Kenmore Dishwasher: not operating

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Kenmore dishwasher not operating? If pressing the start button yields no lights, sounds, or response, you may be facing common issues like a faulty door latch, power supply interruptions, or a malfunctioning control panel. Understanding these causes can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Kenmore dishwashers often fail to start due to door latch or control board issues; main control board misdiagnosis is common — check simpler components first.

Possible Causes

Door latch or door switch not detecting a closed door

How to Identify: Dishwasher will remain off even with correct button presses; door may not click firmly. Check if the dishwasher only starts when door pushed extra hard or manually test switch continuity with multimeter.

Part: Door latch assembly/door switch

Power supply interruption (breaker, outlet, hardwired connection issue)

How to Identify: No lights or display on control panel; verify outlet with another device or check house breaker. For hardwired models, open junction box to inspect loose wires.

Part: Circuit breaker/outlet wiring/power cord

Control panel or user interface failure

How to Identify: Control panel lights/buttons are unresponsive, erratic, or show error codes. Reset doesn’t fix; visual inspection may show damage.

Part: Control panel/touchpad

Thermal fuse failure

How to Identify: Dishwasher won’t start at all and has no power signs; testing fuse continuity with multimeter shows open circuit.

Part: Thermal fuse

Main control board failure

How to Identify: Other components test normal, but dishwasher still won’t initiate cycles; may need professional diagnostics.

Part: Electronic control board

Drive motor or motor relay failure

How to Identify: You may hear humming or nothing when attempting start; motor testing required.

Part: Drive motor/motor relay

DIY Solutions

Check and Secure the Door Latch

Easy 5-15 minutes
Tools Needed: none
  1. Open dishwasher door and inspect latch area for debris or misalignment.
  2. Clean debris with cloth and ensure door closes fully with a distinct click.
  3. Try starting dishwasher after ensuring proper door closure.

Verify Power Supply and Reset Breaker

Easy 5-10 minutes
Tools Needed: none, flashlight (optional)
  1. Check house circuit breaker for the dishwasher circuit and reset if tripped.
  2. Verify dishwasher is plugged in (if model uses cord) and test outlet with another device.
  3. Turn off power at breaker for 30–60 seconds then restore to reset dishwasher control.
  4. Try starting dishwasher after power reset.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure hands and area are dry when working near electrical components.

Reset Control Panel

Easy 5 minutes
Tools Needed: none
  1. Turn off dishwasher power at breaker or unplug for 5 minutes.
  2. Restore power and attempt to start cycle.
  3. Observe if lights/buttons respond normally.

Professional Repairs

Replace Door Switch or Latch Assembly

Estimated Cost: $40 - $120

Replace Control Panel or Electronic Control Board

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

Replace Thermal Fuse or Main Board

Estimated Cost: $50 - $350

When to Call a Professional

Dishwasher still won’t start after basic DIY checks
Internal wiring issues suspected
Uncertain about safely accessing internal components

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean door latch and surrounding area: Latch sticking or misalignment that can prevent start
    Frequency: monthly
  • Test dishwasher operation occasionally between cycles: Detect early signs of control panel or power issues
    Frequency: every few months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Dishwasher not operating?
Common causes include a faulty door latch, power supply issues, or control panel failure.
How do I fix Kenmore Dishwasher not operating myself?
Check the door latch, verify power supply, and reset the control panel.
How much does it cost to fix not operating?
Professional repair costs range from $40 to $400 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not operating?
Call a technician if DIY fixes don't work or if you suspect major component failures.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

80%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Door latch is faulty or not closing properly
  • Power supply issue (tripped breaker or unplugged unit)
  • Control panel malfunction or error code

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check the door latch: Ensure the door is closing properly and the latch is not damaged. If needed, adjust or replace the latch.

  2. Inspect the power supply: Check if the dishwasher is plugged in and verify if the circuit breaker has tripped. Reset the breaker if necessary.

  3. Reset the control panel: Unplug the dishwasher for a few minutes and then plug it back in to reset the control panel. Check for any error codes.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Kenmore 665.74362K1 dishwasher randomly stopping cycle (poss...

Community Discussions

dishwasher randomly stopping mid-cycle

Possible latch issue or adjustment needed.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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