How do I get my Kenmore Elite dishwasher out of lock mode?
To take your Kenmore Elite dishwasher model 66513979K015 out of lock mode, press and hold CONTROL LOCK for 3 seconds until the LOCK ON light turns off. The door can still open and close while locked, but the dishwasher will not run.
- Press and hold CONTROL LOCK for 3 seconds.
- Watch for LOCK ON to turn off.
- If you press other buttons while locked, the lock light typically flashes 3 times and you may hear a tone.
- After unlocking, reselect your cycle and press START/RESUME.
- If you opened the door during a delay start, press START/RESUME again to continue the countdown.
- Make sure you are pressing the correct pad labeled CONTROL LOCK (some models use a dedicated button).
- Press and hold the pad for a full 3 seconds (a quick tap will not change the setting).
- If the control panel is unresponsive, reset power by turning the dishwasher off at the breaker for 1 minute, then restore power and try again.
| Item | What happens when locked | What changes when unlocked |
|---|---|---|
| Buttons | Disabled | Work normally |
| Door | Can open/close | Can open/close |
| Starting a cycle | Will not run | Can start with START/RESUME |
Control Lock prevents accidental button presses between cycles, which helps avoid unintended starts, canceled cycles, or changed options, especially in busy kitchens.
For the exact button location and indicator behavior on your control panel, follow the steps in the 66513979K015 owner’s manual.
Last updated: January 2026
How do I reset a Kenmore Elite dishwasher 66513979K015?
To reset the control on your Kenmore Elite dishwasher model 66513979K015, press CANCEL/DRAIN twice, then choose a new cycle and press START/RESUME. This clears the current cycle and restarts the dishwasher from the beginning (control reset procedure in the 66513979K015 owner's manual).
- Open the door slightly to stop the cycle; wait for spraying to stop.
- Open the door fully.
- Press CANCEL/DRAIN two times to reset the control.
- Select your new cycle and any options.
- Press START/RESUME.
If there is water in the bottom of the tub, use a drain first, then reset.
- Open the door slightly; wait for spraying to stop.
- Press CANCEL/DRAIN once.
- Close the door within 3 seconds so it can drain.
- Let it drain completely (typically about 2 minutes), then press CANCEL/DRAIN twice to reset.
| Action | What it does | What it does not do |
|---|---|---|
| CANCEL/DRAIN twice | Resets the electronic control and clears the current cycle | Fix a failed part or wiring problem |
| CANCEL/DRAIN once + close door | Runs a drain cycle if water remains | Clean a clogged filter or drain path |
A proper control reset is the fastest way to clear a stuck cycle, recover from an invalid option selection, or restart after opening the door mid-cycle. If the dishwasher still will not drain or restart after resetting, the issue is usually in the drain path or a component such as the drain pump.
If draining is the problem, the drain pump is a common suspect on this model; see the dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269 if you need a replacement.
Last updated: January 2026
Who makes Kenmore dishwasher model 66513979K015?
Kenmore Elite dishwasher model 66513979K015 is a Kenmore-branded unit built by Whirlpool (the 665 model prefix is the key identifier). For parts and service procedures that match this exact dishwasher, use the 66513979K015 use and care guide and the 66513979K015 installation guide.
Kenmore is a brand name; the actual manufacturer is typically identified by the model prefix.
- 665 prefix: Whirlpool-built Kenmore dishwashers
- The remaining digits identify the specific design series and features
- This matters because many internal components (pump, heater, racks) follow the manufacturer’s design
Knowing Whirlpool built this Kenmore Elite model helps you choose compatible replacement parts and troubleshoot using the right style of instructions.
- Electrical connectors and wire harness routing are manufacturer-specific
- Rack hardware and adjusters vary by design family
- Water system components (inlet valve, drain pump, sump) follow Whirlpool layouts
| What you’re fixing | Common part type | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Upper rack won’t stay on track | Rack stop / rail stop | Dishwasher dishrack slide rail stop, upper WPW10195622 |
| Dishwasher not draining | Drain pump | Dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269 |
| Poor cleaning / debris in sump | Filter | Dishwasher filter W10872845 |
When you match parts and procedures to the Whirlpool-built 665-series platform, you reduce fitment issues and avoid repeat repairs, especially on rack components, drainage, and water fill problems.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the common problems with Kenmore dishwashers?
Common problems on the Kenmore Elite 66513979K015 dishwasher are no-start conditions, draining problems, poor cleaning, leaks, and drying issues. Most of these trace back to loading or latch problems, clogged filters or drain paths, or a failed component such as a pump, inlet valve, or heater; use the 66513979K015 owner's manual troubleshooting chart to narrow it down.
- Dishwasher will not run: door not fully closed and latched, Start/Resume needs to be pressed again, tripped breaker or blown fuse, or a control issue.
- Won’t drain: kinked drain hose, disposer knockout plug not removed, food obstruction in the drain path, or a weak drain pump.
- Detergent remains in dispenser: door not latching, spray blocked by large items, or dispenser not opening.
- Hard water residue or cloudy glassware: very hard water, no rinse aid, or infrequent filter cleaning.
- Odors or noise: debris in the filter area, drain path restriction, or items contacting the wash system.
- Confirm the door closes and latches; re-load tall items so they do not interfere with closing.
- If Start/Resume is blinking, close the door and press Start/Resume.
- Check the home circuit breaker or fuse.
- Inspect the drain hose for kinks and verify the disposer inlet knockout plug is removed (if connected).
- Clean the filter area regularly; hard water needs extra maintenance.
| Symptom | Common part to check | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Not draining | Drain pump, drain hose | Dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269, dishwasher drain hose 8269144A |
| Not filling or fills slowly | Water inlet valve | Dishwasher water inlet valve W11175771 |
| Poor drying | Heater | Dishwasher heater W10703867 |
| Poor cleaning | Filter, spray arm | Dishwasher filter W10872845, dishwasher spray arm WPW10195601 |
Catching a simple cause (like a kinked hose, blocked drain path, or hard-water buildup) prevents repeat cycle failures and helps protect the pump, heater, and control from extra strain.
Last updated: January 2026





