Kenmore Dishwasher Not Washing? Troubleshoot The Problem

Kenmore dishwashers are a rising home appliance option that is known for being excellent dishwashers as they have unique cleaning features and are equipped with numerous facilities and qualities. Although it is a widely used dishwasher, there are some issues that you may face as a customer. One such problem that causes our customers a lot of frustration is the problem of Kenmore dishwashers not washing. If you are constantly facing this issue, follow our detailed guide below so that you can get to the root cause of this problem and solve this in several different ways.

If we are to summarize the reasons behind your Kenmore dishwasher not washing, they range from having a faulty pump to a clogged drain filter. A quick summary to fix this problem would be to inspect all the electrical and mechanical components involved in the washing system of the dishwasher and carry out their respective fixes in case you find the culprit.

Read below to understand the reasons and follow the different solutions accordingly.

Why Is Your Kenmore Dishwasher Not Washing?

Table of Contents

1 Why Is Your Kenmore Dishwasher Not Washing?
2 The Bottom Line:

If you are looking for a solution to this problem, it is first important to recognize why exactly we are facing the problem itself. Generally, there can be a lot of reasons behind your Kenmore dishwasher not washing but if we are to talk about a major fault behind this, it could be due to faults in the proper draining because of a defective process of moving water outside the dishwasher that is the culprit. Sometimes the water is not sprayed properly and efficiently over the dishes which is another reason for your Kenmore dishwasher not washing.

So the 2 primary reasons for your Kenmore dishwasher not washing arise due to certain mechanical failures which include usually:

Kenmore dishwasher not spraying water
Kenmore dishwasher is not draining properly

There are some other reasons as well so without wasting any more time, let us dive into the different types of causes and their appropriate fixes.

1. Faulty Drain Impeller

This piece of plastic component has sharp curved blades that are used to help push the dirty water up against the drain hose. The primary reason why this impeller may have failed could be due to wear and tear after using the dishwasher over such a long period. Another reason that you might not want to overlook is, that sometimes something may get caught within the impeller causing it to get stuck and hence this is why your Kenmore dishwasher is not washing.

Fix: Examine your drain impeller properly

To fix your impeller, you will have to ensure that you check the impeller is working correctly. This means that you will have to remove the lower rack to have access to the impeller and see if the drain impeller is in working condition. In case it is broken, you have to get it replaced as soon as possible. To replace the impeller follow these steps:

Unplug the dishwasher from the main power source
Disconnect it from the water source
Remove the lower access panel of the dishwasher
Find the impeller and remove it
Once removed, replace the working impeller correctly in the same place as previously located.

And so on for each section, highlighting the essential keywords to draw attention to the key troubleshooting points.

2. Poor Drain Pump

If your Kenmore dishwasher is not washing, you should take a look at the condition of your drain pump. This is the first thing that you must check when your Kenmore dishwasher won’t drain so that you can get it fixed.

The drain pump is mainly used for pumping the dirty water from the machine to the home drain system. There may be different reasons why your drain pump is not working correctly. One of them could be a poor electrical connection which means that not enough power is reaching the electrical component and it is not able to work as efficiently as it should.

Another reason to look for is the blockage of the drain pump by grease or clogged particles. This will prevent the drain pump from smoothly pumping water outside of the machine hence the drainage failure.

Fix: Clean the drain pump

Firstly, check the drain pump carefully to spot any sign of physical damage such as glass pieces or debris. If you find a clogged particle or blockage of any kind, make sure to remove it entirely. You can do this by using the help of pliers. If the blockage is big and simple pliers are not working, then you may have to resort to disassembling the entire drain pump itself. After disassembling, remove the blockage and remember to clean it with a soft brush.

Now that the blockage is fixed, if the drain pump still fails to work properly, it is time to check the wiring and connections of your dishwasher to make sure that the electrical supply is appropriate and not faulty.

3. Solenoid Kit Failure

The third reason why your Kenmore dishwasher is not washing could be the failure of the drain solenoid kit to open the drain valve causing the drainage of the dirty water. When your solenoid kit is defective, the drain valve will also fail to open which is why your Kenmore dishwasher won’t drain properly and won’t wash efficiently. Usually, the reason why your solenoid kit fails is because of wear and tear, rusting, or a sudden power surge.

