We recently serviced a Kenmore dishwasher for a customer in Alliance, OH. The unit was turning on but wouldn’t fill with water, and the soap dispenser stayed closed throughout the cycle. Our diagnosis revealed a failed wash pump motor that needed complete replacement.
The Problem
The homeowner reported their dishwasher would start its cycle normally, but no water entered the tub. The soap dispenser door remained locked shut, and dishes came out exactly as they went in — dirty and dry. The control panel responded to inputs, but the machine couldn’t perform its basic washing function.
Diagnosis
We found the wash pump motor had completely failed. In Kenmore dishwashers, this component drives both water circulation and the mechanism that triggers soap dispenser release. When the pump can’t create proper water pressure, the dispenser’s pressure-sensitive release stays locked. The motor tested dead on our multimeter, showing no continuity across its windings.
The Repair
- Parts replaced: W10782773 — wash pump and motor assembly
- Work performed: Removed lower dish rack, disconnected drain hose and electrical connections, extracted failed pump assembly, installed new unit with fresh gaskets
- Result: Ran full test cycle with proper water fill, soap dispenser operation, and complete drain cycle
Is It Worth Repairing?
This Kenmore model 665.15919001 is a mid-range dishwasher that typically runs 10-12 years with proper maintenance. If your unit is under 8 years old and otherwise functioning well, replacing the wash pump makes financial sense. Older units with multiple previous repairs might be better candidates for replacement.
Maintenance Tips for Kenmore Dishwashers
- Clean the cylindrical filter at the bottom monthly — remove the bottom dish rack and unscrew the filter assembly clockwise
- Run Kenmore’s recommended dishwasher cleaner through an empty cycle quarterly to prevent mineral buildup in the wash pump
- Check that the garbage disposal (if connected) runs clear before starting dishwasher cycles, as backups can damage the wash motor
Appliance Repair in Alliance, OH
Alliance is in Stark County — an area we cover regularly from our base in Louisville, OH. We also serve Canton, North Canton, and Hartville. Louisville Appliance Repair is owned and operated by Samuel Willhite, a master-certified technician with Bosch and Speed Queen factory authorizations. If your appliance needs service, schedule online or call (330) 693-9163. You can also find us on Google and read verified reviews from customers across Stark County and surrounding areas.
Louisville Appliance Repair serves Stark County and surrounding areas.
Schedule your repair online,
call (330) 693-9163,
or see our reviews on Google.