Does the Kenmore Elite dishwasher have a filter to clean?
Yes. Kenmore Elite dishwasher model 66513973K017 uses an ULTRA WASH HE triple filtration system with an upper filter assembly and a lower filter at the bottom center of the tub; cleaning them periodically helps keep wash performance at its best (see the 66513973K017 owner's manual).
The filtration system has two main pieces:
- Upper filter assembly: helps keep oversized items and fine particles out of the pump
- Lower filter: helps keep food from being recirculated onto dishes
- Both sit bottom-center in the dishwasher tub
Clean the filters when you notice any of the following:
- Visible soil or objects on the upper filter assembly
- Dishes feel gritty after a cycle
- Cleaning performance drops (soil remains on dishes)
- You hear unusual noises and want to confirm the filters are seated correctly
- Remove the lower rack for access.
- Turn the upper filter assembly about a quarter turn counterclockwise and lift it out.
- Lift out the lower filter.
- Rinse both filters under running water until soils are removed; use a soft brush if needed.
- Reinstall the lower filter, then reinstall and lock the upper filter assembly.
If the upper filter assembly turns freely after reinstalling, it is not locked in place.
| What you notice | What to do first | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Food soils remain on dishes | Clean and reseat the filters | Restores water flow and filtration |
| Gritty dishes | Rinse filters thoroughly | Removes trapped particles |
| Poor drying plus residue | Confirm filters are installed, then use rinse aid | Helps overall performance |
Running the dishwasher without the filters properly installed can hurt cleaning performance and can allow debris to reach the pump. Keeping the filters clean also supports normal water circulation, which helps the heater and spray arms do their job.
Last updated: February 2026
How do I force my Kenmore dishwasher to drain?
To force-drain your Kenmore Elite dishwasher model 66513973K017, press CANCEL/DRAIN once, then close the door within 3 seconds; the dishwasher runs a drain sequence for about 2 minutes if water is in the bottom. Use the steps in the 66513973K017 owner’s manual for the exact button names on your console.
- Open the door slightly to pause the cycle.
- Wait for spraying to stop.
- Press CANCEL/DRAIN once (the Cancel/Drain light should come on).
- Close the door within 3 seconds.
- Let it drain fully (about 2 minutes).
- When the Cancel/Drain light turns off, the drain portion is complete.
These checks solve most “won’t drain” complaints on this style of Kenmore dishwasher.
- Check the sink/disposer connection: A clogged disposer inlet or waste tee blocks draining.
- Look for a kinked drain hose: Especially where it routes through the cabinet.
- Confirm the drain hose routing: It should run up in a high loop or through an air gap if required.
- Clean the filter area: Food debris in the sump/filter can restrict flow.
- Listen for the drain pump: If you hear humming but no water movement, the pump may be jammed.
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Water stays in tub, no pump sound | Control not entering drain | Repeat Cancel/Drain; then reset (below) |
| Humming, little or no draining | Pump jam or restriction | Check filter/sump; inspect pump inlet |
| Drains slowly | Hose kink or partial clog | Straighten hose; clear disposer/tee |
If the dishwasher seems stuck, we use the manual reset procedure:
- Open the door slightly, wait for spraying to stop, then open fully.
- Press CANCEL/DRAIN twice to reset.
- Select a new cycle and press START/RESUME.
Standing water can cause odors, poor wash results, and can mask a drain-path problem (hose routing, disposer connection, or a failing drain pump). If you confirm the drain path is clear and it still will not pump out, the dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269 is a common fix for no-drain symptoms.
Last updated: February 2026
How do I get my Kenmore Elite dishwasher out of lock mode?
To take your Kenmore Elite dishwasher model 66513973K017 out of Lock mode, press and hold CONTROL LOCK for 3 seconds until the LOCK ON light turns off. Once unlocked, the buttons work normally and the dishwasher can run again.
When the controls are locked, pressing any button typically makes the lock indicator flash and you may hear an audible tone. When you unlock it correctly, the LOCK ON indicator turns off.
- Hold CONTROL LOCK for a full 3 seconds (a quick tap will not unlock it)
- Watch for LOCK ON to go out
- Try pressing a cycle button to confirm the keypad responds
- Close the door fully before starting a cycle
These steps fix the most common “stuck in lock” situations on 66513973K017.