Fix: Fix your solenoid kit

To fix the solenoid kit, you will have to physically inspect it for any signs of visible damage. You also need to examine the scale of damage, whether it is electrical or mechanical damage. You can use a multimeter to study the continuity of the device, if the readings are faulty and the damage is too big, you will have to get the solenoid kit replaced. To replace the solenoid kit:

Make sure you have screwdrivers, pliers, and the working solenoid kit ready
Locate the faulty solenoid kit
Once located, detach it from the dishwasher by using pliers
Use a screwdriver to fix and tighten the newer solenoid kit in place.

4. Blocked Drain Valve

As mentioned before this is an important component that also helps in the drainage of dirty water. If this is faulty your Kenmore dishwasher won’t wash and you may have to get this checked. The drain valve is found under the sink and coupled with the solenoid kit, they help the water to drain out from the machine. Since it is at the bottom and constantly in use, it is very common for it to get clogged with grease, food particles, or tea bags.

Fix: Clean the blocked valve

Firstly, check if the drain valve is indeed clogged. If you are certain it is blocked, remove the clogged particles with the help of a soft toothbrush. If the blockage is not removed you may have to get it replaced as with other components. To replace the drain valve:

Disconnect the water source
Remove the hose pipe between the dishwasher and sink
Locate the faulty drain valve and detach it.
Replace the new drain valve and screw it tightly
Reconnect the hose and water supply.

5. Clogged Air Gap

This is a small plastic piece that sits on the sink where the hose is connecting to the dishwasher. The other end of the hose leads to the hole in the dishwasher. An air gap is important for allowing smooth water flow from the dishwasher and preventing the backflow of dirty water. If an air gap is clogged, it may lead to your Kenmore dishwasher not washing.

Fix: Clean the air gap

Remove the hose to check for any clogged air gap. If there is any blockage, pull apart the air gap and clean any debris or grease present there. Once cleaned, reattach the hose and tighten the air gap together.

6. Defective Timer

If your Kenmore dishwasher still won’t wash, check your timer. The timer is responsible for running a continuous series of wash cycles and their duration. If the timer is faulty, the machine may take longer for the wash cycles and won’t drain consistently.

Fix: Replace the timer

Make sure to check if the timer is turned on and working. The first thing that you can try to do is extend the wash cycle time to a longer interval to see if the issue is fixed. In case the problem persists, you may want to replace the timer. To replace the timer:

Remove the control panel of the dishwasher
Use a screwdriver to unscrew the older timer
Attach the new timer securely and tighten it.

7. Faulty Pump And Motor

This is the most important component without which the entire draining system would not even function. Generally in dishwashers, the dirty water is removed through the drain hose through a motor that rotates the impeller to pump out this water. Due to drain line clogging or bearing failure, if your motor and pump assembly itself is not working, your Kenmore dishwasher will fail to wash.

Fix: Fix the pump and motor assembly

To fix the motor issue, start a drain cycle and listen for any sound indicating motor damage. When the cycle is done, check the drain hose for clogging to remove any clogged particles. If you notice any weird sound, it may be an indicator to get your motor and pump replaced entirely.

8. Defective Garbage Disposer

If your Kenmore dishwasher is old, when the water is being drained, due to a blockage in the hose, the water may go back into the dishwasher because of a loose connection between the hose and the garbage disposer. This is why your Kenmore dishwasher is not washing.

Fix: Assess your garbage disposer

If you are using a new Kenmore dishwasher, make sure that the disposer is correctly placed under the guidelines of the Kenmore user manual. Also, ensure that the knockout plug is inside the disposer so that it is closed when not being used.

Check for any blockage to make sure that the water flows quickly through the disposer.

9. Dislodged Check Ball

This is a tiny black rubber ball near the check valve present at the back side of the dishwasher. It functions similarly to the check valve by preventing the backflow of drained water. Sometimes this check ball could get stuck or disoriented causing a blockage. A dislodged check ball could take the blame for your Kenmore dishwasher not washing.

