Kenmore Dishwasher 665 Not Starting: Fixes That Work

Quick Answer

Usually, when a Kenmore 665 dishwasher won't start, the door latch isn't telling the computer the door is closed, or the thermal fuse has popped. I always start by firmly pushing the door closed to see if the latch clicks, then I move to testing the thermal fuse for continuity using a multimeter.

I've worked on these Whirlpool-built Kenmore units for fifteen years and they're honestly solid machines. But they've got a couple of predictable weak spots. When a 665 goes dark or refuses to start, it's almost always a protective safety measure kicking in. Blown thermal fuse or a door latch the board doesn't trust. The machine's doing its job. You just need to fix whatever triggered it.

KenmoreDishwasherSeverity: highDifficulty: intermediate90% DIY Success

Time to Fix

20–75 min

Difficulty

intermediate

Parts Cost

$25 – $60

Tools Needed

Phillips #2 screwdriver, T-15 Torx screwdriver

Kenmore Dishwasher 665 Not Starting: Fixes That Work

A dishwasher that won't start is annoying, but on the Kenmore 665 it's rarely a death sentence for the machine. These were built by Whirlpool, so parts are everywhere and they're cheap. A thermal fuse runs about $10. A door latch assembly is maybe $25-35. Most homeowners can knock this out in under an hour with basic hand tools.

Most Likely Causes

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

Blown thermal fuse (open circuit)35%

Faulty door latch assembly or microswitches30%

Stuck or unresponsive touchpad buttons15%

Failed main electronic control board15%

Loose wiring harness5%

Symptoms You May Notice

The whole control panel is completely dead, no lights, no sounds, nothing at all, like someone cut the power even though the breaker's totally fine
The Start button blinks in a repeating pattern but the machine never actually kicks on, just sits there blinking at you
Panel lights up and looks totally normal but pressing any button including Start does absolutely nothing
It beeps when you close the door like it's acknowledging you, but then just sits there doing nothing when you hit Start
A faint click right when you press Start, then silence, like something's trying and getting blocked at the same time

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

To reset the control board, press the following buttons in sequence: Heated Dry, Normal, Heated Dry, Normal. All lights will illuminate, and the machine will enter a diagnostic test. Let it run for 2 minutes, then press 'Cancel' to clear the memory and try starting a normal cycle.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriverT-15 Torx screwdriverMultimeter with continuity modeNeedle-nose pliersWork gloves90%+ isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs

Service / Diagnostic Mode

Press 'Heated Dry' then 'Normal' then 'Heated Dry' then 'Normal' in rapid succession.

Diagnostic Checklist

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

ComponentComponent Under Test

Expected Range0–1 ohm

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
Thermal Fuse Kit8193762 · $25–$45	8193762	$25 – $45
Door Latch AssemblyW10130653 · $35–$60	W10130653	$35 – $60

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore dishwasher 'Start' light blinking?

A blinking Start light usually means the cycle was interrupted or the door isn't latched properly. Try opening and closing the door firmly, then press Start within 3 seconds. If it keeps blinking, the door switch is likely faulty and needs testing with a multimeter.

Where is the thermal fuse located on a Kenmore 665?

The thermal fuse is inside the door assembly. You'll need to remove the T-15 Torx screws from the inner door panel to separate the front and back panels. The fuse is clipped onto the main control board housing and has two wires attached. It's a small white or tan plastic cylinder, pretty easy to spot once the panel's off.

Can I bypass the thermal fuse just to run one load?

Absolutely not. The thermal fuse is a one-time safety device that prevents the dishwasher from catching fire if the heater or board malfunctions. Bypassing it is a major fire hazard. Always replace it with the official manufacturer-approved kit, which usually includes upgraded jumper wires.

How do I know if it's the touchpad or the control board?

If some buttons work but Start doesn't, it's usually the touchpad. If no lights come on at all and you've confirmed the thermal fuse is good, it's usually the control board. Try the diagnostic reset sequence. If the board enters test mode, it's probably fine and the touchpad is your problem. That distinction alone saves you from buying a $150 board when a $60 touchpad fixes it.

Is it worth repairing a Kenmore 665 that won't start, or should I just replace it?

Almost always worth fixing if it's the fuse or latch. You're looking at $10-50 in parts and maybe an hour of your time. Where I'd hesitate is if the main control board is dead. That part runs $80-150 depending on where you source it, and with labor you're getting close to $250 total. A basic new dishwasher starts around $400-500. My rule is: anything other than the board, fix it. If it is the board, get a repair quote first and decide from there.

Same Fix on Other Brands

Whirlpool dishwasherNOT-STARTING: Whirlpool Dishwasher Not Starting: Latch and Fuse Guide

Models Known to Experience NOT-STARTING Errors

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

665.13242K113, 665.13249K111, 665.15113K210, 665.13472K701, 665.13123K701

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on May 20, 2024