How to tell if a dishwasher drain pump is bad?
On Kenmore dishwasher model 66513273K113, a bad drain pump usually shows up as standing water left in the tub at the end of the cycle, weak or no draining, or a pump that hums but does not move water. Confirm the basics first, then test the pump electrically and mechanically using the 66513273K113 installation guide.
Quick checks before testing the pump
- Cancel/Drain the cycle and listen: a healthy pump sounds steady and pushes water out quickly.
- Check the sink/disposer drain path for a clog (a blocked disposer inlet can mimic a bad pump).
- Verify the drain hose routing: it should be looped up under the counter or connected to an air gap, and it must connect above the drain trap.
- Look for kinks, crushing, or sagging in the drain hose.
- Make sure the water is turned on and the door is fully latched (basic operation checks can prevent misdiagnosis).
How we test the drain pump (multimeter + inspection)
Electrical test (resistance)
With power disconnected, remove access panels as needed and test the drain pump motor winding with a multimeter.
- Typical drain pump resistance is about 160 to 260 ohms.
- A reading far outside that range, OL, or 0 ohms points to a failed pump motor.
Mechanical checks
- Inspect the pump inlet area for glass, labels, seeds, or debris.
- Spin the impeller (if accessible): it should turn with slight magnetic resistance, not bind.
- If the pump hums but does not drain, the impeller may be jammed or the motor may be weak.
What to replace if the pump tests bad
If the electrical test fails or the pump is mechanically damaged, replace the pump.
| Symptom | Most likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Hums, no drain | Jammed impeller or weak motor | Clear debris; replace pump if still not draining |
| No sound during drain | No power to pump or failed pump | Check wiring; test pump resistance |
| Drains slowly | Partial clog or hose routing issue | Correct hose loop/air gap; clear restrictions |
For this model, the correct replacement is the dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269.
Why it matters
A weak or failed drain pump can leave dirty water in the sump, cause odors, and reduce wash performance because the dishwasher cannot properly evacuate soil and detergent solution between steps.
Last updated: January 2026
Is it worth replacing the pump on a dishwasher?
Yes, it’s usually worth replacing a pump on a Kenmore dishwasher model 66513273K113 when the rest of the machine is in good shape and the problem is clearly tied to draining or circulation. A pump replacement often restores normal washing and draining for far less than the cost of a new dishwasher.
Quick decision guide
Use these checkpoints to decide if a pump repair makes sense:
- The dishwasher fills and runs but won’t drain, or drains slowly
- You hear a humming pump but little or no water movement
- The tub is in good condition (no major leaks, rust, or cracking)
- The repair is limited to a pump, hose, or seal (not multiple major systems)
- You can confirm the issue with basic checks in the 66513273K113 installation guide
What to check before you buy a pump
Many “bad pump” symptoms are caused by a restriction or installation issue.
- Verify the drain hose is routed correctly and not kinked
- Make sure the drain connection is above the drain trap and at least 20 in. above the floor (common requirement)
- If your setup uses a high loop or air gap, confirm it’s installed correctly
- Flush the water supply line if you suspect inlet debris (helps rule out fill problems that mimic wash issues)
Common symptoms and likely causes
| Symptom | Most common cause | Part that’s often involved |
|---|---|---|
| Standing water after cycle | Drain restriction or failed drain pump | Dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269 |
| Poor cleaning, weak spray | Circulation issue, clogged filter, spray arm problem | Dishwasher spray arm WPW10491331 |
| Dishes not drying well | Heating issue | Element assembly W10518394 |
Why it matters
A dishwasher pump problem can look like a “dead dishwasher,” but it’s frequently a single-component failure. Replacing the correct pump (and fixing hose routing) prevents repeat clogs, protects the motor, and gets normal wash pressure and draining back.
When replacement is the better choice
Replacement is the smarter move when you have multiple expensive failures at once, such as repeated leaks plus electrical control problems, or when the tub and door sealing surfaces are damaged.
