What are the common problems with Kenmore dishwashers?
Common problems on the Kenmore Elite dishwasher model 66513793K602 include poor cleaning, not draining, leaks, and a cycle that will not start or stops mid-cycle. Many issues trace back to loading and maintenance (filters, spray arms), power/door latch problems, or a failing pump, valve, or control.
- Dishwasher will not run or stops: door not fully latched, wrong cycle selection, power interruption, tripped breaker or blown house fuse
- START/RESUME light flashing: door opened during the cycle or power was interrupted
- Not draining: clogged drain path, blocked hose/air gap, or a weak drain pump
- Not cleaning well: spray arm blockage, overloading, low water fill, or wash motor issues
- Leaking: door seal wear, loose hose connections, or tub and sump area leaks
- Spots/film on dishes: water chemistry, too much detergent, not enough rinse aid, or overloading
- Confirm the door closes tightly and latches.
- Verify the cycle selection, then press Start and close the door promptly.
- Check the home breaker or fuse; reset/replace if needed.
- Make sure the water shutoff valve is fully open.
- Clean for performance: run a vinegar cleaning cycle as described in the 66513793K602 owner’s manual.
| Symptom | Common part to inspect/replace | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t drain / standing water | Dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269 | Pumps water out to the drain line |
| Won’t fill / fills slowly | Dishwasher water inlet valve (check screen) | Water entering the tub |
| Dead/no power symptoms | Fuse | Protects the dishwasher’s electrical circuit |
| Random behavior / won’t start | Electronic control | Runs cycles and responds to keypad inputs |
Most “big” dishwasher complaints are caused by simple issues (door not latched, power interruption, clogged drain path) that can be corrected quickly. Catching a weak drain pump or inlet valve early helps prevent repeat cycle failures and water left in the tub.
Related help: Kenmore 665 model dishwasher error codes.
Last updated: January 2026
How to do a hard reset on a Kenmore dishwasher?
For Kenmore Elite dishwasher model 66513793K602, the most reliable hard reset is a full power cycle: turn the dishwasher off at the breaker (or unplug it) for about 5 minutes, then restore power. If you just need to clear a stuck cycle or lights, use CANCEL/DRAIN as shown in the 66513793K602 owner's manual.
- Turn the dishwasher OFF at the circuit breaker (preferred) or unplug it.
- Wait 5 minutes.
- Restore power.
- Press START/RESUME and close the door firmly to restart a cycle.
- If the control is still acting up, run a fresh cycle after clearing the previous one (steps below).
The Use and Care Guide for this model describes using CANCEL/DRAIN to clear selections and drain water.
- Open the door slightly and wait for spraying to stop.
- Press CANCEL/DRAIN.
- Close the door; the dishwasher runs a 2-minute drain (if needed).
- To clear indicators before starting over, press CANCEL/DRAIN before selecting a new cycle.
| Situation | Best action | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher is frozen or unresponsive | Power cycle (breaker off 5 minutes) | Reboots the electronic control |
| Wrong cycle/options selected | CANCEL/DRAIN, then reselect | Clears options and drains if needed |
| Door opened mid-cycle and lights are flashing | Press START/RESUME and close door firmly | Resumes the cycle |
A true hard reset (power cycle) clears temporary control glitches, while CANCEL/DRAIN prevents starting a new wash with leftover water or a partially completed cycle. Using the right reset helps protect wash performance and avoids repeat drain or fill problems.
Last updated: January 2026
How do I clean the filter on my Kenmore dishwasher model 66513793K602?
On Kenmore Elite dishwasher model 66513793K602, we clean the filter by removing the lower rack, lifting out the filter basket or screen assembly, rinsing it under hot water, then reinstalling it in the same orientation (it typically seats in place and locks with a short twist). See the 66513793K602 owner's manual for the exact filter style and removal steps.
- Turn the dishwasher off; let it cool if it just ran.
- Pull out the lower rack to access the bottom of the tub.
- Remove the filter basket or screen (many Kenmore 665 models lift out, then rotate about 90 degrees to unlock or re-seat).
- Rinse the filter under hot running water; use a soft brush for stuck-on debris.
- Wipe the sump area around the filter opening; remove any glass or food pieces.
- Reinstall the filter so it sits flat and is fully locked or seated.
- Run a short rinse cycle to confirm normal wash and drain.
If the filter was heavily clogged, also check these common related items:
| What you notice | What it usually means | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Standing water after a cycle | Drain path restriction | Check the sink/disposer connection and drain hose routing; inspect the drain system |
| Grit on dishes | Filter not seated or torn, or spray arm issues | Re-seat the filter; clean spray arm holes |
| Bad odor | Food buildup in filter and sump | Clean filter and run a cleaning cycle (see tips below) |
A clean, properly seated filter helps the wash system circulate water correctly and keeps food soil from redepositing on dishes. It also reduces drain problems that can strain components like the drain system.
- Rinse the filter weekly if you run frequent loads or wash heavy soil.
- Use a soft brush; avoid sharp tools that can tear mesh.
- For occasional film, we use a vinegar rinse sparingly (acid used too often can be hard on dishwasher components).
If the dishwasher still will not drain after cleaning the filter and checking the drain path, the drain pump can be the next suspect. For this model, the matching replacement is the dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269.
Last updated: January 2026
How to force a Kenmore dishwasher to drain?
To force a drain on your Kenmore Elite dishwasher model 66513793K602, we recommend using the built-in CANCEL/DRAIN function; it runs a drain sequence for about 2 minutes (if needed) and clears the current cycle. See the 66513793K602 owner's manual for the exact button sequence.
- Open the door slightly to pause the cycle.
- Wait until spraying stops.
- Press CANCEL/DRAIN (the Cancel light should turn on).
- Close the door to start the drain.
- Let it run for about 2 minutes.
- If you want to stop draining early, press CANCEL/DRAIN again.
A forced drain command will not help if water cannot physically leave the tub. These checks cover the most common causes on Kenmore 665-series dishwashers:
- Check the sink drain or garbage disposer connection for a blockage.
- Make sure the drain hose is not kinked or crushed behind the dishwasher.
- Confirm the drain hose routing stays clear of the motor, springs, cabinet edges, and flooring.
- Verify the high loop or air gap setup matches your installation method.
- If you hear the motor hum but no water moves, the drain pump may be jammed or failing.
| Symptom | Most likely area | Example part for 66513793K602 |
|---|---|---|
| No drain sound at all | Drain pump or control issue | Dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269 |
| Slow drain or leaks at hose | Drain hose routing or hose damage | Dishwasher drain hose 8269144A |
Draining before starting a new cycle prevents dirty water from being recirculated, helps avoid odor, and reduces the chance of a false “not draining” situation caused by a paused or canceled cycle.
Last updated: January 2026