Fix: Reposition your check ball

To assess your check ball position:

Disconnect your dishwasher from the power source
Look inside the drain for a black rubber ball.
Once spotted, relocate it back into its assigned place securely.

10. Dislodged Check Valve

Just like the check ball this also prevents backflow of dirty drained water. It works alongside the check ball to ensure this process and it is located on the drain line of the dishwasher. Due to poor positioning, popping, or blockage by food particles, it may get dislodged and prevent your Kenmore dishwasher from washing.

Fix: Replace the check valve.

Locate the check valve on the drain line and study it for any physical damage or signs of clogging by food particles or debris. Clean it in case of clogging but if it is damaged you may need to get a new one and replace the damaged check valve.

11. Broken Water Pump Belt

Under a Kenmore dishwasher, there is a black rubber belt that helps in pumping the water outside the machine. If this belt is broken, the drain pump will also fail to push the water outside the dishwasher leading to your Kenmore dishwasher not washing.

Fix: Replace the belt

To replace your water pump belt at your home follow these steps:

Disconnect the dishwasher from the power source
Detach the lower panel of the dishwasher
Remove the old belt
Replace the new belt and tighten it securely in place

12. Faulty Drain Hose

This is the pipe that forms the main connection between your dishwasher and garbage disposer. Over time, due to constant draining, it may also get clogged with particles and the hose may become blocked. This will not allow a smooth flow of water through the hose pipe hence your Kenmore dishwasher will stop washing.

Fix: Clean the hose pipe

As with other solutions, you will also have to clean this hose pipe as it gets clogged on both ends. Detach the entire hose pipe and use a gentle brush for cleaning, or leave it inside vinegar for soaking overnight. Attach the hose pipe back in place once cleaned.

13. Remove Any Clogged Particles

One reason why your Kenmore dishwasher is not washing is because of spraying failure due to be clogged arm of the dishwasher. This arm has holes that allow the water to be sprinkled all over the dishes however sometimes, due to dirt and debris built up, the holes may get clogged. Generally, two spray arms need constant cleaning. These are the top and bottom spray arms and it is important to clean them for high performance.

To fix this, you must ensure that the spray arm is cleaned deeply and properly. Firstly, let the spray arm soak in vinegar overnight so that any remaining debris or food particle is removed entirely. Once these particles have gone, use a brush to gently rub and pull away any remaining attached particles.

Remove the dishwasher’s top rack and place it on a flat surface upside down.
A locking nut secures the spray arm. Rotate the nut to the left to unlock it.
Remove the spray arm and wash it under running water. Make sure to eliminate all the debris obstructing the spray nozzles.
Reinstall the spray arm and secure it by turning the locking nut clockwise to secure the spray arm.
Return the top rack inside the dishwasher.

If you want to clean the top spray arm:

Detach the top rack of the dishwasher and put it on another flat surface
Rotate the locking nut to unlock it
Remove the spray arm and rinse it under water to remove any remaining dirt.
Replace the spray arm into position and lock the nut clockwise to secure the spray arm.
Reattach the top rack inside the dishwasher.

Aside from cleaning, make sure that the spray arm is working and intact so that there is no resistance as the arm turns around. In case you find any friction, the spray arm may be faulty or broken, which means you might have to get it replaced.

14. Avoid Overloading

The next reason why your Kenmore dishwasher may not be washing is pretty simple and basic. This issue may arise purely because your Kenmore dishwasher may be overloaded with numerous dishes. When you place a lot of dishes in the dishwasher, they start to block the spray arm from turning. This means the dishwasher won’t turn hence the spray will not work so your dishes will not be cleaned the right way.

To avoid overloading, remember to only put the maximum amount of quantity allowed for the dishes inside the dishwasher. Ensure there is enough space for the spray arms to turn freely and spray water all over the required area.

Remove excess dishes and arrange the dishes in an efficient, neat manner so that each of them has equal access to the sprinkled water.

15. Check The Circulation Pump.

The main function of the circulation pump is to help the circulation of water inside the dishwasher. The motor is used to pump this water and if this pump fails, it may be why your Kenmore dishwasher is not washing.

