Kenmore · Dishwasher
Kenmore Dishwasher F15 Error Code
Heating element circuit fault
What this error means
F15 means the heating element circuit did not draw expected current during heat step. Wash water stays cold and the dry phase fails on Kenmore 665 dishwashers.
How F15 is detected
When F15 appears on a Kenmore dishwasher, the control board has confirmed that water did not leave the machine within the programmed drain window. On Kenmore 665.13223K901, Kenmore 665.17789K801, and similar variants, the drain pump runs for a fixed interval—often three to seven minutes on washers and dishwashers—while a pressure switch or turbidity sensor verifies the tub or sump is empty. If water remains, the cycle stops to prevent spin with a full tub or overflow on the next fill.
Most F15 calls are resolved without parts: disconnect power and remove the lower access panel to reach heater terminals. Restricted drain paths mimic pump failure because the impeller spins against a blocked hose or filter. Document whether the pump hums audibly during the drain step; a humming pump with no water movement points to a clogged filter or kinked hose, while silence may indicate a failed pump motor or loose wiring at the harness.
After clearing blockages, run a short cycle and listen at the drain hose for steady water flow. If F15 returns on the next load with a clean filter and straight hose, measure resistance at the pump motor connector per the service manual for your model before ordering a replacement pump assembly.
Common causes
- Open heating element under the tub
- Loose spade connector at the heater terminals
- Welded heater relay on the control board
- Scale bridging heater terminals causing abnormal current
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Disconnect power and remove the lower access panel to reach heater terminals
- 2Measure element resistance—most read between 10 and 50 ohms
- 3Inspect relay area on the control for heat discoloration
- 4Run a heated wash and feel the tub water warming at the end of main wash
When to call a technician
Good element with recurring F15 requires control board relay or triac replacement.
Affected models
- Kenmore 665.13223K901
- Kenmore 665.17789K801
- Kenmore 665.14703N510
Prevention & maintenance
- Clean drain filters and hose terminations monthly on high-use dishwashers to prevent F15 from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when F15 appears in the cycle and whether it clears after a 60-second power reset on your Kenmore dishwasher—that detail speeds diagnosis if you call service.
- Keep the model and serial number from the rating plate when ordering parts for F15; Kenmore uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting F15; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.