How to hard reset a Kenmore dishwasher?
To hard reset your Kenmore dishwasher model 66513033K113, we recommend doing a control reset by canceling the current cycle and restoring power to the control for a short period. This clears many “stuck” states after a power glitch or mid-cycle interruption; see the reset and control steps in the owner's manual.
- Press Cancel/Drain (or Cancel) once; wait for the drain to finish.
- Turn the dishwasher OFF at the breaker (or unplug it) for 2 to 5 minutes.
- Restore power.
- Close the door and start a normal cycle.
- If the control is still unresponsive, repeat the power-off step for 10 minutes.
Some Kenmore dishwashers use a button sequence (often involving Heated Dry and High Temp) to force a control reset.
Use this approach:
- Make sure the door is closed and latched.
- Press the sequence shown in the owner's manual (exact keys vary by control panel).
- Wait about 1 to 3 minutes for the reset to complete.
A “reset” will not fix a mechanical problem that is stopping the cycle. Check these common causes:
- Door not latching fully (control may not start or may stop mid-cycle)
- Standing water from a drain issue (possible drain pump or hose restriction)
- No fill or weak fill (water supply issue or inlet valve problem)
- Control panel lights flashing with no response (possible control or wiring issue)
| Symptom | What it usually points to | Common next step |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t start, no response | Power, door latch, control | Verify breaker, latch, then reset |
| Stops and beeps mid-cycle | Door not latched, control glitch | Reset, then check latch alignment |
| Won’t drain | Drain restriction or pump issue | Check filter area and drain path |
Resetting the control is the fastest way to recover from a power interruption, a paused cycle, or a keypad lockup without replacing parts. If the same problem returns, troubleshooting the door latch, drain, or fill system prevents repeat shutdowns.
Last updated: February 2026
Can I replace a dishwasher pump myself?
Yes. On the Kenmore 66513033K113 undercounter dishwasher, replacing a pump is a common DIY repair if you are comfortable shutting off power and water, pulling the unit out, and working underneath to disconnect hoses and wiring, then reinstalling and checking for leaks.
Most pump replacements are moderate difficulty because access is from the bottom and you will handle water lines and electrical connections.
- Plan for 60 to 120 minutes
- Shut off power at the breaker and water supply first
- Pull the dishwasher out carefully; protect the floor
- Keep towels or a shallow pan ready for residual water
- Use basic hand tools (screwdrivers, nut driver, pliers)
- A helper makes sliding the dishwasher in and out safer
| Task | Why it matters | Common mistake to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Disconnect power and water | Prevents shock and flooding | Leaving the breaker on |
| Remove toe panel and access bottom | Pumps mount underneath | Forcing panels and breaking clips |
| Swap pump and reconnect hoses/wires | Restores drain or wash function | Mixing up connectors or clamps |
| Leak check and test cycle | Confirms a sealed repair | Skipping the first test run |
When you pull out and reinstall a built-in dishwasher, we follow these key points from the install guidance:
- Use a grounded electrical supply
- Route drain, water, and wiring so they do not contact the motor or legs
- Maintain clearance between the motor and the floor (the motor should not touch)
- Avoid installing over carpeted flooring
- Recheck that the dishwasher is level front-to-back and side-to-side after reinstalling
For cabinet fit, leveling, and safe routing of utilities, use the installation guide.
Dishwashers typically have a drain pump (pushes water out) and a circulation pump/motor (moves wash water through spray arms). Match the symptom to the part.
- Not draining, standing water: consider the dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269
- Poor wash action or weak spray: the circulation pump/motor assembly may be involved
- Leaks at a pump connection: inspect seals and grommets such as the dishwasher pump grommet WPW10538166
A correctly installed pump restores proper draining and wash performance, and correct hose and wire routing helps prevent vibration wear, leaks, and electrical issues.
Last updated: February 2026
Is it worth replacing the pump on a dishwasher?
Yes, it’s usually worth replacing a pump on a Kenmore 66513033K113 dishwasher when the rest of the unit is in good condition and the problem is clearly pump-related (no-drain, weak circulation, or loud grinding). A pump repair typically costs far less than replacing the dishwasher.
- Replace the pump if the dishwasher otherwise washes well, doesn’t leak, and the tub and racks are in decent shape.
- Replace the dishwasher if you have multiple major failures (leaks plus electrical issues plus poor washing).
- Replace the pump if the symptom is consistent: standing water, intermittent draining, or a humming pump that won’t move water.
- Consider replacement if repair cost is approaching about half the cost of a comparable new dishwasher.
- Replace the pump sooner if you see water backing up because a failing drain system can cause repeat clogs.
Dishwashers commonly have two pump functions; choosing the right part is what makes the repair worth it.
| Symptom | Most likely system | Common part to check for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Water left in bottom at end of cycle | Drain system | Dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269 |
| Dishes dirty, weak spray, unusual wash noise | Wash circulation system | Dishwasher pump and motor assembly WPW10605057 |
| Draining is slow or backs up | Drain path restriction | Drain hose, disposer/waste tee, high loop/air gap |
- Confirm the drain hose routing: it should be looped up under the counter or connected to an air gap; the installation instructions call for connecting above the drain trap and at least 20 inches above the floor. Use the installation guide.
- Check for a clog first: filter area, sump, drain hose, disposer inlet plug (new disposer installs), and sink drain.
- Listen during drain: a steady hum with no water movement often points to a jammed or failed drain pump.
- If you recently had cabinet work done, make sure the hose is not kinked or crushed behind the unit.
A weak or failed pump can leave dirty water in the tub, reduce cleaning performance, and increase the chance of odors and repeat blockages. Fixing the correct pump restores normal wash pressure or proper draining and helps protect other components.
Last updated: February 2026
How do I tell if my dishwasher pump is bad?
If your Kenmore 66513033K113 dishwasher leaves standing water, drains slowly, or makes loud buzzing or grinding during drain or wash, the pump is failing or blocked. We confirm it by checking for clogs first, then testing the pump motor and verifying it actually runs during a cycle.
- Water remains in the bottom after the cycle (drain problem)
- Dishes stay dirty and you do not hear strong wash action (circulation problem)
- Loud humming, buzzing, or grinding from the sump area
- Intermittent draining (works sometimes, then stops)
- Burning smell or repeated cycle stopping (motor struggling)
| What you notice | Most likely issue | What to check first |
|---|---|---|
| Standing water after cancel/drain | Drain pump or drain path blockage | Drain hose, air gap/high loop, pump inlet debris |
| Dishes not getting clean, weak spray | Circulation system issue | Filter, spray arm, diverter, circulation pump |
| Loud grinding | Debris in impeller area | Filter and pump inlet for glass/labels |
- Cut power at the breaker before touching wiring.
- Check the easy blockages: clean the filter area and look for debris that can jam an impeller.
- Inspect the drain path: make sure the drain hose is not kinked or clogged.
- Run a short cycle check: the installation instructions describe starting the shortest cycle and confirming there is water in the tub early in the cycle; use that same idea to listen for normal wash and drain sounds. See the installation guide.
- Electrical test (advanced): if you are comfortable using a meter, check the pump motor windings for continuity and inspect the harness connections for damage.
- If it will not drain: consider the dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269
- If wash action is weak: check the dishwasher spray arm WPW10491331
- If water is not entering correctly (can mimic pump issues): check the dishwasher water inlet valve WPW10327249
- If draining is restricted: inspect the dishwasher drain hose 8269144A
A weak or jammed pump can leave dirty water in the tub, reduce cleaning performance, and strain the motor and control system. Catching a blockage early often prevents a full pump replacement.
Last updated: February 2026





