On the covered Kenmore 665 model dishwasher, Clean light blinks 7 times means Kenmore's service table lists this code as: heater circuit failure. Control didn't detect the expected rise in water temperature when the heating element was energized to heat water during the cycle.
Differential
Likely causes of “Kenmore 665 model dishwasher showing Clean light blinks 7 times”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The heating element has failed and no longer warms the water
What separates it The Clean light blinks 7 times and dishes come out cool or wet
How to confirm Look at the element for visible damage and check that the tub water warms during a cycle
- 2
The thermistor that senses water temperature is reading wrongly
What separates it The element heats but the control never sees the expected temperature rise
How to confirm Check the thermistor as part of the heater circuit, since the chart lists it as a part
- 3
Loose or damaged wiring in the heater circuit
What separates it The heater works intermittently when the wiring is disturbed
How to confirm Check the wiring connections along the heater circuit with the power off
- 4
The electronic control board is not switching the heater
What separates it The element and wiring are good and the light still blinks 7 times
How to confirm The chart lists the control board as part of the same circuit
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- That the Clean light blinks 7 times, and how often
- Whether the water in the tub gets warm during the cycle
- Whether the dishes come out wet or dry poorly
Try in this order
0 of 4 completedCorrect only the documented fault domain
ReversibleCheck the heating element and related components (wiring and control board) in that circuit Parts named: heating element, Electronic control board, Thermistor, Circuit wiring.
Unplug the dishwasher and inspect the heating element
ReversibleLook for blisters, cracks or a broken section, since the chart lists the heating element first.
Check the wiring in the heater circuit
ReversibleThe chart names circuit wiring as a part. Reseat every connector and look for scorched or loose wires.
Check the thermistor and the electronic control board
ReversibleThe chart says to check the heating element and related components, meaning the wiring and control board in that circuit, and it names the thermistor as well.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Shown as
- Clean light blinks 7 times (665 model table).
- Parts named by the chart
- Heating element, electronic control board, thermistor and circuit wiring.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Stop and unplug before touching the heater circuit, because the element and board are connected to mains
- !The chart gives no single failed part, so have a technician measure the circuit if you are unsure
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. The chart states the check in general terms and gives no values.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does Clean light blinks 7 times mean on a Kenmore 665 model dishwasher?+
Kenmore's service table lists this code as: heater circuit failure. Control didn't detect the expected rise in water temperature when the heating element was energized to heat water during the cycle.
Is the heating element always the fault?+
No. The chart names the heating element, the control board, the thermistor and the circuit wiring.
Does the chart give test values?+
No; the 665 model chart gives no resistance figures for this code.
What does the control watch for?+
A rise in water temperature after the heating element is switched on during the cycle.