How many amps does a Kenmore dishwasher use?
Most Kenmore built-in dishwashers like model 66516514200 typically draw about 10 to 12 amps while heating and about 2 to 6 amps while washing/draining. For the exact electrical rating for your unit, confirm the specs in the 66516514200 owner's manual.
What affects amp draw on a dishwasher?
A dishwasher’s current draw changes during the cycle. The highest draw is usually when the water heater is on.
- Water heating (highest amps)
- Wash motor running (moderate amps)
- Drain pump running (moderate to low amps)
- Drying system/venting (varies by option and cycle)
- Incoming water temperature (colder water usually means longer heating time)
Typical amp ranges by function
These ranges help you estimate what you might see on a clamp meter during operation.
| Dishwasher function | Typical amps (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Circulation wash | 2 to 6 A | Varies by load and motor design |
| Drain | 1 to 3 A | Short bursts during drain-outs |
| Heater on | 10 to 12 A | Often the peak draw |
Quick checks if you suspect an electrical problem
If the dishwasher trips a breaker, won’t heat, or seems to run unusually long, these checks help narrow it down.
- Verify the dishwasher is on a dedicated circuit (common setup is 15 A or 20 A)
- Check for loose wire connections at the junction box under the unit (power off first)
- If water is not heating, inspect the dishwasher heater W10518394 and related wiring
- If the unit is dead or intermittent, inspect the fuse 8193762 (if used in your configuration)
- Review cycle behavior and indicators in the 66516514200 owner's manual
Why it matters
Knowing the amp draw helps you match the dishwasher to the correct breaker size, diagnose heating issues, and spot failing components (heater, motor, wiring) before they cause nuisance trips or poor cleaning.
Last updated: January 2026
How to do a hard reset on a Kenmore dishwasher?
A “hard reset” on a Kenmore dishwasher like model 66516514200 is usually done by cutting power to clear a stuck control. Turn the dishwasher off at the breaker (or unplug it) for about 1 minute, then restore power and start a new cycle using the normal Start sequence in the 66516514200 owner's manual.
Quick hard reset steps (power reset)
- Turn the dishwasher OFF.
- Switch the dishwasher circuit breaker OFF (or unplug the power cord if accessible).
- Wait 60 seconds.
- Restore power (breaker ON or plug back in).
- Close the door firmly so it latches.
- Select a cycle and press START.
If the controls seem “frozen”: check Control Lock
This model uses a Lock On feature that disables the buttons when enabled.
- If LOCK ON is lit, press and hold AIR DRY for 4 seconds to turn Lock off.
- Try selecting a cycle and pressing START again.
What you should see
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Buttons do nothing, LOCK ON light is on | Control lock enabled | Hold AIR DRY 4 seconds |
| Dishwasher won’t respond after a power outage | Control needs reset | Do the 60-second power reset |
| Cycle won’t stop or seems stuck | Control state glitch | Power reset, then start a fresh cycle |
Why it matters
A power reset clears many temporary electronic control issues (stuck keys, interrupted cycles, odd indicator lights) without replacing parts. If the dishwasher repeatedly loses power or won’t power up at all, troubleshooting the electrical supply and control components becomes the next step.
When a reset is not enough
If the dishwasher is still dead after a reset and Lock is off, these are common next checks:
- Confirm the breaker is not tripped and the dishwasher has power.
- Check for a blown thermal fuse such as the fuse 8193762 (if equipped in your control housing).
- Look for signs of overheating or burning at wiring connections.
- If the unit fills but won’t wash, the circulation system (motor/pump) may be involved.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the common problems with Kenmore dishwashers?
Common problems we see with Kenmore dishwashers (including model 66516514200) are no-start or stopping mid-cycle, not filling, long cycle times, poor drying, and spotting or filming on dishes. Many of these trace back to power, water supply, loading, or routine cleaning and maintenance; see the 66516514200 owner's manual for model-specific checks.
