How to do a hard reset on a Kenmore dishwasher?
For your Kenmore Elite dishwasher model 66513923K017, the most reliable “hard reset” is to reset the control by using CANCEL/DRAIN twice, then starting a new cycle. This clears the current cycle and lets the control restart cleanly (it is the reset method described in the owner's manual).
Quick reset steps (control reset)
- Open the door slightly to stop the cycle; wait for spraying to stop.
- Open the door fully.
- Press CANCEL/DRAIN twice to reset the control.
- Select your new cycle and options.
- Press START/RESUME.
- Close the door within about 3 seconds if prompted by your model’s behavior.
If the dishwasher seems “stuck” or won’t respond
These checks fix the most common reasons a reset does not appear to work:
- Control Lock is on: press and hold CONTROL LOCK for 3 seconds to turn it off.
- Door not fully latched: push the door firmly closed, then press START/RESUME.
- Water remains in the tub: run CANCEL/DRAIN and let the drain cycle finish.
- No fill or weak fill after reset: confirm the water supply valve is on and the float moves freely.
What “reset” does (and does not) do
| Action | What it does | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| CANCEL/DRAIN twice | Resets the control and cancels the current cycle | Wrong cycle selected, cycle acting up, need a clean restart |
| CONTROL LOCK hold 3 sec | Enables or disables the control lock | Buttons do nothing or “LOCK ON” is lit |
| START/RESUME | Resumes a paused cycle or starts the selected cycle | After adding a dish or after selecting a new cycle |
Why it matters
A control reset is the fastest way to clear an interrupted cycle, stop a misbehaving program, and get your 66513923K017 back to a normal wash sequence without guessing at button combinations.
Last updated: February 2026
Is Kenmore 66513923K017 high end?
Yes. Kenmore Elite models like the Kenmore 66513923K017 are positioned as a premium line, typically offering stronger cleaning performance, quieter operation, and more advanced wash options than basic Kenmore dishwashers. For the exact features and cycle options on this model, use the owner's manual.
What “high end” means for this Kenmore Elite dishwasher
A high-end dishwasher is usually defined by cleaning system design, cycle flexibility, and long-term serviceability.
Common premium traits you can expect from this class of dishwasher include:
- Soil-sensing wash cycles that adjust time and water use
- Advanced filtration (often tied to longer, more efficient cycles)
- Multiple cycle choices for heavy, normal, and delicate loads
- Better drying performance when the heater and vent system are working correctly
- Higher-quality racks, rollers, and door sealing compared to entry models
Features we can confirm from the documentation
The Use & Care Guide for the 665.1392 and 665.1394 series (which includes 66513923K017) describes soil-sensing cycles and notes that high-efficiency dishwashers can run longer due to advanced filtration.
Here is a quick view of what that typically looks like in real use:
| What you notice | What it usually indicates | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Longer cycle times (sometimes 2+ hours) | High-efficiency filtration and soil sensing | Cycle chart in the manual |
| Good cleaning with less water | Sensor-based adjustments | Proper loading and detergent |
| Drying issues | Heater, vent, or rinse aid problem | Heater operation and venting |
Why it matters
“High end” is most noticeable when the dishwasher is maintained and sealed correctly. A premium dishwasher that is leaking, not heating, or not draining will perform like a budget unit until the underlying issue is fixed.
If you are restoring performance, these model-matched parts are common fixes:
- Dishwasher heater W10703867 for poor drying or cool wash water
- Dishwasher filter W10872845 for recirculating debris and reduced cleaning
- Dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269 for standing water at the end of the cycle
- Dishwasher door seal W11177741 for leaks around the door
Last updated: February 2026
Is it worth repairing a Kenmore dishwasher?
Yes, repairing a Kenmore Elite dishwasher like model 66513923K017 is usually worth it when the problem is isolated (leak, won’t drain, door won’t seal) and the tub and racks are still in good shape. If repairs are frequent or major components keep failing, replacement is the better long-term value.
