Why won't my Kenmore Elite Dishwasher won't turn on?

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.

Tom Zwiebel

• 318 Answers
• Posted on Dec 31, 2008

SOURCE: dishwasher not draining - Kenmore dishwasher model 15754

depending on the age of this unit it may have food blocking what is called the "check valve".
on most models it is mounted right on the outlet of the pump housing. one model uses a 4 inch plastic tube style device and is about 1/2 inch on the pump and 1" on the hose. inside of it is where the food items can block the check valve. remove the hose and unscrew the check valve from the pump and see if something is blocking it.
on newer units the check valve is built into the drain hose, if you hose has a 90 degree elbow molded into it where the hose hooks up to the drain pump. once again take the hose off and look inside the hose or try to blow through the hose and see if the hose is clear.
good luck tom

SOURCE: kenmore elite dishwasher not running

I had the same problem with mine. The whole circuit board, buttons and all, need replacement. If you look online, you can find this part for a bit over 100 dollars. Definetely worth it over paying 5 bills for a new one.Simple to install too, just turn off power at breaker.

SOURCE: KENMORE ELITE DISHWASHER - MULTI-LIGHTS FLASHING

Look at your manual, usually available on net for reading or downloading. Blink lights are often used to code out a problem with various combinations and repetition rates to indicate trouble code number for look-up in manual.

SOURCE: Kenmore Elite dishwasher Options light up but nothing runs.

The blinking "clean light" is a common problem with some of the Kenmore and Whirlpool models dishwashers.
The problem is usually attributed to water supply temperatures being too low when filling.

Apparently, there are some issues with the temperature sensing circuits in some dishwashers that causes an error code to be generated if a certain water temperature is not achieved in a specified time interval (this time may differ between models).
There is a reset sequence that you can try to clear the fault.
Push the NORMAL WASH then HEATED DRY buttons in that sequence two to three times.
The unit will enter diagnostics mode, but can be stopped by pressing the CANCEL button.
This will clear any existing faults and should return the dishwasher to normal operation.

To keep the fault from returning, it is recommended that you run your hot water faucet in the kitchen until it runs hot BEFORE you start the dishwasher.
This will heat the water in the supply line for the dishwasher (most dishwashers are fed from the kitchen sink supply line).

The theory is that if you fill the dishwasher with hot water from the start of the wash cycle instead of the cool water that is normally in the lines (especially if you have a hot water tank located far away from the kitchen), this should satisfy the requirements of the temperature sensing circuits.
If the fault reappears, there should be a tech sheet located inside the lower panel under the door that explains what the fault is.
The flashing light will be a series of flashes, followed by a pause.
If you indeed have a component problem, it will depend on the number of flashing lights in the sequence.
Refer to the tech sheet to determine WHAT component is affected and how to troubleshoot.

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