Most common symptoms and what they usually mean
- Won’t start or stops during a cycle: door not fully latched, wrong cycle selection, power issue, or motor overload that needs time to reset.
- Won’t fill with water: water shut-off valve closed, or the overfill protection float is stuck.
- Runs too long: incoming water is not hot enough, so the dishwasher extends the cycle while heating.
- Poor drying: drying system or venting issue, rinse aid not used, or plastics loaded in a way that traps water.
- Spots, film, or stains: water chemistry (hard/softened water), too much detergent, not enough rinsing, or iron in the water.
Quick checks we recommend first (safe, no tools)
- Confirm the door closes tightly and latches.
- Verify the cycle and options are selected correctly.
- Check the home breaker/fuse, then restore power and retry.
- Make sure the water shut-off valve is fully open.
- Lift and release the overfill protection float so it moves freely.
- Clean the interior using detergent on a damp sponge, then run a normal cycle with detergent.
Troubleshooting guide by symptom
| Symptom | Most likely cause | Best first step |
|---|---|---|
| No start / stops | Door latch or power interruption | Re-latch door; check breaker/fuse |
| No fill | Float stuck or water valve off | Free the float; open shut-off valve |
| Long cycle | Water not hot enough | Run hot water at sink before starting |
| Spots/film | Detergent and water chemistry | Reduce detergent; use rinse aid |
Parts that commonly relate to these issues
If troubleshooting points to a failed component, these are common replacements for this model:
- Heating and long-cycle complaints: dishwasher heater W10518394
- Drain and standing water issues: dishwasher drain hose 8269144A
- Poor wash performance from food debris: dishwasher chopper assembly W10083957V
Why it matters
Catching the simple causes first (door latch, float movement, water temperature, and cleaning) prevents repeat cycle failures, improves drying and wash results, and helps you avoid replacing parts that are still good.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the PF code on a Kenmore dishwasher?
On a Kenmore dishwasher model 66516514200, the PF code means power failure. It shows up when the dishwasher loses power during a cycle or right before it starts; restoring steady power and clearing the code typically gets the dishwasher running normally again.
How to clear the PF code
- Press Cancel/Drain (or Cancel) to stop the cycle and clear the display.
- Wait 1 minute, then select a new cycle and press Start/Resume.
- If the control is unresponsive, turn the dishwasher’s breaker OFF for 1 minute, then turn it back ON.
- Confirm the dishwasher is plugged into a properly grounded outlet (or correctly hardwired) as described in the 66516514200 owner's manual.
What usually causes PF
Common causes are outside the dishwasher itself:
- Brief outage or utility “blink”
- Tripped breaker or loose breaker connection
- Loose wall outlet, worn receptacle, or loose power cord connection
- Power strip or extension cord use (not recommended for dishwashers)
- Loose wiring at the junction box (hardwired installations)
Quick checks (safe, no disassembly)
- Make sure the dishwasher door is fully latched, then try Start/Resume.
- Check the kitchen GFCI outlet (if used) and reset it.
- Verify the breaker is fully seated by switching it OFF, then ON.
- Run a short cycle and listen for normal fill and wash sounds.
When PF points to a dishwasher part issue
If PF returns repeatedly with no house power issues, the problem can be in the control power path.
| Symptom | Most likely direction | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Display resets randomly | Power supply interruption | Check outlet, breaker, junction box connections |
| No lights after power is restored | Loss of control power | Test house power first; then consider control-related diagnosis |
| PF appears with other error codes | Control detected multiple faults | Use the error code guide below |
A failed thermal fuse can also prevent the control from powering correctly; for this model, see the fuse 8193762 if you’re troubleshooting a dead control.
Why it matters
A PF code is usually a harmless record of a power interruption, but repeated PF events can interrupt heating and washing performance and may point to an electrical connection problem that should be corrected for reliable operation.
Related help
Last updated: January 2026





