Common Kenmore dishwasher problems
Thorough kenmore dishwasher repair starts by decoding the model number, since Kenmore’s dishwasher lineup is genuinely split between two different OEMs. A 665-series Kenmore, including Kenmore Elite models like the 665.13966K010 and 665.13123K701, is Whirlpool-built and runs Whirlpool’s F#E# electronic error-code system. A 587-series Kenmore, such as the 587.14538401 and 587.14439200, is Frigidaire-built — and here we are honest about a real gap in this research: Frigidaire’s “i”-prefixed dishwasher codes are a well-known pattern in the repair trade, but the specific code meanings were not independently re-verified against an authoritative Frigidaire source this pass, so we diagnose 587-series complaints by symptom rather than publish an unverified code table. Kenmore’s own Ultra Wash system, paired with SmartWash, TurboDry, and SmartDry, is a real, currently marketed dishwasher feature set confirmed directly on kenmore.com and appears across both OEM platforms. The complaints we see most are a detected leak, a slow or failed drain, a poor or absent fill, and cleaning performance that has dropped off, and the inlet valve, drain pump, spray arms, door gasket, and control board all wear regardless of which OEM built the tub.
Our Kenmore dishwasher repair process
As an independent, third-party service with no affiliation to Kenmore, Sears, or Transformco, our experienced technicians begin every Kenmore dishwasher repair by confirming the model prefix, since a 665-series F2 leak code and a 587-series unverified i-code both describe a leak but point to entirely different control platforms and parts catalogs underneath. On a Whirlpool-built 665-series unit, an F2 sends us to find and fix the actual leak source rather than simply clearing the flood switch, an F1E1 to the control-board relay, and an F8E1/F8E2 to the filter, sump, and drain hose. On a Frigidaire-built 587-series unit without a verified code table, we diagnose drain, fill, and leak complaints the same careful way — filter and sump first, then valve, hose, and pump in sequence. We fit genuine OEM parts sourced for the correct platform, and every repair is backed by a 30-day labor warranty on our workmanship. Most repairs finish in a single visit, and you can book a dishwasher repair online at any time, with a clear quote before work begins and a total that depends on the diagnosis rather than a fixed price.
Kenmore dishwasher models we service
We service the Kenmore dishwasher lineup across both OEM platforms. Whirlpool-built models include the 665.16838792, 665.15632000, 665.13749K601, 665.17829000, 665.1577990, 665.13963K012, 665.13262K114, 665.12413N412, 665.13543N413, and the Kenmore Elite 665.13966K010 and 665.13123K701; Frigidaire-built models include the 587.14538401, 587.14439200, 587.14432200, and 587.14002990. Current-production Kenmore dishwashers, regardless of which OEM built the specific unit, are marketed with the Ultra Wash Plus wash system alongside SmartWash and TurboDry/SmartDry drying, all confirmed as real, currently sold feature names on kenmore.com. Our model directory lists the inlet valves, drain pumps, circulation motors, and control boards matched to each specific prefix, so the correct genuine part is sourced the first time rather than ordered against the wrong OEM catalog. Because Ultra Wash and SmartWash branding appears on both the 665-series and 587-series lineups despite the different OEMs underneath, we treat the marketing name only as a feature descriptor and always confirm the actual prefix before ordering a spray arm, pump, or rack assembly, since parts are never interchangeable across the two platforms regardless of how similar the control panel looks.
Error codes and diagnostics
A Whirlpool-built 665-series Kenmore dishwasher is diagnosed by reading its F-code and confirming the named part: F2 is a detected water leak; F1E1 is a stuck control-board relay; F1E2 is a corrupted control-board memory; and F8E1/F8E2 point to a slow drain or a drain-pump electrical problem. A Frigidaire-built 587-series Kenmore dishwasher uses its own “i”-prefixed system in principle, but because specific i-code meanings for this platform were not independently re-verified in our research, we diagnose 587-series units by symptom — checking the filter, sump, inlet valve, and drain hose directly — rather than publishing an unconfirmed code table. This honesty matters: a code that looks similar across brands can mean something different depending on which OEM actually built the control board. Look up your specific symptom on our dishwasher error-code guides, and browse our repair guides for step-by-step help.
Service areas
Our specialist technicians cover all 50 states and the District of Columbia plus 40-plus metro areas, with a standard 24-48 hour response and same-day visits where availability allows. Kenmore has sold dishwashers under the Sears house brand for generations, and a Whirlpool-built 665-series or Frigidaire-built 587-series Kenmore, running Ultra Wash or SmartWash, deserves a technician who confirms the correct OEM platform before touching a part. Every visit is handled by an experienced technician who carries the diagnostic tools and genuine OEM parts most likely needed, so the problem is identified and, wherever possible, resolved on the first trip. Full specifications for the current Kenmore dishwasher lineup are published at kenmore.com. Find your area on our service locations page, or book any service through the scheduling page.