[FIXED] Kenmore Ultra Wash Blinking Lights 665.13743K601

***Randyman*** · July 5th, 2010, 11:07 AM

Brand: Sears Kenmore

Problem: Blinking lights= no "washie washie"

I have a Kenmore Ultra Wash "Quiet Guard Deluxe" with stainless front and black control panel (click for image). I purchased it on March 30, 2009 for $791.00. It is now July 5, 2010... a little more than 3 months past it's warranty (grrrrrrrr). Detailed make/ model info below.

My problem started with various flashing green lights (but no Stop/Start light). They sometimes just go away. Sometimes they quickly alternate between "Normal Wash" and "Fast Wash." I have pushed various buttons in various sequences and gotten various results --including the coveted "all lights on" for a moment followed by some sort of 'running thru irrational cycles' thing and sounds like it's starting to wash. Problem is it ends about 3-4 minutes later and nothing is even wet inside. At times there's a faint green glow coming from the lights on the 4 buttons to the right of the 'Smart Wash' button.

There's no standing water inside (I did have the water to the house turned off for a plumbing repair earlier in the same week. I sometimes get a little sedimentwhen it's turned back on.. could this be the cause? PS: I live in Fort Worth, TX and our water's not unduly hard) There are no obvious obstructions, no grinding or unusual noises and it's not overloaded (I tried it both unloaded then loaded). It just decided to freak out on it's own.

The only thing I've not yet done is disconect the power. I'm disabled (in a wheelchair) and am unable to reach the breaker box or yank the dishwasher. If this needs doing before I call my service guy please advise.

Btw: do these things come equipped with a surge protector? If not, is it advisable to plug one into one? I do that with all my other electronic appliances but can foresee having to yank the dishwasher to see if it flipped the breaker. Also, I'm not sure if one could handle the energy load of something like this.

If anyone has any solution for this specific model please email me randysouders@yahoo.com.

Dear Mr. Jake/ Appliance Tech: I'll gladly pay the $5 upgrade for "Premium Membership" and advice prior to calling a repair guy.
Kenmore Ultra Wash "Quiet Guard Deluxe"
MODEL: 665.13743K601
SERIAL: FY1232810
STOCK: 13743K
TYPE: 575-0
(This also appears on the label on the door itself W10041450)

***Randyman*** · July 5th, 2010, 12:14 PM

Originally Posted by Randyman

Problem: Blinking lights= no "washie washie"

My problem started with various flashing green lights (but no Stop/Start light). They sometimes just go away. Sometimes they quickly alternate between "Normal Wash" and "Fast Wash." I have pushed various buttons in various sequences and gotten various results --including the coveted "all lights on" for a moment followed by some sort of 'running thru irrational cycles' thing and sounds like it's starting to wash. Problem is it ends about 3-4 minutes later and nothing is even wet inside.

I forgot to mention this short, weird cycle even pops open the soap dispenser.

***Jake*** · July 5th, 2010, 01:04 PM

No, I don't think the plumbing repair in your house had anything to do with this happening.

No, there is no surge protector on it. Yes, you can put a surge protector before it, but most are hardwired in, not plugged into an electrical outlet, so I'm not sure how you would do it if its hardwired in.

Its likely the control panel when this issue happens. What color is yours?

Here's the black one for your model you can order:
Manufacturer part number 8558208 is RepairClinic item number 1201346

Here's the white one for your model:
Manufacturer part number 8558209 is RepairClinic item number 1201347

Jake

***Randyman*** · July 5th, 2010, 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by Jake

No, I don't think the plumbing repair in your house had anything to do with this happening.

No, there is no surge protector on it. Yes, you can put a surge protector before it, but most are hardwired in, not plugged into an electrical outlet, so I'm not sure how you would do it if its hardwired in.

Its likely the control panel when this issue happens. What color is yours?

Here's the black one for your model you can order:
Manufacturer part number 8558208 is RepairClinic item number 1201346

Here's the white one for your model:
Manufacturer part number 8558209 is RepairClinic item number 1201347

Jake

Thanks Jake. My panel is black (the front of the dishwasher is stainless/ silver). Just a few more questions if you do't mind:::

1) Do these things just snap on/off relatively easily? Do they come with DIY instructions?

2) Once the new panel is installed, should it just fire right up and work or does it require programming or coding?

--If the answers to both is YES I'm inclined to just order the panel and try that instead of incurring the additional cost of a service call--

3) How can I help insure this doesn't happen again? (i.e. is the culprit the hot steam vent located just above the display? The use of harmful cleaners, etc?

Thanks again!!!

***Jake*** · July 5th, 2010, 04:48 PM

Question 1: Just the top console screws from inside the door.

Start reading at page #14 here:
http://www.applianceblog.com/manuals/pointvoy8178022.pdf

Turn the breaker off to your dishwasher first.

Question 2: Yes, it will fire right up, no programing.

Question 3: I don't know the answer to that, not sure what makes them go bad. Could just have been defective and not go out till now. Like a bad touch panel circuit or issue with the ribbon cable from the factory.

Jake

***Randyman*** · July 17th, 2010, 07:12 AM

Follow up:

I ordered a new "control panel" (I figured that way if it was faulty I could blame them

).

I was a bit concerned when I discovered it did not include the little computer.. just the plastic panel with the buttons and the ribbon that plugs into the panel. Even so, I pulled the old one, disconnected the ribbon from the old computer/ door latch assembly.. hooked it up to the new panel and it works just like it's supposed to!

So MEGA kudos to Jake for his expert analysis and advice. My "Lifetime Membership" to Appliance Blog is the best $5 I ever spent! It saved me a service call (some people get hit with TWO-- one to diagnos and one to repair) plus the markup on the part.

***Jake*** · July 17th, 2010, 08:08 AM

Excellent Randyman, good job.

Jake

**tfshea** · November 4th, 2011, 09:32 AM

This was a big help to me. I ordered and installed the Control Panel. Problem solved! A big thank you very much to all concerned. Best Regards/TS

***Jake*** · November 4th, 2011, 12:20 PM

Excellent, glad to hear that.

Jake

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[FIXED] Kenmore Ultra Wash Blinking Lights 665.13743K601

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