Kenmore dishwasher will not drain

Anne September 27, 2011

I understand how important it is to have all of your appliances working properly. While you are waiting for your expert answer, I have found two links that will provide some information and troubleshooting for the problem. The first is a basic troubleshooting and the second is a little more indepth. If you are not comfortable with doing any of this, then you may want to schedule service. I hope these help.

Fred M EXPERT September 29, 2011

There are some things you can check if you don't mind doing a little do-it-yourself.

From the description you give I assume the dishwasher will wash okay but it won't drain.

On this particular dishwasher the motor doesn't reverse direction to drain out.

The timer will send voltage to the drain solenoid, see 2nd image below, to energize the solenoid. The solenoid is pulled down which opens a flapper in the sump to direct the water out the drain.

You can remove the lower access panel to see if this happens in drain. You should hear and see the solenoid pull down. It will activate with a snap.

If nothing happens then the timer or solenoid is not working. The solenoid can be checked for continuity if a meter is available. An open circuit, no continuity, would indicate a bad solenoid.

I hope this helps and thanks for the question. You can reply with any additional details for further assistance.