- Press and hold CONTROL LOCK again for 3 seconds (timing matters)
- Make sure you are pressing the correct pad labeled CONTROL LOCK (not START/RESUME)
- Power reset: turn off the dishwasher at the breaker for 1 minute, then restore power and try again
- If the display shows a service message or error, clear the cycle with CANCEL, then retry unlocking
| Symptom | What it usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| LOCK ON light is lit | Controls are locked | Hold CONTROL LOCK 3 seconds |
| Buttons do nothing | Lock is active | Unlock, then select cycle |
| Door opens/closes but won’t start | Lock prevents running | Unlock, then press START/RESUME |
Control Lock is designed to prevent unintended button presses between cycles. On 66513973K017, the dishwasher cannot run while the control is locked, even though the door can still open and close.
For the exact control-panel wording and indicator behavior for your unit, use the 66513973K017 owner’s manual.
Last updated: February 2026
How to reset a Kenmore dishwasher model 66513973K017?
To reset the control on your Kenmore Elite dishwasher model 66513973K017, press CANCEL/DRAIN twice. This clears the current cycle so you can select a new cycle and press START/RESUME to run normally (or to recover from a glitch). See the steps in the 66513973K017 owner’s manual.
- Open the door slightly to stop the cycle.
- Wait for spraying to stop, then open the door fully.
- Press CANCEL/DRAIN two times to reset the control.
- Select your new cycle and options.
- Press START/RESUME.
A “reset” request is often really a control lock issue.
- Look for LOCK ON (or a lock indicator) on the console.
- Press and hold CONTROL LOCK for 3 seconds to toggle the lock off.
- Try the CANCEL/DRAIN twice reset again.
- If the dishwasher is mid-delay, close the door and press START/RESUME to continue the countdown.
| Action | What it does | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| CANCEL/DRAIN twice | Resets the control and cancels the current cycle | Stuck cycle, wrong cycle selected, odd behavior |
| CONTROL LOCK (hold 3 sec) | Enables/disables the keypad | Buttons disabled, lock light on |
| Power off at breaker (1 minute) | Reboots the control board | Control frozen after a surge or outage |
Resetting correctly prevents incomplete draining and helps you restart with the right cycle settings. If you skip the drain/reset step, water can remain in the tub and cause poor cleaning or odors.
Last updated: February 2026
Is it worth repairing a Kenmore dishwasher?
For a Kenmore Elite dishwasher model 66513973K017, repair is worth it when the problem is a common wear item (rack parts, seals, drain components) and the total repair cost stays well below the cost of replacement. It is also worth repairing when the unit is otherwise cleaning and draining normally and you just need to restore reliability.
- Repair if the issue is isolated (leak at the door, poor draining, rack not rolling, minor fill problem).
- Repair if you can replace a single part without pulling the dishwasher.
- Repair if the tub is in good shape and the door closes and seals correctly.
- Replace if multiple major systems are failing (fill, wash, heat, drain) at the same time.
- Replace if repeated electrical issues point to wiring or control problems.
These are typical “high-impact” fixes that often restore performance without replacing the whole dishwasher:
- Drain problems: check the drain path and consider a failed pump such as the dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269.
- Won’t fill or fills poorly: a sticking or failed inlet valve such as the dishwasher water inlet valve W11175771.
- Poor drying or water not heating: a heater issue such as the dishwasher heater W10703867.
- Door leaks at the bottom edge: replace the dishwasher door seal, lower WPW10497235.
- Rack issues (rust, broken wheels, hard to slide): replace rack hardware like the dishwasher dishrack roller assembly, lower WPW10195417.
| Situation | Usually makes sense to do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| One failed part (valve, seal, roller, hose) | Repair | Low parts cost, fast turnaround |
| Drain or fill issue plus one additional symptom | Repair (after diagnosis) | Often still a single root cause |
| Multiple major parts needed (pump/motor plus control plus wiring) | Replace | Total cost can approach a new unit |
A dishwasher that is otherwise sound can run for years with routine maintenance and occasional part replacement. Your 66513973K017 manual also calls out maintenance items like cleaning and troubleshooting steps; following those helps you avoid repeat failures and protects wash performance. Use the 66513973K017 owner's manual to match symptoms to the troubleshooting section and confirm the correct procedure before ordering parts.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the common problems with Kenmore dishwashers?
