How many decibels is a Kenmore 66513859K602 dishwasher?
The Kenmore Elite dishwasher model 66513859K602 is rated at about 42 dBA (decibels). That is considered a quiet dishwasher; in most kitchens you will mainly hear a soft water-swish rather than loud motor noise.
A 42 dBA dishwasher is typically quiet enough to run during meals or while watching TV in an adjacent room. If your unit sounds much louder than normal, it usually points to loading issues, a loose component, or a wash/drain system problem.
- Secure lightweight plastic items so they do not rattle in the racks.
- Keep pot handles, lids, and baking sheets from touching the tub walls.
- Load dishes so they do not contact each other.
- Make sure spray arms can rotate freely without hitting tall items.
- For built-in installs, keep sink drain plugs closed during operation to reduce noise transfer.
(These operating tips are covered in the owner's manual.)
Noise complaints often fall into a few common categories:
| What you hear | Most common cause | What to check first |
|---|---|---|
| Thumping or clattering | Dishes contacting each other or the tub | Reload racks, confirm spray arm clearance |
| Grinding during wash | Debris in sump area or circulation path | Clean filters/sump area per manual |
| Loud buzzing or humming during fill | Water inlet valve issue or restricted supply | Verify water supply is fully open |
| Loud growl during drain | Drain pump obstruction or wear | Check drain path and pump area |
If you are troubleshooting a drain-related noise or poor draining at the same time, the dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269 is a common service part for this model.
Dishwasher sound ratings are measured under controlled conditions. When your 66513859K602 is loaded correctly and the wash system is running smoothly, the 42 dBA design helps keep normal cycle noise low while still delivering strong wash performance.
Last updated: February 2026
How to do a hard reset on a Kenmore dishwasher?
On the Kenmore Elite dishwasher model 66513859K602, the most reliable “hard reset” is to cancel the current cycle and let the dishwasher drain. Press CANCEL/DRAIN and keep the door closed so the unit can run the drain (about 2 minutes), then start a new cycle. See the steps in the owner's manual.
- Press CANCEL/DRAIN once.
- Close the door fully (the dishwasher must be closed to drain).
- Wait for the drain to finish (typically about 2 minutes).
- Confirm the indicator lights clear.
- Select your new cycle and any options.
- Press START/RESUME to restart.
Your dishwasher may be in Control Lock mode. Turn it off, then restart the cycle.
- Press and hold HEATED DRY for 4 seconds to toggle Lock On.
- If Lock On is lit, all buttons are disabled (the door can still open).
- After unlocking, close the door and press START/RESUME to continue.
| Action | What it accomplishes | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| CANCEL/DRAIN | Stops the cycle, drains water if needed, clears selections | Wrong cycle selected, need to restart, standing water |
| Control Lock off (HEATED DRY 4 sec) | Re-enables buttons | Buttons not working, Lock On light is on |
| Power cycle (breaker off then on) | Reboots the control like a computer restart | After a glitch, display odd behavior (after canceling first) |
Canceling and draining protects the pump and prevents starting a new wash with leftover water and detergent conditions from the previous cycle. If you are seeing repeated beeping or flashing lights after a reset, checking the Kenmore 665 model dishwasher error codes helps pinpoint the cause.
Last updated: February 2026
Is it worth repairing a Kenmore dishwasher?
Yes, repairing a Kenmore Elite dishwasher like model 66513859K602 is usually worth it when the problem is a common wear item (drain pump, inlet valve, fuse, hose) and the total repair cost stays well below the cost of replacement. It is also worth repairing when warranty coverage applies; check the owner's manual.
Use this simple rule for dishwashers:
- Repair it when the fix is straightforward and parts are reasonably priced (draining, filling, not starting, leaking at a hose).
- Consider replacement when multiple major components are failing (wash motor plus sump leaks plus control issues) or the tub is damaged.
- Factor in warranty: this model’s manual describes limited warranty coverage periods for items like the electronic control and racks.
| Scenario | Typical repair scope | Usually worth it? |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t drain | Clear blockage, check hose, replace drain pump | Yes |
| Won’t fill | Check supply, replace inlet valve | Yes |
| Dead/no power | Check power, door latch, replace fuse | Often |
| Poor wash/noisy | Circulation pump or sump and motor work | Depends |
For the Kenmore 66513859K602, these are common, high-impact fixes that often restore normal operation:
- Replace a failed drain pump: dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269
- Fix a no-fill or slow-fill issue: dishwasher water inlet valve WPW10158389
- Restore power after an overload: fuse W10258275
- Correct drain routing or leaks at the connection: dishwasher drain hose 8269144A
- Address wash performance tied to the main drive assembly: pump motor WPW10780877
A dishwasher repair is usually the best value when it solves a single root cause (drain, fill, heat, or power). That keeps downtime low, avoids repeat service, and helps your Kenmore Elite dishwasher deliver full cleaning performance again.
Last updated: February 2026
What does E09 mean on a Kenmore dishwasher?
On Kenmore Elite dishwasher model 66513859K602, an E09 code indicates the control is detecting a water-heating or temperature-rise problem during the cycle. We treat it as a heat-system fault and troubleshoot the heater circuit, temperature sensing, and water circulation using the steps in the 66513859K602 owner's manual.
- Reset power at the breaker for 1 minute, then restore power.
- Start a short cycle and confirm the tub fills within the first few minutes.
- Run hot water at the sink until it is hot, then start the dishwasher (improves incoming water temperature).
- Make sure the door closes fully and latches.
- Cancel and drain once, then restart to see if the code returns.
E09 shows up when the dishwasher cannot heat water as expected. The most common causes are:
- Failed heater circuit component (heater, wiring, or control output)
- Temperature sensing problem (thermostat or sensor)
- Poor circulation so heated water is not moving through the wash system
- Low fill or restricted water flow that prevents proper heating
Model-related parts that often apply during diagnosis include the dishwasher thermostat WP661566 and the sensor WPW10705575.
| What you notice | What it usually points to | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Poor drying, cool dishes | Heating not working | Heater circuit, thermostat/sensor |
| Cycle stops or runs very long | Control not seeing temp rise | Water temp, fill level, circulation |
| Weak wash action | Circulation issue | Pump/motor, obstructions |
Heating is required for proper cleaning and drying. When the control does not detect the expected temperature increase, it can extend the cycle or stop to protect the wash system, which leads to poor results and repeat errors.
Last updated: February 2026