Quick way to decide (repair vs. replace)
Use these checks first because they often solve “dead” or “won’t start” complaints without parts:
- Confirm the door is fully closed and latched.
- Check the house breaker or fuse.
- Make sure a cycle is selected and Start/Resume is pressed.
- Verify the water supply valve is turned on.
- Start a short cycle and, after about 2 minutes, open the door and confirm there is water in the bottom of the tub.
For model-specific operating checks and troubleshooting steps, use the owner's manual.
Repairs that are commonly worth doing on this model
These are typical “high-impact” fixes that restore normal operation without replacing the whole dishwasher:
- Leaks at the door: replace the dishwasher door seal W11177741 and inspect the lower seal area.
- Not draining: check the drain path and consider the dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269 if the pump hums, jams, or won’t move water.
- Poor drying or water not heating: test the heater circuit and replace the dishwasher heater W10703867 when it fails electrically.
- Racks not rolling smoothly: replace worn rack wheels such as the dishwasher dishrack roller assembly, lower WPW10195417.
Cost and effort comparison
| Situation | Usually worth repairing? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Door leak, worn seal, rack rollers | Yes | Targeted parts, straightforward repair |
| Won’t drain (hose clear, pump failed) | Yes | Common failure, restores full function |
| Repeated electrical/control issues | No | Costs add up and downtime increases |
| Rusted tub or multiple major failures | No | Structural issues reduce long-term value |
Why it matters
A focused repair can extend the life of your 66513923K017, reduce installation hassle, and keep your kitchen setup unchanged. Replacing after repeated breakdowns prevents ongoing service costs and unexpected downtime.
Last updated: February 2026
What are common problems with Kenmore dishwashers?
Common problems on the Kenmore Elite 66513923K017 dishwasher include not starting or stopping mid-cycle (door not fully latched, Start/Resume blinking, power issue), poor cleaning (blocked spray arm or filter, low water temperature), not draining (kinked drain hose or drain pump issue), not filling (water supply off or float stuck), and leaks (worn door seals).
Most common symptoms and what usually causes them
- Dishwasher does not run: door not closed and latched, Start/Resume needs to be pressed, cycle not selected, or a tripped breaker
- Detergent remains in dispenser: large items blocking the dispenser door, detergent is old or clumped, cycle not completed
- Water remains in tub or won’t drain: cycle not finished, disposer knockout plug not removed, kinked hose, food blockage, drain pump problem
- Will not fill: water supply turned off, overfill protection float stuck, suds detected
- Cycle runs too long: normal energy-saving cycles can run up to about 3 hours; low incoming water temperature adds heat time
Quick checks we recommend first (fast, no parts)
- Close the door firmly; if the Start/Resume light is blinking, close the door and press Start/Resume.
- Confirm a cycle is selected and the dishwasher has power (check breaker or fuse).
- Run hot water at the sink nearest the dishwasher before starting; target 120°F (49°C) incoming water.
- Check the overfill protection float; it must move up and down freely.
- Inspect the drain path: hose routing for kinks, disposer inlet knockout plug (if connected), and food obstructions.
Parts that commonly solve these problems on model 66513923K017
| Symptom | Common fix | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t drain, water left in tub | Clear blockage; replace failed drain pump | Dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269 |
| Won’t fill or fills slowly | Verify water supply; replace inlet valve | Dishwasher water inlet valve W11175771 |
| Poor cleaning, debris recirculating | Clean or replace filter | Dishwasher filter W10872845 |
| Leaks at the door | Replace worn door seal(s) | Dishwasher door seal W11177741 and dishwasher door seal, lower WPW10497235 |
Why it matters
These issues usually trace back to water flow, drainage, or a door/float safety condition. Fixing the root cause protects the pump and heater, improves cleaning and drying, and helps prevent leaks.
For model-specific troubleshooting steps and indicator light behavior, follow the owner's manual.
Last updated: February 2026





