What are common problems with Kenmore dishwashers?
Common problems we see with the Kenmore 66513733K601 dishwasher include not starting or stopping mid-cycle, poor draining, leaks at the door, and poor drying or cleaning. Many issues trace back to power/door-latch interruptions, water supply problems, or wear items like seals, pumps, and the heating circuit (see the 66513733K601 owner's manual).
- Dishwasher will not run or stops during a cycle: door not fully latched, cycle not selected correctly, power interruption, tripped breaker or blown fuse, or motor overload that needs a few minutes to reset.
- START/RESUME light flashing: door opened during the cycle or power was interrupted.
- Not draining or standing water: drain path restriction (filter area, hose routing), drain pump issue, or drain air gap blockage.
- Leaks at the door: worn or mis-seated door seal.
- Poor drying or water not heating: heating circuit problem (heater, wiring, control) or cycle/option selection.
- Spots, film, or staining on dishes: water chemistry and detergent/rinse aid balance, overloading, or insufficient rinsing.
- Confirm the door closes tightly and latches.
- Verify the breaker is on (or replace a blown household fuse) and the dishwasher has power.
- Make sure the water shut-off valve is fully open.
- If the motor overloaded, wait a few minutes for the automatic reset.
- Check the drain air gap (if installed) and clear any blockage.
- Review cycle and option selections in the 66513733K601 owner's manual.
| Symptom | Common part involved | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Poor drying, water not heating | Heating circuit | Dishwasher heating element W10518394 |
| Not draining | Drain system | Dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269 |
| Leaking at the door | Door sealing surface | Dishwasher door seal W10542314 |
Catching the root cause early helps prevent repeat failures. For example, a door that is not fully latched can mimic a control problem, and a restricted drain air gap can look like a bad drain pump. Correct diagnosis saves time and avoids unnecessary part replacement.
Last updated: January 2026
How to do a hard reset on a Kenmore dishwasher?
On Kenmore dishwasher model 66513733K601, the most reliable “hard reset” is to cancel the current cycle and clear the control settings: press CANCEL/DRAIN and let the dishwasher complete the drain (about 2 minutes). Then reselect your cycle and press START/RESUME. See the 66513733K601 owner's manual for the exact button names on your console.
- Close the door fully so the controls can run the drain.
- Press CANCEL/DRAIN once.
- Wait for the drain to finish (typically about 2 minutes).
- Refill detergent if you are starting a new cycle.
- Select the desired cycle and options.
- Press START/RESUME.
Sometimes the dishwasher is not actually locked up; it is locked.
- If LOCK ON is lit, press and hold HEATED DRY for 4 seconds to toggle the control lock off.
- If you opened the door mid-cycle, close it firmly; the START/RESUME light may flash until you press START/RESUME.
- If you need to stop a drain in progress, press CANCEL/DRAIN again.
| Action | What it accomplishes | What it will not fix |
|---|---|---|
| CANCEL/DRAIN | Clears cycle selections and drains water if needed | A failed drain pump, clogged hose, or wiring issue |
| HEATED DRY (hold 4 sec) | Turns control lock on or off | Error codes caused by a real component failure |
Canceling and draining first prevents starting a new wash with standing water, and it clears options so the electronic control can begin a fresh cycle sequence.
If the dishwasher still will not respond after canceling and unlocking, check for a drain problem (standing water) and consider testing the dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269 or the fuse W10258275.
Last updated: January 2026
Does a Kenmore dishwasher model 66513733K601 have a filter?
Yes. Kenmore dishwasher model 66513733K601 uses a built-in filtration system as part of the ULTRA WASH soil removal system, which filters food soil from the wash water during the cycle. For cleaning and care steps specific to your model, use the 66513733K601 owner's manual.
On 66513733K601, the filter is not a separate, user-swappable cartridge like some newer dishwashers. It is part of the dishwasher’s internal soil removal and filtration design that helps keep wash water cleaner while the unit runs.
Common filtration-related components you may hear referenced:
- Filtration system (internal screens and passages)
- Sump area (where water collects and is pumped)
- Optical soil sensor (turbidity sensor) that helps adjust cycles
- Drain pump and drain path that carry soil out of the tub
We recommend these routine steps to reduce odors, improve cleaning, and prevent drain issues:
- Scrape off large food scraps before loading (no need to pre-rinse heavily).
- Clean the bottom of the tub and sump area if you see debris after a cycle.
- Run hot water at the sink before starting a cycle to improve initial wash temperature.
- Use the right detergent amount for your water hardness.
- Clean and maintain the dishwasher regularly using the how to clean and maintain your dishwasher guide.
If you are seeing standing water, gritty residue, or poor cleaning, these checks usually pinpoint the cause:
| Symptom | Most common cause | What to check first |
|---|---|---|
| Standing water after cycle | Drain restriction or weak drain pump | Air gap/garbage disposal knockout, drain hose routing |
| Grit on dishes | Soil not flushing out | Sump area debris, spray arm holes, detergent use |
| Cycles seem to change length | Sensor reacting to soil level | Normal behavior; clean tub and improve loading |
If you suspect a drain problem, the dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269 is a common replacement part for this model.
A clean, unobstructed filtration and drain path helps the 66513733K601 maintain water flow, protect the pump motor, and prevent odors and redepositing soil onto dishes.
Last updated: January 2026
Why is the start button not working on my Kenmore Ultra Wash quiet guard?
On Kenmore dishwasher model 66513733K601, the Start/Resume button usually will not start a cycle when the door is not fully closed and latched, the cycle was interrupted (Start/Resume light flashing), or power was interrupted. Follow the checks in the 66513733K601 owner’s manual to restore normal operation.
- Close the door firmly until you feel the latch engage; then press START/RESUME.
- If the START/RESUME light is flashing, press START/RESUME to resume; make sure the door is fully closed and latched.
- Check house power: reset the dishwasher breaker or replace a blown fuse.
- If the motor overloaded, wait a few minutes; it can reset itself automatically.
- Confirm the correct cycle is selected before pressing START/RESUME.
- Make sure the overfill protection float moves freely (front right of the tub); press down to release it if it is stuck.
If the quick checks do not help, these are the most common reasons the Start button seems “dead”:
| Symptom | Most likely cause | What we recommend |
|---|---|---|
| Buttons light up but cycle will not begin | Door latch not fully engaging or door opened mid-cycle | Re-latch door; press START/RESUME again |
| No lights, no response | Power supply issue | Check breaker, junction box wiring, and outlet (if applicable) |
| Starts sometimes, then stops | Interruption or overload | Resume with START/RESUME; allow motor to cool/reset |
| Fills or drains incorrectly and won’t proceed | Float stuck or water supply issue | Free the float; verify water shut-off valve is on |
If the door is latching correctly and power is good, the issue is often in the user interface or control system. For this model, a failed electronic control can prevent a normal start sequence.
- Inspect the console for stuck keys or moisture intrusion.
- If the dishwasher is completely unresponsive after power checks, the thermal fuse can be a culprit; see fuse W10258275.
- If the unit has power but won’t run through a cycle, the control may be at fault; see dishwasher electronic control board WPW10084142.
The dishwasher is designed to block operation unless the door is latched and the cycle state is valid. That prevents leaks and protects the pump motor and heating circuit from running under unsafe conditions.
Last updated: January 2026





