Kenmore Elite Dishwasher Repair

We've fixed thousands of Kenmore Elite dishwashers over the years and know these machines inside and out. These premium models have some advanced features compared to standard Kenmore units, but they still have their common failure points that we see repeatedly in service calls.

Not Cleaning Dishes Properly

• When your Kenmore Elite leaves dishes dirty, first check the spray arms. Food debris and mineral deposits clog those little holes over time, especially in hard water areas. Remove each arm (usually twist off or remove a central screw) and clean the holes with a toothpick or thin wire. Hold them up to light to make sure water can flow freely through every opening.
• Water temperature matters more than most people realize. These units need hot water to clean effectively - at least 120°F at the start of the cycle. Run your kitchen sink until the water gets hot before starting the dishwasher. If the water's not hot enough, check your water heater settings.
• Detergent quality makes a huge difference. Those bargain brands might save a few bucks but often leave dishes spotted or with food residue. The Kenmore Elites work best with premium detergents - some people swear by Cascade Platinum or Finish Quantum. Whatever brand you choose, make sure it's fresh - detergent actually expires and loses effectiveness over time.
• Loading patterns affect cleaning performance dramatically. Overloading prevents proper water circulation, while improper loading blocks spray patterns. Check your manual for the recommended loading diagram - these machines have specifically designed spray patterns that get disrupted when dishes block key areas. Those fold-down tines are there for a reason!
• Filter screens need regular cleaning on these models. Unlike older dishwashers with noisy food grinders, most Kenmore Elites use a filter system that needs manual cleaning. Look for a cylindrical assembly in the bottom of the tub - usually twists out counterclockwise. Rinse it thoroughly under running water every week or two depending on usage.
• Spray arm mounting issues happen after years of use. The plastic mounts that hold spray arms wear down, causing arms to sag or spin less efficiently. Inspect how freely they rotate after cleaning - they should spin with very little resistance when pushed gently.

If you’re unable to find and fix a problem in your Kenmore Elite dishwasher on your own, schedule appliance repair through Sears Home Services and we’ll fix the dishwasher for you.

Won't Start or Cycle Problems

• Door latch problems prevent many units from starting. The latch needs to fully engage for safety reasons. Listen for a solid click when closing the door. If it feels loose or doesn't click, the latch assembly might be broken or misaligned. Sometimes just tightening a few screws helps, but worn components need replacement.
• Control lock features frustrate many owners. Your Kenmore Elite has a control lock feature that prevents accidental operation. Look for "Control Lock" on the display. Usually holding a specific button for 3-5 seconds unlocks it (often the heated dry button), but check your model's manual for specifics.
• Control board problems show up as unresponsive buttons or incomplete cycles. Power surges and moisture eventually damage electronic components. Try resetting the unit first - disconnect power at the breaker for 2-3 minutes, then restore power. If problems persist, the main control board might need replacement.
• Power supply issues cause no-start situations. Check if the dishwasher has power by looking for lights on the control panel. If completely dead, check your circuit breaker. Some Kenmore Elites have a separate junction box connection under the sink that occasionally works loose.
• Timer motors fail on older models with mechanical timers. If your knob-style timer doesn't advance through cycles, the timer motor may have failed. These need complete replacement, as they're not serviceable.
• Selector switches wear out after thousands of presses. If some cycles work but others don't, or if certain buttons need extra-hard pressing, switch contacts have worn down. This usually requires control panel replacement, though sometimes individual switches can be replaced on older models.

Draining Problems

• Clogged drain paths cause most drainage issues. Check the drain filter first - that removable screen/cylinder in the bottom of the tub. Then inspect the drain hose where it connects to your sink drain or disposal. Look for kinks, bends, or clogs along the entire path.
• Drain pumps fail eventually. If you hear a humming noise during drain cycle but water remains, the pump might be trying to run but is either clogged or failing mechanically. Access usually requires removing the lower spray arm and filter, then the plastic guard covering the pump area.
• Check valve problems cause water to siphon back into the tub after draining. This one-way valve prevents already-drained water from flowing back in. When stuck or damaged, you'll finish a cycle, then later find dirty water back in the bottom. The valve is along the drain line, usually near where it connects to the pump.
• Disposal connections cause unexpected problems. If your dishwasher drains through your garbage disposal, make sure you've knocked out the drain plug inside the disposal inlet. Also, running the disposal before starting the dishwasher clears the drain path.
• Air gaps, if installed, frequently clog. That little chrome cylinder on your sink deck prevents drain water from siphoning back into the dishwasher. The internal passages collect food debris over time. Remove the chrome cap and clean thoroughly.
• Control board drain relay failures prevent the drain pump from activating. If everything else checks out but the drain pump never receives power, the control board might have a failed relay. Testing requires a multimeter and access to the control board connections.

