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ErrBase

Kenmore Dishwasher Error Codes

All Kenmore dishwasher error codes with step-by-step troubleshooting, multimeter specs, and OEM part numbers.

18 error codes

CodeMeaning
1-1The pilot relay on the control board is stuck in the 'on' position and won't release. That relay's job is to cut power to the heating element when the cycle's done, and when it fails closed, the board detects it's out of control and shuts everything down for safety.
highintermediate
7-1The control board monitors water temperature through the cycle. When it doesn't detect a temperature rise within its programmed window, it trips the 7-1 fault and shuts down. Something in that heating loop is broken, open, or not getting power to do its job.
moderateintermediate
7-1The control board monitors water temp during the heated wash. When the thermistor doesn't report a fast enough temperature rise, the board cuts power to the heater and throws 7-1. Basically the machine's way of saying the water never got hot enough to actually clean anything.
highintermediate
CLEAN-LIGHT-FLASHINGYour control board monitors water temperature during the wash cycle and expects to see it climb at least a couple degrees. When the temp doesn't budge, the board flags a heating failure and locks itself out. That flashing clean light is basically the machine saying it tried to heat the water and nothing happened.
moderateintermediate
HOW-TO-OPERATEBasic operational instructions and best practices for running a Kenmore dishwasher efficiently.
low
MODEL-587-GUIDEThe 587 prefix identifies this dishwasher as being manufactured by Frigidaire for the Kenmore brand.
lowbeginner
MODEL-665-DIMENSIONSThe 665 prefix in a Kenmore model number identifies the unit as being manufactured by Whirlpool. This series follows standard US appliance dimensions, typically requiring a 24-inch wide cabinetry opening.
lowbeginner
MODEL-665-GUIDEThe 665 is Whirlpool's manufacturer code for Kenmore-branded dishwashers. Sears had Whirlpool build them and put the Kenmore name on the front. So when you're looking up parts or a service manual, you're really hunting for a Whirlpool dishwasher, not a Kenmore.
lowbeginner
MODEL-665-LOOKUPBasically a how-to for finding your model number sticker and using it to pull up the right parts diagram. Once you've got that number, you can find exploded views of every component inside your machine, down to the smallest O-ring and clip.
lowbeginner
MODEL-665-SERIESThe 665 prefix is Whirlpool's internal OEM code for machines they built under the Kenmore label. So when you're looking up parts, you're essentially shopping for a Whirlpool. The digits after 665 lock in the exact model year and feature package.
lowbeginner
MODEL-KENMORE-LOOKUPA professional guide to locating and decoding Kenmore dishwasher model and serial numbers to identify the original manufacturer and source correct parts.
lowbeginner
NORMAL-LIGHT-BLINKThe board detected a keypad button that's been in the closed position too long, either a physically stuck key or a short in the circuit. It can also fire when communication between the touchpad and main control board breaks down, or if the heater circuit fails on certain models.
moderateintermediate
NOT-CLEANINGThe machine's running a full cycle but the mechanical action of the water jets and the chemical action of the detergent aren't working together. Either there's not enough water pressure, the water's not hot enough, or debris is blocking flow to the pump. Dishes come out looking like they went through a warm rain.
moderateintermediate
NOT-CLEANINGThe dishwasher is failing to circulate water effectively, heat the water, or properly distribute detergent, leaving dishes dirty or grimy.
moderateintermediate
NOT-DRAININGThe dishwasher isn't completing its drain cycle, so water sits in the sump at the end of the wash. Could be a physical blockage anywhere from the filter screen all the way to where the hose connects at the garbage disposal or sink drain.
moderateintermediate
NOT-DRYINGDuring the dry cycle, your dishwasher's supposed to heat up the air inside the tub to evaporate moisture off the dishes. When the heating element doesn't fire, the vent doesn't open, or the rinse aid chemistry isn't there to help water sheet off, you're gonna open that door to a rack full of wet dishes.
moderateintermediate
NOT-STARTING'Not Starting' on a Kenmore 665 basically means there's a break in the electrical path the machine needs to kick on the wash motor. It's almost always a safety component like the thermal fuse reading open circuit, or a door switch that's not confirming the door is actually shut.
highintermediate
WONT-STARTYour dishwasher runs through a safety chain before it'll fill with water. Door latch closed? Control board powered? Thermal fuse intact? If any one of those checks fails, the machine just sits there doing nothing. It's not broken broken, it's stuck at the gate. Which link broke is the whole question.
moderateintermediate