Last updated: January 2026
What are common problems with Kenmore dishwashers?
Common problems on the Kenmore 66513273K113 dishwasher include poor cleaning (spray or circulation issues), not draining, not filling, heating or drying problems, and door or rack issues. Many symptoms trace back to water supply, a clogged filter, or a failing pump or heater.
Most common symptoms and what usually causes them
- Not draining: kinked/clogged drain hose, blocked sump, or a failed drain pump
- Not filling or fills slowly: water supply turned off, inlet valve problem, or float/level issue
- Poor cleaning: clogged filter, blocked spray arm, low water temperature, or circulation problem
- Burning smell: heater running dry, debris contacting the heater, or wiring/connection damage
- Door or rack problems: latch/hinge alignment issues, worn rack stops or slide rails
Quick checks we recommend first (fast, no parts)
Use these checks before ordering parts:
- Confirm the water supply is turned on.
- Verify the door closes tightly and latches.
- Check the house breaker or fuse.
- Start a short cycle; after about 2 minutes, open the door and confirm there is water in the bottom of the tub.
- Clean the filter area and remove any debris that could block the sump or spray arm.
Parts that commonly fix these problems on model 66513273K113
If basic checks do not resolve the issue, these model-matched parts are frequent fixes:
| Symptom | Common part to inspect/replace | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t drain | Dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269 | Pushes water out through the drain hose |
| Won’t fill | Dishwasher water inlet valve WPW10327249 | Lets water enter the dishwasher |
| Poor wash | Dishwasher spray arm WPW10491331 | Delivers spray pressure to dishes |
| Not heating/drying, odor | Element assembly W10518394 | Heats water and supports drying |
| Cloudy water, debris | Dishwasher filter W10872845 | Traps food soil to protect the pump |
Why it matters
Dishwashers like the Kenmore 66513273K113 rely on correct fill level, strong circulation, and proper draining. When one step fails, you can see multiple symptoms at once (for example, poor cleaning plus standing water).
For model-specific operating checks and installation-related items (water line routing, drain hose setup, electrical requirements), follow the 66513273K113 installation guide.
Last updated: January 2026
Why is the start button not working on my Kenmore Ultra Wash quiet guard?
On Kenmore dishwasher model 66513273K113, the Start/Resume button usually will not start a cycle when the door is not fully closed and latched, power is interrupted, or the control is waiting for the door to be closed within the required time window. Follow the checks in the 66513273K113 installation guide to confirm power, door latch, and cycle selection basics.
Quick checks that fix most “won’t start” complaints
- Press Start/Resume, then close the door within 3 seconds; otherwise the Start/Resume light can flash until you press it again.
- Confirm the door is closed tightly and latched (a loose latch prevents starting).
- Verify the cycle is set correctly (reselect a normal cycle, then press Start/Resume).
- Check the home circuit breaker or fuse.
- Make sure the dishwasher has water turned on at the shutoff valve.
Reset and control lockout steps
- Disconnect power (unplug or switch the breaker off) for about 5 minutes.
- Restore power.
- Select a cycle and press Start/Resume, then close the door promptly.
What to expect after you restart
| What you see | What it usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Start/Resume light flashes | Door was not closed within 3 seconds | Press Start/Resume again, close door firmly |
| No response at all | Power issue or control problem | Check breaker, wiring connection, then control diagnostics |
| Lights work but no wash | Door latch switch not proving closed | Inspect latch alignment and strike |
When it points to a part problem
If power and door closure timing are correct but the dishwasher still will not start, common causes include a failing electronic control or a door latch switch issue. If you find signs of overheating or loose connectors behind the console, the electronic control may be involved; for this model, see dishwasher electronic control W10482988.
Why it matters
A dishwasher that will not start is often protecting you from running with an unlatched door or unstable power. Fixing the door-latch and power basics first prevents unnecessary parts replacement and helps you pinpoint whether the issue is mechanical (latch) or electrical (control).
Last updated: January 2026





