Kenmore 665 Dishwasher Not Cleaning: Causes & Fixes

Quick Answer

If your Kenmore 665 isn't cleaning, the most likely culprit is a clogged food chopper or a failing circulation pump. Check the spray arms for blockages first, as even a small piece of plastic can stop them from spinning and distributing water.

I've been fixing these Kenmore 665s for years and honestly, poor wash performance almost always comes down to water pressure. These machines are workhorses but they're totally dependent on a clean filter and a working chopper blade. If you're hearing the motor hum but the dishes stay dirty, you're probably looking at a pump replacement or a gnarly blockage down in the sump. Don't ignore it. Wet food sitting in that filter grows mold fast.

KenmoreDishwasherSeverity: moderateDifficulty: intermediate88% DIY Success

Time to Fix

45–120 min

Difficulty

intermediate

Parts Cost

$25 – $220

Tools Needed

Nut driver set (1/4 inch and 5/16 inch), Phillips head screwdriver

Kenmore 665 Dishwasher Not Cleaning: Causes & Fixes

Fixing a wash issue on the 665 is usually way cheaper than buying new, especially since these older Kenmore models came with real stainless steel interiors. A new pump or chopper assembly runs $50 to $200, which is honestly a steal compared to a new machine with a plastic tub that won't clean as well anyway. These things were built to last if you take care of them.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Food chopper assembly is broken or clogged35%

Circulation pump motor has failed30%

Heating element failure15%

Clogged spray arms12%

Inlet valve restriction8%

Symptoms You May Notice

You pull out the top rack and the glasses have this white foggy film that won't wipe off even when you hand wash them
Detergent pod sitting at the bottom of the tub completely intact, or the dispenser door opened but somehow the pod never actually dissolved
Dishes feel gritty, almost like someone ran them through sand, especially the plastic containers on the top rack
You hear a low humming from under the machine but don't get that aggressive splashing sound in the first few minutes of the cycle like you normally would
Bottom rack items come out fine but everything on top is still dirty, which usually points to a blocked upper spray arm or low pump pressure

Can you reset a Kenmore dishwasher to clear the NOT-CLEANING code?

To reset the control board and clear any temporary glitches, press the following buttons in sequence: High Temp Wash, Heated Dry, High Temp Wash, Heated Dry. All lights should illuminate. Press Cancel to start a short drain cycle and reset the unit.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Nut driver set (1/4 inch and 5/16 inch)Phillips head screwdriverTorx T15 screwdriverNeedle-nose pliersMultimeter

Service / Diagnostic Mode

Press any three buttons in sequence (1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2-3) with less than one second between presses to enter the service diagnostic mode.

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

Did the fix not work?

If the problem comes back after following these steps, a component has permanently failed and needs replacement. Check the specific error code your dishwasher is showing:

7-1 Error →

ComponentComponent Under Test

Expected Range10–30 ohms

ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name	OEM Number	Estimated Price
Circulation Pump and Motor AssemblyW11033168 · $140–$220	W11033168	$140 – $220
Food Chopper AssemblyW10083957 · $25–$45	W10083957	$25 – $45
Water Inlet ValveW10842929 · $30–$60	W10842929	$30 – $60

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Kenmore 665 leave a gritty residue on top rack items?

That's redeposition and it's super common on these machines. When the chopper blade's dull or the filter screen is clogged, food particles don't get ground up fine enough to drain out. They just swirl around in the wash water and then stick right back to your dishes when things slow down. Clean the whole sump area, check that the chopper blade actually has an edge on it, and replace it if it doesn't. The part's cheap, about $25, and it fixes this problem almost every time I see it.

Where can I find my Kenmore 665 dishwasher specs and model number?

Open the door and look at the door frame on either side. There's usually a silver sticker on the left door rail or sometimes on the inside face of the door panel itself. Write down the full number including all the letters, something like 665.13242K113. That whole string matters when you're ordering parts because different suffix letters can mean completely different components inside. Don't just search '665 pump' or you might get the wrong one and it won't fit.

Is it worth repairing a 10-year-old Kenmore 665 dishwasher?

Honestly, yeah, usually. Sears used Whirlpool guts in the 665 series for years and they hold up way better than a lot of the stuff being sold now. If the tub's stainless, the racks aren't rusted through, and you're dealing with a pump or a heating element, spend the $150 and fix it. A new midrange dishwasher is going to run you $600 to $900 and might only last 7 or 8 years before something breaks. The math really isn't that hard.

How hot should the water be in my Kenmore dishwasher?

Your incoming hot water should be at least 120°F before it even hits the machine. Run the hot water at your kitchen sink for a solid minute before you start a cycle, this actually makes a noticeable difference. The internal element then boosts it up to about 140 to 150°F during the main wash. If the element's bad, you're stuck at whatever temperature comes out of your tap, which usually isn't hot enough to break down grease or fully activate the detergent tablet.

Can I just run a cleaning cycle to fix the not-cleaning problem?

You can try it and it doesn't hurt anything, but no, not usually. Affresh or a dishwasher cleaning tablet will help with scale buildup and odor. But if your spray arm's physically blocked or your pump motor's dying, a cleaning tablet isn't going to fix that. Think of it like adding fuel injector cleaner to a car with a bad fuel pump. It's a different problem entirely. Do the cleaning cycle after you fix the actual mechanical issue, that's when it actually helps the most.

Related Kenmore Dishwasher Error Codes

Code: 7-1Kenmore Dishwasher 7-1 Error: Heating Element Fault

Same Fix on Other Brands

Whirlpool dishwasherNOT-CLEANING: Whirlpool Dishwasher Not Cleaning Troubleshooting

Models Known to Experience NOT-CLEANING Errors

This repair applies to most Kenmore dishwashers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

665.13242K113, 665.15113K210, 665.13243K900, 665.13472N410, 665.12773K310, 665.15832K211, 665.13479K900, 665.16032402

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on May 20, 2024