To fix this, detach the lower rack, then the spray arm and remove the filter to have access to the circulation pump.

Also, make sure to test the motor pump for its electrical activity by checking the continuity. If it is positive then it means that the pump is working just fine. In case it is negative, you might have to get the pump replaced.

16. Stuck Chopper Blade

The chopper blade is an important component of the dishwasher which functions by cutting the food particles into smaller particles so that they can be drained out easily during a wash cycle. If the chopper blade gets jammed, the pump will also stop working hence your Kenmore dishwasher will not be washing.

Sometimes this also happens because food particles may also block your chopper blade. To fix this, examine the chopper blade and clean any clogged particles using a toothbrush. Try rotating it gently to move it past jamming and also remember to be careful as you’ll be dealing with sharp blades.

17. Clogged Circulation Pump

As we discussed before, a clogged circulation pump may be an additional reason why your Kenmore dishwasher is not washing.

Sometimes your Kenmore dishwasher may fail to filter out certain food particles or debris which start blocking the circulation pump. This means that the pressure of the water being supplied gets reduced and not enough water is sprayed across the dishes.

To fix this carefully examine the circulation pump for any clogged particles. You may have to get rid of the circulation pump from the dishwasher itself for proper scrubbing.

18. Low Water Pressure

One reason why your Kenmore dishwasher is still not washing may be the water pressure.

To fix this, check your water supply for any signs of low pressure. If this pressure is low, this means that the water spray pressure would be weak as well and so the water isn’t spread effectively over all the dishes.

Additionally, there could be clogged particles at play again which may be blocking the impeller. Sometimes food particles may get stuck in the impeller so it is rid of them by cleaning them effectively.

Sometimes though luck is not on your side, and you may notice a short circuit or burn marks. In this case of a burnt circuit, you must replace the inlet valve.

19. Defective Overfill Float Switch

This float switch is essential to prevent the dishwasher from overflowing and preventing leakage of liquid or waste from the dishwasher to the outside.

When the maximum level of water is attained, this switch will further trigger the water inlet valve to close.

In case of a faulty overfill float switch, the water inlet valve will also shut down causing your Kenmore dishwasher to stop washing.

To fix this,

Remove the wires connected to the power supply and locate the flow switch under the float.
The next step is to use a multimeter to check for the proper working of the dishwasher’s flow switch.
The electrical quality can also be measured by checking the continuity of the dishwasher’s float switch.
Use multimeter probes to check for proper readings.

By diligently following these comprehensive troubleshooting steps and recommendations, you can effectively diagnose and address a wide range of issues that may arise when your Kenmore dishwasher is not washing, ensuring it continues to operate reliably and efficiently.

If you encounter problems that prove too challenging to fix with the earlier guidance, it’s advisable to reach out to a professional appliance technician or Kenmore’s customer support for additional assistance and any necessary repairs.

Find Your Kenmore Dishwasher Manual: If you have your Kenmore dishwasher’s model number, visit Kenmore’s official website and enter it in the search bar. Look for the “User Manual” under the “More Information” section. You might discover model-specific troubleshooting steps in the manual. Additionally, some dishwashers include a physical copy of the manual with the appliance.

Contact Kenmore Support: If your Kenmore dishwasher is still experiencing issues after following the troubleshooting steps, it might be best to consider professional repairs. Get in touch with Kenmore’s support team at 800-695-2761. You can also schedule a visit from a certified technician online. In some cases, your warranty may cover the repair costs.

Also check: Kenmore Dishwasher not Draining issue?

The Bottom Line:

We have looked at the various reasons and solutions that you can read through and follow easily in the comfort of your home when you read our article. If your Kenmore dishwasher is not washing we have provided you with the best troubleshooting guide that you may follow at your convenience.

The main cause of your problem is blockage or any type of clogging so make sure you inspect all the components carefully and follow their fixes accordingly. If your Kenmore dishwasher is still not washing, it is time to seek professional help from a plumber or contact Kenmore customer service although we hope that after reading our article you will not need much external support.