Kenmore Dishwashers Problems: 7 Common Issues (Must Read)

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Kenmore dishwashers, like all Kenmore appliances, are high-quality and long-lasting.

But like all machines, dishwashers are prone to trouble, and you’ll be left with an annoying feeling and a mountain of dirty dishes.

Before you give up and opt for handwashing your dishes, take a look at this article.

Kenmore Dishwashers Problems: 7 Common Issues (Must Read)

Based on our research here are the 7 most common problems with Kenmore dishwashers

This is not to say that if you purchase a Kenmore Dishwasher you will experience these issues.

These are the most frequently encountered issues.

Other washing machine brands’ problems are not too dissimilar.

Kenmore Dishwasher Not Cleaning Properly

If your Kenmore dishwasher isn’t cleaning your dishes, the spray arm could be clogged, the soap dispenser could be broken, you’re using low-quality detergent, or the inlet valve could be defective or damaged.

Before you call your local technician, go through the steps outlined below.

Possible Solution(s):

Spray Arm
  • Check the spray arm to ensure it has not been obstructed by a plate or utensil. Gently spin it around to see if it’s free of any impediments.
  • Check that the small holes that spray water are not clogged with grease and grime. If so, take it out and gently clean it with detergent.
Low-Grade Detergent
  • Are you using the cheapest detergent tablets from the supermarket? Spotty dishes can be caused by using low-quality or ineffective detergent. Too much detergent can also cause issues. Use the proper type of detergent and the appropriate amount.
  • A final rinse agent should also help with results. Consider installing a water softener if you have hard water to reduce mineral deposit damage. Finally, make certain that the dishwasher is properly loaded.
  • Check to see if the detergent is being released by the soap dispenser. Sometimes the dispenser gets stuck releasing the detergent at the correct cycle time, which is usually caused by grease and grime.
  • If this is the case, clean the soap dispenser gently with warm water to remove the grease and grime.
Dirty Filter
  • A clogged filter is a common cause of your dishwasher failing to drain making your dishes dirty.  If your filter is dirty and the water is not draining, remove it from the machine (as directed by the owner’s manual) and thoroughly rinse it under hot water.
  • If there is any stuck-on gunk, soak it in hot, soapy water for a few minutes before gently cleaning it with a soft brush and rinsing.
Inlet Valve
  • Water enters the dishwasher through the inlet valve. The valve is responsible for the water to enter the dishwasher, and if it malfunctions, the dishes won’t get enough water to get clean.
  • A faulty inlet valve is most likely to blame if you’ve recently noticed a hammering sound coming from the unit while it’s running.
  • Parts and replacement information can be found in your owner’s manual. Another reason can be a broken water pump belt worn out by continuous usage.

If you are unsure about any of these tasks or do not want to risk voiding your appliance’s warranty, contact a qualified plumbing technician to repair your dishwasher.

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Kenmore Dishwasher Not Draining

Is your dishwasher completely empty, or is there always an inch of water in the bottom?

Kenmore dishwasher not draining is likely to be caused by a clogged-up filter, blocked hose, or faulty pump.

Before you call a repair service, try these three simple fixes if your dishwasher won’t drain.

Possible Solution(s):

Dirty Filters
  • If filters are not cleaned regularly, they can become clogged. Locate and uninstall your filters. These are located at the bottom of the dishwasher, directly beneath the lower spray arm.
  • To begin, twist the cylindrical filter to remove it from the dishwasher. Remove any gunk from the filters by gently cleaning them.
Blocked Drain Hose
  • If cleaning your filters hasn’t resolved the issue, a clogged drain hose is the next possible cause of your dishwasher not draining.
  • The drain hose is an essential component of any dishwasher because it transports dirty water away from the unit. It is usually connected to the same drain as the kitchen sink.
  • The drain hose could be clogged with grime and food debris or kinked, which is unlikely. To clean it, remove the drain hose from the dishwasher and the sink drain.
  • The problem could also be coming from your kitchen sink. You can easily unclog a sink drain if you have a plunger or a drain snake. Our drain service is available if you require additional assistance.
Blocked or Faulty Drain Pump
  • A drain pump, like dishwasher filters, can become clogged by leftover food particles and grease buildup. This will keep the water from draining after a washing cycle.
  • Any debris that has made its way into the pump is usually found near the impeller (a rotor that increases the pressure and flow of fluid).
  • Foreign objects, such as broken glass, can easily enter the drain pump and prevent it from functioning. If there is a problem, you should be able to hear the pump struggling.
  • Checking the drain pump generally requires access to the dishwasher’s bottom. This means disconnecting the inlet hose and removing the base plate. To ensure that the pump is working properly, take a resistance reading with a multimeter.

