Kenmore dishwashers: series and lineup
Kenmore dishwashers are the deepest and best-documented category in the Kenmore lineup, and they also make the OEM-decode story the clearest: two different manufacturers built the vast majority of Kenmore dishwashers, and their prefixes never mix parts or code tables. The 665 prefix decodes to Whirlpool, covering models such as the 665.16838792, 665.15632000, 665.17829000, 665.13963K012, 665.12413N412, 665.13543N413, and the Kenmore Elite 665.13966K010 and 665.13123K701. The 587 prefix decodes to Frigidaire, covering models such as the 587.14538401, 587.14439200, 587.14432200, and 587.14002990. A Whirlpool-built 665 dishwasher and a Frigidaire-built 587 dishwasher can look identical behind a Kenmore control panel and still use completely different wash pumps, control boards, and diagnostic displays, which is why we always confirm the full model number before diagnosing a kenmore dishwashers call rather than assuming a single “Kenmore” parts catalog. You can browse the units we service in our model directory.
Technologies and features
Kenmore markets its dishwashers under the real, current UltraWash system name, frequently paired with the companion feature names SmartWash (automatic soil-sensing cycle adjustment), TurboDry, and SmartDry — all confirmed on current kenmore.com listings and Kenmore’s own Ultra Wash use-and-care documentation. Underneath that Kenmore-branded control panel and UltraWash cycle logic, the wash motor, circulation pump, water inlet valve, and control board are entirely OEM: Whirlpool’s designs on a 665-prefix unit, Frigidaire’s on a 587-prefix unit. That split matters for repair because the two platforms fail differently — a Whirlpool-built unit’s wash-motor and drain-pump assemblies are simply not interchangeable with a Frigidaire-built unit’s equivalents, even though both run the same UltraWash marketing cycle names from the Kenmore control panel. Across both platforms, the parts that wear are the water inlet valve, the drain pump, the wash motor and circulation assembly, the door latch and tub gasket, the float or overfill switch, the heating element, and the user-interface and main control boards.
Common issues and maintenance
Kenmore dishwasher error codes depend entirely on the OEM prefix, and the two verified platforms do not share a display. On Whirlpool-built 665-series units, the confirmed code is F2 (a water leak detected in the tub), with F1E1 (a stuck control-board relay), F1E2 (corrupted or incompatible control-board memory), F8E1 (slow drain), and F8E2 (a drain-pump electrical problem) following the same Whirlpool F#E# pattern seen on Whirlpool-built Kenmore washers and ranges. On Frigidaire-built 587-series units, the industry-standard “i”-prefixed code family (such as iE or i30) is a known real pattern on Frigidaire dishwashers generally, but we have not independently verified specific Frigidaire-Kenmore i-code meanings against a first-party source, so we cover 587-series dishwasher problems by symptom rather than publish an unverified code table: a unit not draining usually means a clogged filter, drain hose, or air gap; not cleaning well points to clogged spray-arm holes or hard-water buildup; and leaking from the door is typically a worn gasket or too much detergent creating oversudsing. On both platforms, cleaning the filter regularly, running hot water at the sink before starting a cycle, and using the correct detergent amount prevent most calls. An F2 leak code on a Whirlpool-built unit should be treated seriously and the dishwasher left off until the source — often a worn door gasket or a cracked tub seam — is found, and the same caution applies to a persistent leak symptom on a Frigidaire-built 587-series unit even without a confirmed code to name it. For Whirlpool 665-series code meanings, see our Kenmore dishwasher error codes, and browse repair guides for symptom-based Frigidaire 587-series troubleshooting.
When to call for repair
Water inlet valves, drain pumps, wash and circulation motors, door latches, and control boards are best handled by experienced technicians who confirm the 665 or 587 prefix first and apply the correct OEM code table or symptom path before any part is ordered. As an independent, third-party repair service we are not affiliated with Kenmore, Sears, or Transformco, and our specialist technicians back every visit with a 30-day labor warranty on the workmanship. Note the exact code or symptom and your full 665- or 587-prefix model number when you book. A clear quote is given before work begins and the total depends on the diagnosis; pricing starts from a trip-and-diagnostic fee, and we never quote a fixed repair price sight unseen. Schedule Kenmore dishwasher repair or book an appointment online, and you can review current Kenmore listings at kenmore.com.
