What is the code F2E2 on a Kenmore Elite dishwasher?
On a Kenmore Elite dishwasher, error code F2E2 means the keypad (user interface) is not communicating correctly with the main control. On model 66513969K012, this typically points to a stuck key, a wet or damaged console, or a wiring/connection problem between the console and control.
- Press Cancel/Drain (or the model’s cancel function) and let the unit stop.
- Turn power off at the breaker for 1 minute, then restore power.
- Check the console for moisture, spilled detergent, or a physically stuck button.
- If the code returns immediately, avoid repeated resets; focus on the console and connections.
- Stuck or shorted keypad in the user interface
- Moisture intrusion into the console (steam, leaks, or cleaner overspray)
- Loose or oxidized connector between the user interface and main control
- Damaged wiring in the door (often where the harness flexes)
If you plan to inspect wiring, follow the access and panel removal steps in the 66513969K012 installation guide.
- Power off at the breaker.
- Open the door and inspect for signs of water tracks around the console area.
- Remove the inner door panel (per the guide) and check for:
- Loose plugs
- Pinched wires
- Corrosion on terminals
- Restore power and test.
We see F2E2 most often tied to the console/keypad or the door wiring path. If you find damaged wiring in the door, the model uses a dedicated harness such as the dishwasher wire harness W10330843.
| Symptom pattern | Most likely area | What it suggests |
|---|---|---|
| Code appears immediately on power-up | Keypad/UI or connection | Shorted key or failed UI circuit |
| Code appears after a steamy cycle | Console moisture | Moisture causing false key presses |
| Code appears when opening/closing door | Door wiring | Harness flex point issue |
When the user interface cannot reliably “talk” to the main control, the dishwasher can misread button presses, stop mid-cycle, or refuse to start. Fixing the root cause prevents repeat shutdowns and protects the control system.
Last updated: January 2026
Where is the filter on a Kenmore quiet guard dishwasher?
On Kenmore Elite dishwasher model 66513969K012, the filter is located at the bottom center of the tub, underneath the lower dish rack. You access it by pulling out the lower rack and lifting out the filter pieces from the sump area; see the 66513969K012 owner's manual.
- Turn the dishwasher off.
- Pull the lower rack straight out.
- Look at the bottom center of the tub; you will see the filter assembly.
- Remove the upper filter assembly by rotating it (typically clockwise to lock, counterclockwise to unlock) and lifting it out.
- Lift out the lower filter by pulling it up and out from under the locating tabs.
Cleaning the filters periodically helps keep wash performance strong and prevents gritty residue on dishes.
- Rinse both filter pieces under running water until soils are removed.
- Use a soft brush for stuck-on debris or hard-water deposits.
- Do not use a wire brush or scouring pad (it can damage the filter mesh).
- Reinstall the lower filter under the locating tabs so the round opening lines up.
- Insert the upper filter into the lower filter opening, then rotate until it drops and locks.
- Visible debris sitting on the upper filter
- Dishes feel gritty after a cycle
- Cleaning performance drops (soil remains on plates)
- Drain performance seems weaker than normal
| Filter piece | What it does | What you will notice if it is dirty |
|---|---|---|
| Upper filter assembly | Keeps large items and fine particles out of the pump | Debris sitting on the screen, poor wash action |
| Lower filter | Helps keep food from recirculating onto dishes | Gritty dishes, redeposited soil |
A clean filter helps your Kenmore dishwasher maintain strong spray pressure, protect the pump and motor, and deliver better cleaning with less redeposit. It also supports proper water flow through the ULTRA WASH filtration system.
Last updated: January 2026
How to hard reset a Kenmore Elite dishwasher?
To reset the control on our Kenmore Elite dishwasher model 66513969K012, we use the built-in Cancel/Drain reset: press CANCEL/DRAIN twice, then choose a new cycle and press START/RESUME. This clears the current cycle and restarts the control logic (it is the most reliable “hard reset”). See the 66513969K012 owner's manual.
- Open the door slightly to pause the cycle; wait for spraying to stop.
- Open the door fully.
- Press CANCEL/DRAIN two times to reset the control.
- Close the door.
- Select a new cycle and options.
- Press START/RESUME.
If the keypad will not respond, do this safe power reset sequence:
- Turn the dishwasher OFF at the breaker for 1 minute.
- Turn power back ON.
- Run a short cycle and confirm it fills, washes, and drains.
| Action | What it affects | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| CANCEL/DRAIN twice | Clears the current cycle and resets the control state | Stuck cycle, wrong cycle selected, needs restart |
| Breaker power reset | Reboots the control board | Dead display, frozen buttons |
| Cancel/Drain once | Starts a drain-out (if water is in the tub) | Standing water in the bottom |
A proper reset prevents repeat problems like incomplete draining, cycle interruptions, and detergent not dispensing correctly after a mid-cycle stop. If you reset often because water remains in the tub, a restriction or a weak drain component is usually the real cause; check the drain path and consider the dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269 if draining is consistently slow.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the common problems with Kenmore dishwashers?
Common problems on the Kenmore Elite 66513969K012 dishwasher include not starting, not draining, poor cleaning, odors, hard-water residue, leaks, and weak drying. Most issues trace back to loading/door-latch problems, clogged filters or drain paths, or a failed wash or drain component; use the 66513969K012 owner's manual troubleshooting chart to narrow it down.
- Dishwasher does not run or stops mid-cycle: door not fully latched, Start/Resume needs to be pressed again, power issue (tripped breaker or blown fuse).
- Won’t drain: kinked drain hose, disposer knockout plug not removed, food blockage in drain/disposer, failed drain pump.
- Detergent remains in dispenser: door not fully closed due to loading interference, cycle not selected correctly.
- Hard-water film or white residue: very hard water, not using rinse aid, filters need cleaning.
- Odors: food soil buildup in filters, infrequent use without a rinse cycle.
- Confirm the door closes and latches without dishes blocking the back wash system.
- If Start/Resume is blinking, close the door and press START/RESUME.
- Check the home breaker or fuse.
- If connected to a disposer, confirm the disposer inlet knockout plug is removed.
- Inspect the drain hose for kinks and verify the drain path is clear.
| Symptom | Part that often resolves it | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Not draining | Dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269 | Pumps water out through the drain hose |
| Poor cleaning | Dishwasher spray arm WPW10195601 | Distributes wash water through spray jets |
| Leaking at the bottom of the door | Seal WPW10497235 | Helps seal the door area to prevent drips |
| Not filling or fills slowly | Dishwasher water inlet valve W11175771 | Controls water entering the dishwasher |
A dishwasher that is not draining or not filling can leave standing water, cause odors, and reduce cleaning performance. Catching a kinked hose, blocked drain path, or hard-water buildup early helps prevent repeat cycle failures and unnecessary part replacements.
Last updated: January 2026