If you are unsure about any of these tasks or do not want to risk voiding your appliance’s warranty, contact a qualified plumbing technician to repair your dishwasher.

Kenmore Dishwasher Leaking

Kenmore dishwasher leaking from the bottom is usually caused by using the incorrect type and quantity of detergent, a clogged filter, overloading the machine, leaking detergent draws, or leaking hoses.

Possible Solution(s):

Damaged Door Seal
  • One of the most common causes of dishwasher leaks is a damaged seal along the edge of the appliance’s door. When new and supple, its rubber material works well to keep water inside the machine—but after years of use, it can dry out, become brittle, and crack.
  • Dried foods can also accumulate along the gasket edge, preventing the door from closing securely against the frame.
  • Replace the door seal and clean it around the door and door seal.  Replace the door if damaged or faulty.
Incorrectly Stacked Dishwasher
  • Overcrowded or incorrectly loaded appliances, utensils, and dishes may obstruct the arm’s rotation or cause it to become dislodged, even damaged, after years of use, resulting in leaks. The solution is to stack the dishwasher correctly and check the spray arm for blockages.
Blocked, Loose, or Damaged Connecting Hose
  • The drain hose transports water from the dishwasher to the drain pump, and drain line, and eventually out your sink drain.
  • Because connections can become loose or the hose itself can crack or tear, the dishwasher may leak water onto the floor before it exits through the end of the line.
  • Check the hoses for any blockages and make sure there are no holes or cracks. If the hose is damaged, have it replaced.
  • Make sure you place the hose back in its place as per the manual. Incorrect placement will result in dishwasher malfunction.
  • Run the dishwasher through a cycle and check for any leaks.

If you’ve tried everything above and your dishwasher is still leaking, it’s time to call a technician.

Check out this article for more information on diagnosing and repairing a leaking dishwasher:

7 Common Reasons Dishwasher is Leaking (with fixes)

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Kenmore Dishwasher Buttons Not Working

If the buttons on your Kenmore dishwasher are not working, the display may be defective or power supply issue.

If some of the buttons are working and others aren’t the keypad may also be the culprit of your troubles.

Additionally, there is also a chance the entire control board has suffered internal damage and needs replacement.

Possible Solution(s):

  • First, ensure that your washing machine is receiving an uninterrupted power supply by ensuring that the power cable is properly plugged in and the socket works.
  • Check that child lock is not enabled and there is no food impeding the buttons.
  • Replace the faulty display, touchpad, or keypad.

Kenmore Dishwasher Lights Flashing or Blinking

If the lights on your Kenmore dishwasher are flashing or blinking rapidly, it is an indication that the heating element is not working as intended.

The heating element is responsible for warming up the water to an optimum temperature.

Still, if the water doesn’t reach the desired temperature in a given time, the light starts flashing.

Another reason can be a technical fault with the control panel that causes the circuitry to go haywire.

Possible Solution(s):

  • Replace the heating element
  • Replace the heating element assembly
  • Get the control panel checked by a technician

If you are unsure about any of these tasks or do not want to risk voiding your appliance’s warranty, contact a qualified plumbing technician to repair your dishwasher.

Kenmore Dishwasher Won’t Start

If your Kenmore dishwasher does not start when you turn it on, there could be a problem with the power supply or the door latch.

The switch indicates to the control board whether the door is fully closed or not so the dishwasher can start.

If the switch is faulty, the control board will not receive the signal, and the machine will not turn on.

Another possible issue can be a blown thermal fuse.

However, before you call your local technician, try the troubleshooting steps listed below.

Possible Solution(s):

Check Power Supply
  • Ensure the power cable is plugged in properly and the socket works.  Check if the circuit breaker has been tripped due to a power surge and flip it back on.
Child Lock
  • Most dishwashers have a child lock feature that prevents children from opening the appliance or changing the cycle settings. In many cases, the unit will not operate if the child lock is activated.
  • The lock is usually activated and deactivated by pressing and holding a button for three seconds, or something similar. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the child safety lock if your dishwasher won’t start or the door won’t open.
Door Latch
  • The door latch switch is the next thing to inspect. This is what tells the dishwasher that the door is securely closed and that it is safe to begin the water cycle. The latch secures the door, and the latch switch detects when the door is closed.