Common problems we see on Kenmore dishwashers like model 66513973K017 are poor cleaning, not draining, not starting or stopping mid-cycle, odors, and leaks. Most of these trace back to loading issues, water temperature, filtration and spray-arm clogs, or a failing fill or drain component.
- Dishes come out dirty or gritty: clogged filter, blocked spray arm holes, low water temperature (needs about 120°F/49°C), or too little detergent for hard water.
- Detergent remains in the dispenser: dispenser blocked by tall items, or the unit is not filling/washing correctly.
- Not draining: kinked drain hose, disposer knockout plug not removed, or a drain obstruction.
- Won’t start or stops: door not fully latched, Start/Resume light blinking, or a tripped breaker/fuse.
- White residue or film: hard water mineral buildup; rinse aid and monthly dishwasher cleaner help.
- Odors: food debris in the filter area or standing water from a partial drain restriction.
- Confirm the door closes tightly and latches; reload if a large pan is interfering.
- Verify household power (breaker/fuse) and that the cycle is actually selected.
- Make sure the water supply valve is turned on.
- Check the drain path: disposer knockout plug removed (if connected), no kinks in the drain hose, no food blockage.
- Clean the filtration system monthly and run a cleaner cycle if you have hard water.
If cleaning and setup checks do not solve it, these model-compatible parts are frequent fixes:
| Symptom | Common part to inspect/replace | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Not draining, water left in tub | Dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269 | Pumps water out through the drain hose |
| Not filling well, weak wash | Dishwasher water inlet valve W11175771 | Controls water entering the dishwasher |
| Poor drying, water not heating | Dishwasher heater W10703867 | Heats water and supports drying |
| Leaks at the bottom of the door | Dishwasher door seal, lower WPW10497235 | Seals the door-to-tub area |
Dishwashers depend on correct fill level, hot incoming water, and clear filtration. When any one of those is off, you can get a chain reaction: poor cleaning, detergent left behind, odors, and even cycle interruptions.
For cycle behavior, indicator lights, filtration cleaning, and drain checks specific to 66513973K017, follow the 66513973K017 owner’s manual and the 66513973K017 installation guide.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the dimensions of a Kenmore dishwasher model 66513973K017?
For Kenmore Elite dishwasher model 66513973K017, the installation guide calls for a cabinet opening that is 24 inches deep and at least 23 7/8 inches wide. The required opening height is typically 34 inches, but it can be reduced to about 33 1/2 inches by removing the rear wheels (for tight openings). See the 66513973K017 installation guide for the full “Product and Cabinet Opening Dimensions” diagram.
We recommend measuring the cabinet opening in three places (front, middle, back) and using the smallest measurement.
- Width: minimum 23 7/8 inches (measured at the narrowest point)
- Depth: 24 inches
- Height: typically 34 inches; can be reduced to about 33 1/2 inches with wheel removal
- Door clearance: allow at least 2 inches at corners so the door can open without hitting a wall/cabinet
- Floor level: shims may be needed if the floor slopes
| Measurement | What you should plan for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet opening width | 23 7/8 in (minimum) | Minimum at narrowest point |
| Cabinet opening depth | 24 in | Standard undercounter depth |
| Cabinet opening height | 34 in typical | Approx. 33 1/2 in possible with rear wheels removed |
Dishwashers like the Kenmore Elite 66513973K017 are designed to slide into a square, level opening. If the opening is too tight or the floor is uneven, the tub can twist, the door may not seal correctly, and installation can become difficult.
- Confirm there are no cabinet protrusions that block the dishwasher from sliding in.
- Keep water, drain, and electrical connections within the utility connection area shown in the guide.
- If the opening height is tight, follow the guide’s wheel and leg adjustment steps before pushing the unit in.
- If the dishwasher will be in a location that can freeze, winterize it before extended downtime.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the lifespan of a Kenmore Elite dishwasher?
A Kenmore Elite dishwasher typically lasts 10 years with normal household use. For the Kenmore Elite 66513973K017, consistent filter cleaning, correct detergent use, and fixing small leaks or draining issues quickly are the biggest factors in reaching that lifespan.
