Kenmore dishwasher not filling

Common reasons your Kenmore dishwasher is not filling

The most common reasons your Kenmore dishwasher is not filling are a defective electronic control board, faulty pump and motor assembly or a damaged user interface control.

  • 38%

    38% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 17%

    17% of the time it's the
    Pump and Motor Assembly

  • 13%

    13% of the time it's the
    User Interface Control

  • 32%

    32% of the time it's the
    Something else

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Most common repairs needed to fix a Kenmore dishwasher

Electronic Control Board Replacement

When your dishwasher is not filling, it could have a defective electronic control board. The control board sends current to the fill valve to fill the dishwasher when the control board is working properly. A failed relay or corrupted logic on the circuit board could prevent the control board from sending electrical current to the fill valve. Determining whether an electronic control board is defective is difficult. Have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert visit your home and fix the dishwasher when it is not filling.

Pump and Motor Assembly Replacement

If your dishwasher is not filling, check for a faulty pump and motor assembly because a short in the pump motor could be preventing the fill valve from getting the proper electrical current needed to open the fill valve. The electronic control can also detect a bad pump motor and stop the filling process. An error code may show up on the display or lights may blink on the control panel when a faulty pump and motor assembly is detected. Schedule service when the dishwasher won’t fill and the pump and motor assembly isn’t working.

User Interface Control Replacement

When your dishwasher is not filling, a damaged user interface control could be causing the problem. The user interface control connects to the electronic control board through a wire harness and sends signals to the control board to help control the dishwashing cycle. A stuck key on the user interface control can cause the electronic control board to stop the cycle and the dishwasher won’t work until the damaged user interface control is fixed. Have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert visit your home and replace the user interface control if it’s damaged.

What to expect when you experience a Kenmore dishwasher not filling issue

How is the not filling problem fixed?

Correcting most not filling problems usually involves replacing the electronic control board, pump and motor assembly or user interface control. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Sears Home Services recommendations for a dishwasher that is not filling

When the dishwasher is not filling it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dishwasher failures.

What to look out for with a dishwasher not filling diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dishwasher problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

If your Kenmore dishwasher runs without water, a stuck float switch or broken inlet valve likely needs attention. Dry cycles do little to clean grease or food scraps. Rather than settling for half-washed loads, turn to dishwasher maintenance near me. Adequate filling ensures every plate emerges spotless.

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James called to give an estimated arrival time. He was professional and personable. He had 2 professional ideas of the problem and found 1 was correct, but he didn't stop there. He did a thorough check of the appliance. 1 small part was needed. He ordered the part to my house. Fortunately, he was able to schedule for the next week, just before Thanksgiving. As before, he called ahead, arrived and quickly fixed the problem. My appliance is working perfectly.


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Luke was great. Polite and knowledgeable even though the dishwasher was older than he!


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Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn’t my Kenmore dishwasher filling with water?
A clogged water inlet valve, faulty water valve solenoid, or a problem with the water supply could prevent the dishwasher from filling. Inspect these components for blockages or damage.
Could a clogged water inlet valve prevent my Kenmore dishwasher from filling?
Yes, a clogged or frozen inlet valve will block water flow. Cleaning or replacing the valve should restore water flow.
How can I fix my Kenmore dishwasher if it’s not filling with water?
Check the water inlet valve and line for blockages. If the valve is faulty, replacing it will restore proper water flow.
What should I do if my Kenmore dishwasher still isn’t filling with water after clearing the line?
If the issue persists, the water valve solenoid or control board may need to be replaced.

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Glossary Terms

A dishwasher sump is located at the bottom of the dishwasher, serving as a collection point for water during the wash cycle. It houses the main pump and filter, facilitating the recirculation and drainage of water, essential for the cleaning process.

A dishwasher turbidity sensor is an advanced feature that measures the level of food particles and debris in the water, allowing the dishwasher to adjust the wash cycle length and water usage for optimal cleaning efficiency.

Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.

An astragal is a molding or strip that covers or seals the gap between the edges of a pair of doors or windows. Its primary functions are to provide a weather seal, improve security, and improve the aesthetic appearance of door and window assemblies.