Kenmore Dishwasher: sanitized light flashing

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Kenmore dishwasher's sanitized light is flashing, it indicates that the sanitization process was not successfully completed, often due to low water temperature or an error in the cycle. This signal is a prompt to check for issues such as a faulty heating element, door latch problems, or control panel errors. Addressing these can restore proper function and ensure your dishes are sanitized effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • On Kenmore dishwashers, a flashing Clean or Sanitize light often indicates the water did not reach the proper sanitized temperature, and may correspond to diagnostic error flash patterns. (Ready To DIY

Possible Causes

Water temperature too low to reach sanitization threshold

How to Identify: Hot water supply not sufficiently hot at start; water entering dishwasher feels cool; sanitized light flashes after cycle without completing sanitization. (Ready To DIY

Part: Water inlet heating/temperature system

Faulty heating element or thermostat

How to Identify: Dishwasher never heats to proper temperature; multimeter shows no continuity across heating element; sanitized light fails to engage.

Part: Heating element/thermostat

Door latch / interlock issues

How to Identify: Dishwasher cycle interrupts if door latch isn’t fully engaged; lights flash when door not detected as closed. (Appliance Parts Pros

Part: Door latch and interlock switch

Control board or control panel error

How to Identify: Multiple lights blink or error persists after checking mechanical causes; panel buttons behave inconsistently. (Appliance Parts Pros

Part: Main control board or user control/display board

DIY Solutions

Ensure hot water supply at cycle start

Easy 5-10 minutes
  1. Turn on the kitchen hot water faucet and let it run until the water is hot to touch.
  2. Start the dishwasher while hot water is flowing to ensure the initial fill uses hot water.

Reset dishwasher control panel

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Turn off power to the dishwasher at the circuit breaker or unplug it.
  2. Wait 1 minute, then restore power and try running a cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure breaker is correctly identified before switching off

Professional Repairs

Replace heating element or thermostat

Estimated Cost: $50 - $200

Replace door latch assembly or interlock switch

Estimated Cost: $30 - $120

Control board or control panel replacement

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

When to Call a Professional

Heating element continuity fails or part appears damaged
Door latch interlock switch malfunction not resolved by simple checks
Control board or panel appears to be the cause after basic troubleshooting

Preventive Maintenance

  • Run hot water before starting dishwasher: Low initial water temperature causing sanitize light errors
    Frequency: Every wash

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Dishwasher sanitized light flashing?
The flashing light usually indicates low water temperature or an error in the wash cycle.
How do I fix Kenmore Dishwasher sanitized light flashing myself?
Ensure the hot water supply is adequate and reset the dishwasher's control panel.
How much does it cost to fix sanitized light flashing?
Professional repairs can range from $30 to $400, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for sanitized light flashing?
If DIY fixes don't resolve the issue, consider contacting a technician.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

65%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty door latch or door switches preventing proper closure detection
  • Issues with the control board causing erratic behavior
  • Clogged or malfunctioning spray arms leading to inadequate cleaning

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check and replace the door latch or door switches. Ensure the door is fully closing and latching properly. Disconnect power, remove the door panel, and test the switches with a multimeter. Replace if faulty.

  2. Inspect the control board for signs of damage or burnt components. If necessary, replace the control board. Ensure power is disconnected before handling the board.

  3. Clean or replace the spray arms. Remove any debris or clogs, and ensure they can rotate freely. Test the dishwasher with a cycle to confirm proper function.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Kenmore Elite Dishwasher 665.16293400 Sanitized light flashi...

Community Discussions

Sanitized light flashing after running a load of dishes

Replaced both micro door switches to resolve the issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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