What does red lock mean on a dishwasher?
On Kenmore dishwasher model 66517822000, a red lock (padlock) light means Control Lock (LOCK ON) is turned on, so the buttons are disabled and the dishwasher will not respond to keypad presses. Turn the lock off using the steps in the owner's manual.
How to turn Control Lock off (66517822000)
Use the exact key sequence for this model:
- Press and hold AIR DRY for 4 seconds.
- Confirm the LOCK ON light turns off.
- Try selecting a cycle and pressing START.
How to turn Control Lock on (if you want it)
This feature helps prevent unintended use or cycle changes:
- Press and hold LOCK ON for 4 seconds.
- The LOCK ON indicator will glow.
- If you press a button while locked, the light typically flashes several times.
Quick checks if the red lock keeps coming back
- Make sure no button is being held down by the door or trim.
- Wipe the control panel dry; moisture can act like a button press.
- Close the door firmly, then retry the unlock steps.
- If the keypad feels loose or inconsistent, inspect the latch area; a misaligned door can cause odd control behavior.
What the lock affects (and what it does not)
| Item | With LOCK ON enabled | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Control buttons | Disabled | Dishwasher will not start from the keypad |
| Opening the door | Allowed | You can open the door even when locked |
| Changing options mid-cycle | Prevented | Lock can be turned on while running |
Why it matters
Control Lock is a common reason a dishwasher looks “dead” even though it has power. Unlocking restores normal operation without replacing parts. If you do need replacement parts for your Kenmore 66517822000, we list model-matched options on the parts list for this model, and you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How do you reset the f2 e2 on a Kenmore dishwasher?
On a Kenmore 66517822000 dishwasher, an F2 E2 code points to a keypad or user interface communication problem. We reset it by clearing the control and restoring normal operation; start by canceling the cycle, then power-cycling the dishwasher and reselecting a cycle per the owner's manual.
Quick reset steps (most effective order)
- Press CANCEL/DRAIN and let the dishwasher complete the drain (about 2 minutes if needed).
- Wait 5 seconds, then press your desired cycle.
- Press START.
- If the code returns, turn OFF power at the breaker for 1 minute, then turn it back ON.
- Run a short cycle to confirm the keypad responds normally.
If the controls are locked
This model uses a control lock that disables all buttons when enabled.
- If LOCK ON is lit, press and hold AIR DRY for 4 seconds to unlock.
- Try CANCEL/DRAIN, then select a cycle and press START.
What to check if F2 E2 keeps coming back
F2 E2 usually shows up when the control does not read a key press correctly (stuck key, moisture, or a failing keypad).
- Wipe the console dry and press each key once to confirm none feel stuck.
- Make sure the door is closing and latching firmly; a loose latch can interrupt inputs.
- If the dishwasher stops mid-cycle, check household power (breaker) and restart the cycle.
- If the keypad is still unresponsive after a power reset, the door latch or control components may need service.
Why it matters
Clearing the code restores normal cycle selection and prevents repeated stops. If the code returns immediately after a reset, it helps narrow the issue to the user interface or control inputs rather than water fill, drain, or heating.
Common reset actions at a glance
| Action | What it does | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| CANCEL/DRAIN | Stops the cycle and drains water | First step for most errors |
| Power reset (breaker OFF then ON) | Reboots the control | If code returns after cancel |
| Unlock (hold AIR DRY 4 sec) | Re-enables buttons | If LOCK ON is lit |
You can order replacement parts for your Kenmore 66517822000 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How do I get rid of standing water in my Kenmore dishwasher?
Standing water in your Kenmore dishwasher model 66517822000 usually means the unit did not drain at the end of the cycle. We remove the water safely first, then check for a drain blockage (filter area, chopper, hose) or a drain system issue so the problem does not come right back.
Safe way to remove the standing water
- Turn power off at the breaker (or unplug if accessible). Follow the electrical safety guidance in the owner's manual.
- Lay towels at the toe-kick area to catch spills.
- Remove the lower rack.
- Use a cup or small container to bail water into a bucket; finish with towels or a sponge.
Quick safety checklist
- Power off before reaching into the sump area
- Avoid using an extension cord when testing power
- Watch for sharp debris (glass, bones, toothpicks)
What to check next (most common causes)
After the water is out, we focus on the drain path from inside the tub to the sink drain or disposer.
- Sump and filter area: clear labels, glass, seeds, and food sludge that can block flow
- Chopper area: if debris jams the chopper, draining can slow or stop; consider inspecting the dishwasher chopper 675806
- Drain hose routing: look for kinks, a sagging loop, or a clogged air gap (if your setup has one)
- Sink/disposer connection: confirm the disposer inlet is open and not plugged
- Cycle and loading: make sure nothing prevents spray arm movement; poor circulation can leave heavy soil that contributes to drain clogs
Symptoms and likely fixes
| What you notice | Most likely cause | What we do first |
|---|---|---|
| Water remains after every cycle | Drain path blockage | Clear sump, check hose and sink connection |
| Hums but drains slowly | Partial clog or restricted hose | Inspect hose routing and chopper area |
| Drains sometimes, not always | Intermittent obstruction | Check for debris moving around in sump |
Why it matters
Standing water can redeposit food soil on dishes and create odors. Your dishwasher is designed to dispose of food soil down the drain with the wash water, so restoring normal draining improves cleaning performance and helps protect components like the pump motor.
Ordering parts for draining problems
If you find a damaged or jammed component, you can order replacement parts for model 66517822000 from the parts list for this dishwasher, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How do I get my Kenmore dishwasher out of lock mode?
On Kenmore dishwasher model 66517822000, you turn Lock off by pressing and holding AIR DRY for 4 seconds until the LOCK ON light turns off. This restores normal keypad operation so you can select a cycle and press Start. Details are shown in the 66517822000 owner's manual.
Unlock steps for model 66517822000
- Confirm LOCK ON is lit.
- Press and hold AIR DRY for a full 4 seconds.
- Release the pad when the LOCK ON light turns off.
- Select your wash cycle and options.
- Press START to run the dishwasher.
If the controls still seem locked
Try these control actions that commonly clear a stuck keypad state after an interrupted cycle:
- Press CANCEL/DRAIN and let the dishwasher complete the drain (if needed).
- Close the door firmly until it latches, then try the unlock step again.
- Restore power by turning the breaker off for 5 minutes, then back on.
What each action does
| Action | What it does | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Hold AIR DRY 4 seconds | Turns Lock off | LOCK ON light is on |
| Hold LOCK ON 4 seconds | Turns Lock on | Prevent unintended use or changes |
| Press CANCEL/DRAIN | Drains (if needed) and clears indicators | After a stopped or interrupted cycle |
Why it matters
Lock mode disables the dishwasher’s buttons to prevent unintended starts and accidental cycle or option changes. Turning Lock off is required before the control will accept new selections.
You can also order replacement parts for your Kenmore 66517822000 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





