How to reset a Kenmore Elite dishwasher 66515113K215?
To reset the control on your Kenmore dishwasher model 66515113K215, press CANCEL/DRAIN twice; this clears the current cycle so you can select a new cycle and start fresh. For a full control-panel walkthrough, use the 66515113K215 owner's manual.
Quick reset steps (control reset)
- Open the door slightly to pause the cycle; wait for spraying to stop.
- Open the door fully.
- Press CANCEL/DRAIN two times to reset the control.
- Select your new wash cycle and options.
- Press START/RESUME.
- If you opened the door during a delay start, press START/RESUME again to continue the countdown.
If it still will not start after a reset
Check these common causes
- Control Lock is on: press and hold HEATED DRY for 3 seconds to toggle Lock off.
- Door not fully latched: close firmly; large items can prevent latching.
- Sleep mode: wake the controls by pressing START/RESUME or CANCEL/DRAIN, or by opening the door before choosing a cycle.
- Start/Resume light blinking: close the door and press START/RESUME.
- Power issue: check the breaker or fuse.
Reset vs cancel/drain: what’s the difference?
| Action | What it does | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Cancel/drain (once) | Cancels the cycle and drains if water is in the tub | You want to stop the current cycle |
| Control reset (CANCEL/DRAIN twice) | Resets the control so you can restart from the beginning | Controls seem “stuck” or you want a clean restart |
| Control Lock toggle (HEATED DRY 3 sec) | Disables or enables the buttons | Buttons do not respond |
Why it matters
A proper reset clears the cycle logic and helps the dishwasher accept a new cycle selection. It also prevents “no start” symptoms caused by Control Lock, a blinking Start/Resume light, or an interrupted delay start.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the common problems with Kenmore dishwashers?
Kenmore dishwashers like model 66515113K215 most often have draining problems (water left in the tub), starting issues (door not fully latched or Start/Resume not completed), poor cleaning from clogged filters or spray arms, leaks from hoses or seals, and weak drying when the heating system is not working as designed. See the 66515113K215 owner's manual for model-specific troubleshooting steps.
Most common symptoms and what usually causes them
- Water remains in the tub / won’t drain: kinked drain hose, disposer knockout plug not removed, food blockage in drain path, or a failing pump
- Won’t start or stops mid-cycle: door not fully closed and latched, Start/Resume light blinking (needs door closed then Start/Resume), Sleep Mode still active
- Detergent not dissolving: dispenser blocked by dishes, tablet landing on the tub bottom, low water temperature, or spray arm not rotating freely
- Poor cleaning: clogged filters, blocked spray arm holes, hard water buildup, overloaded racks
- Odors or white residue: hard water minerals, dirty filters, infrequent cleaning
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.
- Check the drain hose routing for kinks and confirm the disposer inlet knockout plug is removed (if connected).
- Clean the filters monthly and clear spray arm holes.
- Use rinse aid and fresh, high-quality dishwasher detergent.
- If you have hard water (about 15 grains or more), use a water softener or a dishwasher cleaner monthly.
Common problem-to-part mapping (when a repair is needed)
| Symptom | Common part involved | Example part for 66515113K215 |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t drain / water left in tub | Drain pump, drain hose | Dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269, dishwasher drain hose 8269144A |
| Not drying well | Heating element | Element assembly W10518394 |
| Not filling | Water inlet valve | Dishwasher water inlet valve W11175771 |
| Poor wash results | Spray arm, filters | Dishwasher spray arm WPW10491331, dishwasher filter WPW10463906 |
Why it matters
Most “Kenmore dishwasher problems” are really flow problems: restricted water in (fill), restricted water through (filters and spray arms), or restricted water out (drain). Fixing the restriction early prevents repeat clogs, long cycles, and residue.
Helpful reference
For fault codes and what they mean on many Kenmore models, use our Kenmore 665 model dishwasher error codes guide.
Last updated: January 2026
What does E15 mean on a Kenmore dishwasher?
On Kenmore dishwasher model 66515113K215, an E15 error means the dishwasher has detected water in the bottom/base area and has activated leak protection to help prevent overflow. The fix is to stop the leak source, dry the base, then restore normal operation using the steps in the 66515113K215 owner's manual.
What to do first (safe, quick checks)
- Turn off power at the breaker and shut off the water supply.
- Pull the toe-kick panel and look for standing water in the base pan.
- If water is present, dry it completely (towels or a wet/dry vac).
- Check for obvious drips at the water inlet connection and drain hose routing.
- Restore power and run a short cycle while watching for leaks.
Most common causes of E15 on this model
E15 is usually triggered by a real leak or a drain issue that causes water to end up where it should not.
- Loose or seeping fill connection or valve area (often at the inlet)
- Drain hose leak, split, or loose clamp
- Sump or seal leak under the tub
- Over-sudsing from wrong detergent (hand soap or too much detergent)
- Poor draining that leaves water where the leak sensor can trip
Parts that commonly relate to leaks or draining
If you find the leak source, these are common repair areas for 66515113K215:
| Symptom you see | Likely area to inspect | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Water dripping at fill area | Inlet valve and fittings | Dishwasher water inlet valve W11175771 |
| Water on floor near cabinet | Drain hose routing or split hose | Dishwasher drain hose 8269144A |
| Water under tub center | Sump seals or sump assembly | Dishwasher sump and seal assembly WPW10482462 |
| Hums but will not drain | Drain pump or blockage | Dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269 |
Why it matters
E15 is a protection alert; clearing the code without fixing the leak usually leads to repeat shutdowns and can cause water damage. Finding the exact drip point (fill, drain, or sump) is the fastest path to a lasting repair.
Last updated: January 2026