- Filter maintenance: This model uses a triple filtration system; keeping filters clean helps protect the pump and maintain wash performance.
- Drain performance: Slow draining makes the pump work harder and can lead to odors and standing water.
- Water quality: Hard water increases mineral buildup on the heater and inside the sump.
- Loading habits: Overloading can block the spray arm and reduce cleaning, leading to repeat cycles.
- Heat and drying use: Heated drying adds heat exposure; it improves drying but can increase wear over time.
| Task | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Clean the filter system | Monthly (or sooner if dishes feel gritty) | Prevents recirculating soil and protects the pump |
| Check and clear the drain path | Every 3 to 6 months | Helps avoid standing water and pump strain |
| Inspect door sealing surfaces | Every 6 months | Helps prevent leaks and protects cabinets/floor |
| Run a cleaning cycle | Monthly | Reduces grease and mineral buildup |
If performance drops, replacing a worn part is often more cost-effective than replacing the dishwasher.
- If water remains in the tub, consider the dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269.
- If cleaning is poor or dishes feel gritty, inspect and clean the filter; replace if damaged using the dishwasher filter W10872845.
- If the unit will not fill or fills slowly, the dishwasher water inlet valve W11175771 is a common fix.
Most dishwashers fail early from preventable issues like clogged filtration, restricted draining, and mineral buildup. Following the care steps in the 66513973K017 owner's manual helps keep wash pressure, heating, and filtration working as designed.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the service code f4e1 on a Kenmore Elite dishwasher?
On Kenmore Elite dishwasher model 66513973K017, the F4 E1 service code indicates a wash motor or wash pump problem (the dishwasher is not circulating water correctly). After correcting the cause, follow the reset steps in the 66513973K017 owner's manual to clear the service-required condition.
- Dishes come out dirty because spray pressure is weak or missing
- You hear a hum but little to no water movement inside the tub
- The cycle may stop and display a service-required message
- The dishwasher may become inoperable until the issue is fixed
Turn off power at the breaker before any inspection.
- Confirm the door is fully closed and latched
- Verify the house breaker is on and the dishwasher has power
- Make sure the water supply valve is turned on
- Check for a clogged filter area and remove debris
- If the unit is not draining well, inspect the drain path and air gap (if your plumbing uses one)
This model uses sensors and longer wash cycles to optimize cleaning; if water cannot circulate properly, the control can trigger a service-required error and stop operation to prevent poor performance and potential damage.
If the basic checks do not restore normal spraying, the most common repair is replacing the wash pump and motor assembly.
| Symptom | Most likely area | Related part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| No spray, motor hums | Wash pump/motor not moving water | Dishwasher pump and motor assembly WPW10328226 |
| Poor cleaning, debris recirculates | Filter system restricted or damaged | Dishwasher filter W10872845 |
| Intermittent wash performance | Sensor feedback affected by soil/water clarity | Dishwasher turbidity sensor WPW10705575 |
Many Kenmore Elite dishwashers clear service codes by entering a diagnostic or reset sequence using the console keys. Use the exact button sequence listed for model 66513973K017 in the 66513973K017 owner's manual so the control exits service-required mode correctly.
Last updated: February 2026
Where can I find my Kenmore Elite dishwasher model number?
On Kenmore Elite dishwasher model 66513973K017, the model number is printed on the rating label located just inside the door opening, typically along the left-hand side of the tub frame. The same label also lists the serial number.
- Open the dishwasher door fully.
- Look along the inner edge of the tub opening (not the outer cabinet).
- Check the left-hand side first.
- Wipe the area with a damp cloth if the label is dusty or greasy.
- Use a flashlight; the print can be small.
| Label item | What it’s used for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Matching parts and diagrams | 66513973K017 |
| Serial number | Identifying production run | Varies |
| Electrical ratings | Confirming power requirements | Varies |
We use the full model number to match the exact Kenmore Elite configuration (rack parts, pump and motor assembly, electronic control, door seal, and more). Even one character off can pull the wrong part list.
- Check the top edge of the door and the door frame area for a secondary label.
- Look for your model number on your purchase paperwork or installation documents.
- Use the identification steps shown in the 66513973K017 owner's manual.
Last updated: February 2026





