What does red lock mean on a dishwasher?
On the Kenmore 66517152K213 portable dishwasher, a red lock (padlock) light means the Control Lock is turned on, so the buttons will not respond and the dishwasher will not start. Turn the lock off by pressing and holding HEATED DRY for 3 seconds (see the owner's manual).
How to turn Control Lock on or off
- Turn on: Press and hold HEATED DRY for 3 seconds; the lock indicator lights.
- Turn off: Press and hold HEATED DRY for 3 seconds; the lock indicator turns off.
- If you press any button while locked, the lock light typically flashes 3 times.
- The door can still open and close while the controls are locked.
Quick checks if the red lock stays on
- Make sure you are pressing HEATED DRY, not another option key.
- Press and hold the key for a full 3 seconds (a quick tap will not change the setting).
- Close the door fully; some models will not accept option changes if the door is not latched.
- If the control panel is wet, dry it and try again.
What the lock affects (and what it does not)
| Feature | With Control Lock ON | With Control Lock OFF |
|---|---|---|
| Start a cycle | Blocked | Works normally |
| Change cycle/options | Blocked | Works normally |
| Open/close door | Allowed | Allowed |
Why it matters
Control Lock prevents accidental button presses during cleaning or when moving a portable dishwasher. If the lock is on, the dishwasher cannot start, even if water is connected and the door is closed.
Last updated: January 2026
Where is the filter on a Kenmore quiet guard dishwasher?
On the Kenmore portable dishwasher model 66517152K213, the removable filters are located at the bottom center of the tub, underneath the lower rack. For removal and cleaning steps, follow the filter section in the owner's manual.
How to access and remove the filter
- Pull out the lower rack to expose the sump area.
- Look for the filter assembly in the bottom center.
- Remove the filters in this order:
- Turn the upper filter assembly about 1/4 turn counterclockwise, then lift it out.
- Grasp the lower filter in the circular opening, lift slightly, then pull forward to remove.
- Rinse both filters under running water until soils are removed.
- Use a soft brush only if you have stuck-on soils or hard-water deposits.
Reinstalling the filter correctly (important)
Improperly seated filters can reduce cleaning performance and contribute to noise.
- Set the lower filter under the locating tabs so the round opening lines up.
- Insert the upper filter assembly into the lower filter opening.
- Rotate the upper filter clockwise until it drops and locks.
- If the upper filter still turns freely, keep turning clockwise until it locks.
| Filter piece | Where it sits | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Upper filter assembly | Locks into the circular opening | Keeps oversized debris and fine particles out of the pump |
| Lower filter | Bottom center under locating tabs | Helps keep food from being recirculated onto dishes |
Why it matters
A clean, properly installed filter helps your 66517152K213 dishwasher wash better, drain more reliably, and run quieter. Monthly inspection and cleaning is a solid baseline for most households.
Last updated: January 2026
How to hard reset a Kenmore dishwasher?
To reset the controls on your Kenmore portable dishwasher model 66517152K213, we use the built-in cancel/reset procedure: press CANCEL/DRAIN twice, then select a new cycle and press START/RESUME. This clears the current cycle and restarts the control for normal operation (see the owner's manual).
Reset options that work on 66517152K213
Use the option that matches what your dishwasher is doing:
- Reset the control (most common): Press CANCEL/DRAIN twice.
- Cancel and drain water: Press CANCEL/DRAIN once, then close the door; it drains for about 2 minutes if water is in the tub.
- Restart a cycle from the beginning: Stop the cycle, reset, then choose a new cycle and press START/RESUME.
- If Start/Resume is blinking: Close the door fully, then press START/RESUME.
Step-by-step: “hard reset” (control reset)
- Open the door slightly to stop the cycle; wait for spraying to stop.
- Open the door fully.
- Press CANCEL/DRAIN twice to reset the control.
- Confirm the detergent dispenser is closed; refill detergent if it popped open.
- Select your cycle and options.
- Press START/RESUME.
If the buttons do not respond: check Control Lock
Control Lock disables the keypad even though the door still opens.
- Press and hold HEATED DRY for 3 seconds to toggle Control Lock.
- If the lock light is on, the dishwasher will not start until it is turned off.
| Symptom | What it usually means | What we do |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t start, Start/Resume blinking | Door not fully latched | Close door, press START/RESUME |
| Buttons seem “dead” | Control Lock is on | Hold HEATED DRY 3 seconds |
| Stuck mid-cycle with water in tub | Needs cancel/drain | Press CANCEL/DRAIN once, close door |
Why it matters
Resetting the control clears a stalled cycle, drains standing water, and gets the dishwasher back to a known starting point. It also helps you separate a simple control issue from problems like a drain restriction or a failing drain pump.
Last updated: January 2026
What are common problems with Kenmore dishwashers?
Common problems we see with the Kenmore 66517152K213 portable dishwasher include poor drying, detergent left in the dispenser, cycles that run long, and draining or filling issues. Many of these are caused by loading, water conditions, or a clogged filter rather than a major failure; start with the checks in the owner's manual.
Most common symptoms and what usually causes them
- Dishes not dry: rinse aid empty, Heated Dry not used, or items loaded so water pools in cups.
- Detergent remains in dispenser: dispenser door blocked by tall items or cookie sheets in the lower rack.
- Cycle runs too long: normal for high-efficiency dishwashers; longer cycles save water and energy.
- Won’t fill: water supply off, float stuck, or excess suds.
- Water remains in tub (won’t drain): kinked drain hose, disposer knockout plug not removed (if connected), or food blockage.
Quick troubleshooting checklist (in order)
- Confirm the door is fully closed and latched; if Start/Resume is blinking, close the door and press Start/Resume.
- Check loading so nothing blocks the detergent dispenser door.
- Clean the removable filters at the bottom center of the tub.
- Use rinse aid for drying performance; refill when low.
- If water remains, check for drain hose kinks and clogs.
Parts that commonly relate to these problems
| Symptom | Common part area | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Not heating or poor drying | Heating circuit | Element assembly W10518394 |
| Won’t drain or drains slowly | Drain system | Dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269 |
| Poor wash or low spray | Spray system | Dishwasher spray arm WPW10491331 |
| Cloudy results, debris recirculation | Filtration | Dishwasher filter W10872845 |
Why it matters
Fixing loading, filtration, and rinse aid issues first prevents repeat problems like white film, standing water, and odor. It also helps you avoid replacing parts that are still working.
Last updated: January 2026





