Kenmore Elite Dishwasher Not Cleaning

Quick Answer

If your Kenmore Elite isn't cleaning, start by cleaning the removable filter at the bottom of the tub. If the filter is clear, check that the water is reaching the heating element during the fill cycle; a low water level caused by a failing inlet valve is the most common hidden culprit.

I've fixed hundreds of these units and honestly the filter situation is wild. People run them for years without ever cleaning it, then wonder why their dishes look worse coming out than going in. Ignore this long enough and you'll eventually burn out the wash motor, which is a $150+ repair. Catch it early and you're usually looking at a free fix.

KenmoreDishwasherSeverity: moderateDifficulty: intermediate85% DIY Success

Time to Fix

20–90 min

Difficulty

intermediate

Parts Cost

$25 – $220

Tools Needed

Phillips #2 screwdriver, Torx T15 screwdriver

Kenmore Elite Dishwasher Not Cleaning

OK so here's the deal. Kenmore Elite dishwashers are actually really good machines, which is why when they stop cleaning it usually points to something simple being neglected. Most of the time you're looking at a clogged filter or a blocked spray arm. I had three calls last week alone where the fix was a 10-minute filter cleaning. Free repair, happy customer.

Most Likely Causes

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

Clogged fine-mesh filter or sump screen45%

Weak or failing circulation pump motor25%

Failed heating element (no hot water)15%

Faulty water inlet valve (low water level)10%

Blocked or cracked spray arm nozzles5%

Symptoms You May Notice

The top rack glasses come out with a gritty white residue that you can feel with your fingernail and won't rinse off under the tap.
You open the door after the cycle and the detergent pod is just sitting there in a puddle at the bottom, completely intact, never dissolved.
Dishes are cold to the touch when you unload them because the heating element isn't doing anything during the cycle.
There's a steady fog or cloudiness spreading across all your silverware and glasses that gets worse with every single wash.
Chunks of food are still stuck on plates that went in looking way worse than they came out.

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

Press 'Heated Dry', then 'Normal', then 'Heated Dry', then 'Normal' all within about 5 seconds. All the indicator lights should come on at once, which means it's entered diagnostic mode. Press 'Cancel' and hold it for 3 seconds. The machine will drain any standing water and reset the control board memory. Wait at least 30 seconds before you start a new cycle.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriverTorx T15 screwdriverDigital multimeterNeedle-nose pliersToothpick or stiff wireSoft-bristle brush or old toothbrushFlashlightBowl and white vinegar (for soaking spray arms)

Service / Diagnostic Mode

Press 'Heated Dry' then 'Normal' then 'Heated Dry' then 'Normal' within 5 seconds.

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:

1-1 Error →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 AssemblyW11032770 · $150–$220	W11032770	$150 – $220
Heating ElementW10518394 · $25–$65	W10518394	$25 – $65
Water Inlet ValveW11175771 · $30–$55	W11175771	$30 – $55

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there a white film on my glasses after washing?

Nine times out of ten this is hard water, not a wash problem. If you're in an area with hard water, you need rinse aid in that dispenser consistently, not just occasionally. Also try Affresh dishwasher cleaner once a month on the hottest cycle you've got. That'll strip mineral deposits off the spray arms and the internal sensors. If you've been skipping rinse aid for a year or more, it might take two or three cleaning cycles before you see the film clear up.

The detergent pod is still in the dispenser at the end of the cycle. Why?

First thing to check: is there a big pan or cutting board in the bottom rack sitting right in front of the dispenser door? That's the most common reason and I catch it at least once a week. If the path is clear, you're probably looking at a worn wax motor on the dispenser latch. That little component heats up and releases the door at the right moment in the cycle. They fail pretty often on older Elite units. A replacement wax motor is about $15-20 and it's a reasonable DIY swap.

How often should I clean my Kenmore Elite dishwasher filter?

If you're running it every day, once a month minimum. Don't pre-rinse your dishes? Make it every two weeks. Seriously, the number of people who've never cleaned their filter and then wonder why their pump failed, it's a lot. That filter's there to protect the impeller from debris. Let debris get through to the pump and you're going from a free 10-minute cleaning job to a $100+ parts repair pretty fast.

Can I use vinegar to clean my Kenmore dishwasher?

Yeah, it works fine. Put a cup of white vinegar in a bowl on the top rack and run the hottest cycle you have. Don't mix it with detergent in the same cycle though, they'll neutralize each other and you won't get much benefit from either. Also don't do it more than once a month long-term, because over years of heavy use the acidity can dry out the door gasket and some internal seals.

My dishes smell bad after washing. Is something wrong?

Yep, and it's almost always the filter. A dirty filter that never gets cleaned becomes a little compost pile sitting in warm water, and that smell gets baked into every single cycle. Pull the filter, clean it thoroughly, and while you're in there wipe down the door gasket around the inside edge too. Food gets trapped in that rubber seal and just sits there. If you're still getting smell after that, run an Affresh tablet on a hot cycle. Usually clears it right up.

Related Kenmore Dishwasher Error Codes

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

Same Fix on Other Brands

Kitchenaid dishwasherNOT-CLEANING: KitchenAid Dishwasher Troubleshooting: Poor Wash Performance

Models Known to Experience NOT-CLEANING Errors

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

665.16362300, 665.16369300, 665.13949K900, 665.12773K310, 665.15952K700, 665.13129K700, 665.16562200, 665.13953K900

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on May 20, 2024