There are several possibilities here.

  • Examine the door latch to see if there is any old soap or food gunk stuck in it. The latch will not click shut if it is jammed or clogged with old gunk. The switch will not activate, and the dishwasher will not start.
  • Your door latch or latch switch could also be damaged. If the latch fails, the door will no longer be able to click and hold itself closed, preventing the dishwasher from starting and running safely. You’ll need to replace the door latch as well as possibly the switch.

If you have troubleshot the items above and your dishwasher is still not working, might be faced with a faulty control board, drive motor, or Thermal Fuse.

It is best to call a technician, who will quickly determine the problem.

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Kenmore Dishwasher Stopping Mid Cycle

After finishing dinner, you turn on the dishwasher only to discover that it stops midway through the cycle, leaving the dishes still unclean and covered in soap buildup.

Then when you try to start the cycle again and get no response or find that the same mid-cycle premature end happens all over again,

The reason for your Kenmore dishwasher stopping mid-cycle is likely caused by a faulty door switch, blown fuse, or faulty control board. 

If you are uncomfortable about resolving this problem or do not want to risk voiding your appliance’s warranty, contact a qualified technician to repair your dishwasher.

Kenmore Dishwasher Making Noise

Strange noises coming from the dishwasher are not uncommon. They are usually nothing to be concerned about, and the noise problem is often easily resolved.

If your Kenmore dishwasher is making too much noise, you may be dealing with a blocked spray arm, food, or broken items moving around in the dishwasher. 

Follow the steps below before calling a technician and handwashing your dishes.

Possible Solution(s):

  • A buzzing noise is usually nothing to be concerned about. When your dishwasher pushes water down the drain, you can hear it buzz. Check your pump impeller for blockage or damage if the sound is very loud.
  • If your dishwasher is making grinding noises, it is likely that a foreign object has become lodged inside the pump. It could be hard food or something that was being cleaned and broken during the wash cycle.
  • To see if this is the case, remove the dishwasher’s lower rack, then the spray arms, and finally the filter unit for inspection.
  • Check that the dishwasher is properly loaded. If the spray arm is hitting the utensils (baby bottles, for example), the dishwasher has been incorrectly loaded. To fix this, arrange the utensils so that the spray arms can fully rotate without being obstructed.

If the noise persists, it is best to contact a technician.

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Kenmore Dishwasher Not Heating Water 

Kenmore dishwasher not heating water is likely to be caused by a faulty heating element, faulty control board, or broken temperature sensor. 

Unless you are very handy it’s probably best to contact a technician to come to take a look at your dishwasher.

Kenmore Dishwashers Any Good?

Yes, Kenmore dishwashers are very good. Kenmore dishwashers are inexpensive, well-built dishwashers that will thoroughly clean your dishes, leaving them sparkling clean.

How Long Do Kenmore Dishwashers Last?

Kenmore dishwashers should last between 10 and 14 years.

Built with good quality materials, may last longer if properly maintained.

However, if your Kenmore dishwasher is at least ten years old, it is more cost-effective to replace it.

Repairing the 10-year-old dishwasher will most likely be more expensive.

What the Reviews are Saying

My dishwasher is about 8 years old. It is a Sears Kenmore Elite. I love it, but occasionally it would go off track.

We called in an electrician who put in something to fix it, and we haven’t had a problem since.

Source: www.consumeraffairs.com

 

We have always bought Kenmore appliances and have had great service from Sears. We have a Kenmore washer, dryer, dishwasher, stove and fridge, and freezer.

We have been married for 50 years and always had Kenmore appliances. I would highly recommend them.

Source: www.consumeraffairs.com

 

After my KitchenAid lasted only five years, this Kenmore Elite has been a lifesaver. In nine years I have not experienced any leaks, food buildup, or any significant issues with cleaning.

The top racks hold a variety of glasses, including wine or champagne, small dishes, and bowls, and coffee pots.

The bottom rack is user-friendly where I can put a week’s worth of dinner dishes, bowls, and soup bowls.

As the KitchenAid runs the noise is very minimal and unobtrusive. I would purchase this model again.

Source: www.consumeraffairs.com

 

Conclusion

So, there you have it: our complete troubleshooting guide for your Kenmore dishwasher, so you’re always prepared in the event of a problem.

Cheers!

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