How to do a hard reset on a Kenmore dishwasher?
For Kenmore Elite dishwasher model 66512773K311, the most reliable “hard reset” is to cancel the current cycle and reset the control: open the door, then press and hold CANCEL/DRAIN until the drain starts; if you need a full control reset, press and hold CANCEL/DRAIN twice, then reselect a cycle and press START/RESUME. See the 66512773K311 use & care manual.
Reset steps for model 66512773K311
- Open the door slightly and wait for spraying to stop.
- Press and hold CANCEL/DRAIN until the Cancel/Drain light turns on.
- Close the door; the dishwasher will drain if water is present.
- To fully reset the control, press and hold CANCEL/DRAIN twice.
- Select a new cycle and options.
- Press START/RESUME and close the door within 3 seconds.
If the dishwasher still will not start after a reset
These checks are specific to how this model is designed to run:
- Make sure Control Lock is off (press and hold TOP RACK ONLY for 3 seconds).
- If START/RESUME is blinking, press START/RESUME and close the door within 3 seconds.
- Confirm the door is fully closed and latching; a worn latch can prevent starting.
- If the unit drains but will not run, check for a tripped breaker or blown fuse.
- If the dishwasher won’t respond to any buttons, the control board may be the issue.
| Symptom | What it usually means | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Cancel/Drain runs but cycle won’t start | Door not latched or Start/Resume timing | Press START/RESUME and close door within 3 seconds |
| Buttons don’t work | Control Lock on or control issue | Turn off Control Lock; if still dead, inspect control |
| Door won’t “click” shut | Latch problem | Inspect/replace dishwasher door latch WPW10653840 |
Why it matters
Resetting correctly clears a stuck cycle and gets the control back to a known state. On model 66512773K311, many “won’t start” complaints are actually caused by the Start/Resume 3-second door-close requirement or Control Lock, not a failed part.
Last updated: January 2026
How do I force my Kenmore dishwasher to drain?
On Kenmore Elite model 66512773K311, you can force a drain by stopping the current cycle and running the built-in Cancel/Drain sequence. Open the door to stop spraying, press and hold CANCEL/DRAIN until the light turns on, then close the door and let it drain (about 2 minutes). See the steps in the 66512773K311 use & care manual.
Steps to force a drain (66512773K311)
- Open the door slightly to pause the cycle; wait until spraying stops.
- Press and hold CANCEL/DRAIN until the Cancel/Drain light turns on.
- Close the door.
- Let the dishwasher run the drain cycle; the light should turn off after about 2 minutes.
- If you opened the door during a cycle and want to resume later, press START/RESUME and close the door within 3 seconds.
If it still won’t drain
If water remains after the Cancel/Drain sequence, we recommend checking these common causes:
- Drain hose kinked, pinched, or routed incorrectly (high loop/air gap issues).
- Garbage disposer knockout plug not removed (if connected to a disposer).
- Food blockage in the drain path, filter area, or disposer inlet.
- Drain pump not running or jammed (a common service part is the dishwasher drain pump WPW10531320).
- Excess suds from the wrong detergent (suds can interfere with draining).
Quick checks you can do safely
| Check | What you’re looking for | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Cancel/Drain runs | You hear draining and water movement | Let it finish fully (about 2 minutes) |
| Sink/disposer drains slowly | Backup in plumbing | Clear sink/disposer clog first |
| Drain hose routing | Kinks or low spots | Re-route and remove kinks |
Why it matters
Standing water can lead to odors, poor wash performance, and repeated drain problems. For this Kenmore Elite dishwasher, the Cancel/Drain function is the fastest way to clear the tub before troubleshooting the drain hose, disposer connection, or drain pump.
Last updated: January 2026
What are common problems with Kenmore dishwashers?
Common problems on the Kenmore Elite 66512773K311 dishwasher include poor cleaning, not draining, not filling, leaks, and drying issues. On this model, many complaints trace back to loading, water temperature, rinse aid use, and routine filter maintenance rather than a failed control.
Most common symptoms and what they usually point to
- Not cleaning well: dirty filter, blocked spray arm holes, low incoming water temperature, or overloaded racks
- Water left in tub (not draining): kinked drain hose, disposer knockout plug not removed, or a drain pump problem
- Not filling: water supply shutoff closed, float stuck, or a water inlet valve issue
- Leaking: worn door seals, door not closing squarely, or oversudsing from incorrect detergent
- Not drying: rinse aid empty, dry option not selected, or plastics loaded where they trap water
Quick checks we recommend for model 66512773K311
- Clean the ULTRACLEAN filter regularly; the steps are in the 66512773K311 use & care manual
- Run hot water at the sink before starting; dishwashers typically perform best with about 120°F water entering
- Load so tall items do not block the detergent dispenser door or spray arms
- Keep rinse aid filled for better drying and fewer spots
- If draining is slow, confirm the drain hose is routed high under the counter or through an air gap (if used)
Parts that commonly solve these problems (when troubleshooting points there)
| Symptom | Common part to inspect | Model-compatible example |
|---|---|---|
| Not draining | Drain pump, drain hose | Dishwasher drain pump WPW10531320, dishwasher drain hose 8269144A |
| Not filling | Water inlet valve | Dishwasher water inlet valve W11175771 |
| Poor cleaning | Spray arm, filter | Dishwasher spray arm WPW10498900, dishwasher filter W10872845 |
| Leaking at door | Door seal(s) | Dishwasher door seal W11177741, dishwasher door seal, lower WPW10497235 |
Why it matters
Fixing the root cause early helps prevent repeat wash failures, standing-water odors, and leaks that can damage cabinets. For the 66512773K311, correct loading plus regular filter cleaning are two of the biggest performance boosters.
Last updated: January 2026





