heat-related delays.
- Options adding time: Heated Dry/SmartDry adds about 30 minutes.
- Door opened mid-cycle: If the door is opened, you must press START/RESUME and close the door within 3 seconds to continue.
- Filter maintenance: A dirty filter can reduce performance and contribute to longer run times.
Quick timing guide (what “normal” looks like)
| What you see | What it usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle runs 2 to 3 hours | High-efficiency operation, soil sensing, or heating cooler water | Run hot water at the sink first; use 1 Hour Wash when needed |
| Drying takes longer | Heated Dry/SmartDry selected | Turn off Heated Dry to shorten the cycle |
| Cycle seems paused after opening door | Cycle waiting for restart | Press START/RESUME and close within 3 seconds |
When a part problem is more likely
If cycle time suddenly increases and cleaning or drying also gets worse, a heating or water-fill issue is more likely.
- Verify the water supply valve is fully open.
- Listen for normal fill and wash sounds early in the cycle.
- If the dishwasher is not heating well, the heater circuit may be involved.
Relevant parts for this model include the dishwasher heater W10703867 and the dishwasher water inlet valve W11175771.
Why it matters
Longer cycles are how this Kenmore Elite dishwasher saves water and energy while still cleaning well. If the unit cannot reach target water temperature or is set to time-adding options, the control will extend the cycle to finish properly.
For cycle descriptions, option timing, and operating tips specific to 66513969K013, use the 66513969K013 owner's manual.
Last updated: January 2026





