Kenmore Elite dishwasher won't unlock

SOURCE: Kenmore Elite Dishwasher Problem

The dishwasher should have a thermal fuse mounted to the control board behind the operator console. It is a small silver colored device attached to a white plactic bracket. In some model dishwashers the wrong gage wiring was used causing the wires to heat up and trip the thermal fuse. There was no apparent risk of fire or anything like that, but the thermal fuses didn't tolerate the heat differential too well. A fix for the problem was to purchase a thermal fuse replacement kit (found at most appliance repair stores) that had thicker wires. The part number for the thermal fuse kit is 959376 and the price is $16.85. You can find it at repairclinic.com. Order on line and have the part shipped directly to you. Now...to access the control board perform the following:

1. Turn off the main breaker to the dishwasher. This is important. Even though the dishwasher is not running, the control board still has live voltages present.
2. Open dishwasher door and remove the top screws that hold the console in place. You shouldn't have to remove the lower screws unless you plan on removing the entire door panel.
3. The control panel should pull off from the front enough to where you can access the control board. There is a thermal fuse mounted on the board with two wire leads going to it. The fuse is silver in color and mounted to a plastic bracket which is mounted to the control board.
4. Cut the wires on the old fuse and splice the new fuse kit to it. Leave plenty of wire to accommodate. There will be instructions included with your replacement kit. Ensure you follow the direction thoroughly and tighten the wire lug screws securely.

NOTE: Do not attempt to reuse the existing wires by simply unplugging the old fuse and replacing it with the new one (been there). The fuse will eventually blow again. Follow the instructions provided and you can't go wrong.

If you have any further quesitons, or if you run into trouble during your repairs, let me know. Good luck to you.

PS If you do not wish to order on line, take the part number I provided you to any major appliance repair shop and they SHOULD have the part available. This is a known problem and a common fail item.

Posted on Dec 15, 2007

SOURCE: Kenmore Ultra Dishwasher. Model 665.15772990

push the heated/dry button on the dishwasher for 4 seconds and that will unlock the dishwasher. This is just a safety feature that allows you to lock the dishwasher to stop kids from pushing buttons.
If that doesn’t’ work let me know and they will send out a tech to fix it.

Posted on Nov 09, 2007

SOURCE: airgap spills over onto sink every time we run the dishwashers

Hi Jose31,

I'm Harvey the Master Plumber.

Your question is: Kenmore Elite dishwasher.airgap spills over onto sink every time we run the dishwashers. what to do?

This is very common! In most states the airgap is no longer required for this very reason. It's one of those ideas that looked good on paper. In my state I remove it. If you have to keep it, thats OK. All is not lost. The real culprit is crud buildup in the airgap discharge tube. You would have to remove it and clean it and the fittings. And next year do it again. May not be as simple as it sounds. You might consider utilizing our Repair Directory to find a repairman.

Feel free contact me again!
Please give me a rating here at fixya.com before you sign off
Thank you,
Harvey your Master Plumber

Posted on Sep 13, 2008

SOURCE: Kenmore Elite Dishwasher clean light ind flashing and won't start

That means the control sensed that the heater in the d/w did not operate 3 times in a row. so the unit locks out. First remove the kick plate and you may have to pull the unit out from under the cab, but check your heater. use a meter to see if it reads open, if so order a heater assy it will come with a new control replace it to. If your heater checks good press in sequence normal wash , heat dry ,normal wash,heat dry , normal wash , heat dry three times within 6 sec all the lights will come on then hit cancel. What that did is reset the control and clear that fault. Keep in mind that d/w does not heat it's own water your incoming water temp should be 120. the d/w will maintain that temp. when starting your d/w first turn on your hot water till it gets hot then start your d/w this insures your unit fills with hot water and not cold

Posted on Jan 09, 2009

SOURCE: My dishwasher won"t wash. Help me, PLEASE???

Try pushing and holding the "Air Dry" button for at least 4 seconds. This should turn the control lock off.

Posted on Sep 14, 2009