How to do a hard reset on a Kenmore dishwasher?
For Kenmore Elite dishwasher model 66513963K014, the most reliable hard reset is a full power cycle: turn the breaker OFF (or unplug) for about 5 minutes, then restore power and restart a cycle. This clears many control glitches without changing normal settings.
Hard reset steps for model 66513963K014
- Turn the dishwasher OFF at the circuit breaker (preferred) or unplug it.
- Wait 5 minutes.
- Restore power.
- Press START/RESUME and close the door within 3 seconds to begin a cycle.
- If you need to stop a stuck cycle first, press CANCEL/DRAIN and let it drain.
For control and cycle behavior details specific to this model, use the 66513963K014 use & care manual.
Control reset vs. power reset (what to use)
| Reset type | What it does | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Power reset (breaker/unplug) | Reboots the electronic control | Frozen keypad, odd lights, cycle won’t start |
| CANCEL/DRAIN reset | Stops the current cycle and resets the cycle selection | Wrong cycle selected, need to restart |
If the dishwasher still will not run after a reset
These checks are model-safe and commonly solve “won’t start” complaints:
- Confirm the door is fully closed and latched.
- If Start/Resume is blinking, close the door and press START/RESUME.
- Make sure Control Lock is off (hold CONTROL LOCK for 3 seconds to toggle).
- Verify the breaker is on and the dishwasher has power.
- If the unit will not fill, check that the water supply valve is open and the float moves freely.
Why it matters
A hard reset can clear a temporary software lockup after a power outage or interrupted cycle, saving time before deeper troubleshooting of parts like the control board or door latch.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the common problems with Kenmore dishwashers?
For Kenmore Elite dishwasher model 66513963K014, the most common problems we see are poor cleaning, water not draining, leaks, and no-start conditions. These issues are often tied to filter maintenance, loading habits, water temperature, or a failing component such as the drain pump, inlet valve, heater, or door seals.
Most common symptoms and what usually causes them
- Dishes still dirty or gritty: clogged filter, blocked spray arms, low water temperature, or too much detergent
- Water left in the tub: drain hose kink, disposer knockout plug not removed, clogged drain path, or weak drain pump
- Leaking: worn door seal, lower door seal, tub gasket, or vent gasket
- Won’t start or stops mid-cycle: door not fully latched, control lock on, power issue, or control problem
- Poor drying: rinse aid empty, Heated Dry/SmartDry not selected, plastics loaded in lower rack
Model-specific checks we recommend first (66513963K014)
This model uses an ULTRA WASH filtration system that needs periodic cleaning. We recommend starting with the care and troubleshooting steps in the 66513963K014 use & care manual.
- Clean the filter(s) at the bottom center of the tub
- Confirm incoming hot water is about 120°F
- Make sure spray arms spin freely and are not blocked by tall items
- Use rinse aid for best drying performance
- If the Start/Resume light blinks, close the door and press Start/Resume
Parts that commonly solve these problems
If cleaning and setup checks do not fix the issue, these model-compatible parts are common solutions:
| Symptom | Part to inspect/replace | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Not draining | Dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269 | Pushes water out; a weak pump leaves water in the tub |
| Not filling | Dishwasher water inlet valve W11175771 | Controls water entering the dishwasher |
| Not drying / water not heating | Dishwasher heater W10703867 | Heats water and supports drying performance |
| Leaking at door | Dishwasher door seal W11177741 | Seals the door perimeter to prevent drips |
Why it matters
Catching the root cause early helps prevent repeat wash cycles, standing water odors, and water damage. On high-efficiency Kenmore Elite models like 66513963K014, filter care and correct detergent and rinse aid use make a noticeable difference.
Last updated: January 2026
How to force a Kenmore dishwasher to drain?
On Kenmore Elite model 66513963K014, we force a drain by canceling the current cycle: open the door slightly to stop spraying, press CANCEL/DRAIN once, then close the door within 3 seconds. If water is in the tub, it will run a drain sequence for about 2 minutes. See the 66513963K014 use & care manual.
Steps to force-drain (cancel and drain)
- Open the door slightly and wait for spraying to stop.
- Press CANCEL/DRAIN one time.
- Close the door within 3 seconds.
- Let the drain run until it stops (about 2 minutes).
- When the Cancel/Drain light turns off, the drain sequence is complete.
If it still will not drain
If the dishwasher tries to drain but water remains, the issue is usually a blockage, a kinked drain hose, or a drain pump problem.
- Check for a kink or sag in the drain hose under the sink.
- If connected to a garbage disposer, confirm the disposer inlet knockout plug was removed.
- Check the sink drain or disposer for food blockage.
- Clean the filter area at the bottom center of the tub.
- If the unit hums but does not move water, inspect the dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269.
Quick troubleshooting guide
| What you notice | Most likely cause | What to check first |
|---|---|---|
| Water stays in tub, no drain sound | Control not in cancel/drain | Repeat CANCEL/DRAIN and close door within 3 seconds |
| Hums but little or no water leaves | Pump obstruction or failed pump | Drain pump inlet area, then drain pump |
| Drains slowly | Partial clog or hose routing issue | Disposer/waste tee, hose loop/air gap |
| Drains sometimes, sometimes not | Intermittent blockage | Filter, sump area, disposer inlet |
Why it matters
Standing water can cause odors, poor wash performance, and can lead to repeated drain errors. Forcing a drain is a fast way to clear the tub before you troubleshoot the drain path, filter, drain hose, or pump.
Last updated: January 2026