Filling Issues

• Water inlet valve problems prevent proper filling. Listen for a humming/clicking sound when the cycle should be filling. No sound means the valve isn't getting power or has failed. These valves also get blocked with sediment, especially in hard water areas. They're usually located behind the lower access panel, connected to the water supply line.
• Float switch issues stop water fill. The float prevents overfilling - when it rises, it trips a switch that shuts off the water. If the float is stuck in the "up" position, the dishwasher thinks it's already full. Locate the float (usually a plastic cylinder or dome in the tub bottom) and make sure it moves freely up and down.
• Water pressure matters - Kenmore Elites need at least 20 PSI for proper operation. Low household water pressure causes slow filling or incomplete fills. Check other faucets in your home - if pressure seems generally low, contact your water provider.
• Faulty pressure switches misread water levels. Some models use a pressure sensing system instead of a float. Air trapped in the system or a faulty switch causes filling problems. The switch is usually behind the tub, connected to a small tube that runs to the tub.
• Control board timer issues prevent the fill cycle from activating for the proper duration. If all the mechanical parts check out, the electronic control might not be sending power to the water valve for the right amount of time.
• Clogged water lines restrict flow. The small line feeding your dishwasher can develop blockages, especially if you have hard water. Disconnect the line and check for free flow or mineral buildup inside.

Schedule Sears dishwasher repair service when you’re unable to resolve a problem on your own.

Leaking Water

• Door gasket leaks are common after years of use. Inspect the rubber seal around the door for tears, deformation, or hardened areas. Clean thoroughly first - sometimes food debris prevents proper sealing. Replacement gaskets are model-specific but not difficult to install.
• Pump and seal leaks show up as water under the dishwasher. The main pump seal and connections can deteriorate over time. Look for mineral deposits or water stains around the pump assembly, indicating slow leaks. Access requires removing the lower spray arm and filter, then the plastic pump cover.
• Spray arm cracks develop from age and heat cycles. Carefully inspect each arm for hairline cracks that spray water in unintended directions. These leaks often only happen during certain parts of the wash cycle, making them harder to track down.
• Tub penetration leaks occur where components pass through the dishwasher tub. Heating elements, spray arm mounts, and sensor fittings all create potential leak points. Look for mineral buildup or water stains around these fittings.
• Loose connections in the water line happen from vibration. Check the inlet valve connection and any other water line connections. Sometimes just tightening a compression fitting solves the problem.
• Oversudsing causes overflow leaks around the door. Using regular dish soap instead of dishwasher detergent, or using too much detergent, creates excessive suds that push past the door seal. Always use only detergent specifically made for dishwashers.

Heating Element Issues

• Heating elements fail and cause drying and washing performance problems. These are the visible metal coils at the bottom of the tub. Look for obvious breaks, blistering, or discoloration. Testing requires a multimeter set to continuity after disconnecting power.
• High-limit thermostats prevent overheating but cause problems when they fail. If the heating element never gets hot, the thermostat might be stuck open. These safety devices cut power when temperatures get too high, but sometimes fail in the open position.
• Element relay failures on the control board prevent power from reaching the element. If the thermostat and element both check out okay, the control board might have a bad relay. Testing requires a multimeter and access to the control circuit.
• Wiring connection problems develop from heat cycling and vibration. Check all connections to the heating element - they should be tight and show no signs of burning or corrosion.
• Siphoning past the air gap sometimes drains water before it heats properly. This plumbing issue causes water to drain prematurely during fill, preventing proper heating. Ensure your air gap or high-loop drain setup is working correctly.
• Heating element shorting to the tub causes breakers to trip. If your dishwasher trips the circuit breaker during the heating cycle, the element might be grounding against the tub. This requires immediate attention to prevent electrical hazards.

Unusual Noises

• Spray arm obstructions cause knocking or clicking. Items from the dish load sometimes slip and block the spray arms. Check that nothing prevents free rotation and that the arms aren't hitting any dishes during operation.
• Pump bearing failures create grinding or squealing. The motor bearings wear out eventually, creating noise before failing completely. Unfortunately, this usually requires pump replacement rather than just bearing service.
• Wash impeller debris causes grinding sounds. Small objects like broken glass, toothpicks, or small bones get caught in the pump impeller. Removing the access covers to clean the pump area often solves this.
• Drain solenoid buzzing happens in models with solenoid-actuated drain valves. Some buzzing is normal, but excessive noise might indicate the solenoid is struggling to open or close properly.
• Motor mounting problems amplify normal motor noise. The rubber mounts that isolate the motor from the frame deteriorate over time. When they fail, even normal operation sounds much louder as vibrations transfer directly to the cabinet.
• Water hammer in house plumbing causes banging when the inlet valve closes. This plumbing issue happens when water suddenly stops flowing. Installing a water hammer arrester on your dishwasher supply line often resolves this.

When to Call Us

Some Kenmore Elite dishwasher repairs go beyond typical DIY territory. Electronic control system problems require specialized diagnostic equipment to properly identify failed components. Random error codes or inconsistent behavior often point to control issues that need proper testing.

Major leak repairs, especially those involving the main tub seal or pump seals, require partial disassembly of the unit. This gets tricky in built-in installations where access is limited.

Motor or pump replacements involve electrical work and potential water damage if not done correctly. When these core components fail, professional installation ensures proper function and prevents subsequent problems.

Safety system issues should never be bypassed or "jury-rigged." Door interlocks, thermal protectors, and flood prevention systems are there for important reasons. Improper modification creates hazards.

We repair Kenmore Elite dishwashers daily and stock parts for models dating back many years. Our dishwasher technicians have model-specific training and the specialized tools needed for proper diagnosis and repair. When a problem goes beyond your comfort level, give us a call - we'll help keep your premium dishwasher running at its best.

Remember - always disconnect power before attempting any internal repairs, and never disable safety features. A properly working dishwasher is convenient, but a damaged one can cause significant water damage to your home.