How to run a diagnostic on your Kenmore dishwasher

Like any other home appliance, the Kenmore dishwasher can be prone to some issues in its lifetime. There are some instances where it just won’t work. In other cases, it will display error codes.

Obviously, the first thing that comes to mind when your dishwasher won’t work is how to fix it. But before you go there, you need to run a diagnostic on your Kenmore dishwasher so that you aren’t interfering with anything that isn’t broken.

In this article, you will learn how to set a Kenmore dishwasher in a diagnostic mode and how to troubleshoot the problem.

What is a diagnostic mode on a Kenmore dishwasher?

Many factors may contribute to your dishwasher not working. Each of them has a diagnosis method and how you can solve it. A diagnostic mode is a test done by the Kenmore dishwasher to identify the problem affecting it and find its solution. 

All the different Kenmore dishwasher models use the same self-diagnostic mode to analyze the system’s problem. The diagnostic mode saves on repair bills since it helps solve minor issues in a short span of time and at no extra cost.

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How to run the Kenmore Elite dishwasher diagnostic test

Kenmore dishwasher

To put the Kenmore dishwasher in a diagnostic mode, you need to press the Heated Dry and Normal Wash buttons twice and quickly in this order:

Heated Dry- Normal Wash- Heated Dry- Normal Wash.

To show that the diagnostic mode has been activated, all the indicator lights on the dishwasher will turn on. Next, shut the door and wait a few minutes for the machine to perform a diagnostic test for analyzing where the problem is.

READ: Here’s why your Whirlpool dishwasher won’t start

How to reset the Kenmore dishwasher

There are some cases, however, where the diagnostic process may fail, and the dishwasher is stuck in an endless loop of self-diagnosis. If this occurs, you should reset the diagnosis mode on your Kenmore dishwasher using the following steps:

  • Press the Start/Resume button for three seconds to reset the system.
  • If pressing the start/resume button does not work, switch off the power supply from the kitchen’s fuse box. In case your Kenmore dishwasher is not directly connected to the house’s power supply, unplug it from the power socket and then plug it back after a few minutes.
  • Let the machine rest for five minutes before plugging it back into the power socket. 
  • Press the Start/Resume button to restart the dishwasher. It will run a diagnostic test and resume to run normally again.

In conclusion

A Kenmore Dishwasher may have faults and issues that are not easily noticeable. That is where the diagnostic mode comes in. It helps check the system and uncover what the problem could be. 

It is also cheaper on maintenance costs since you are repairing the dishwasher at no extra cost.  Once the Kenmore dishwasher is set to diagnostic mode, you can reset it for normal operations. If it does not work after the self-diagnostic procedure, you should reach out to a professional technician for further assistance. 

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