Kenmore · Dishwasher
Kenmore Dishwasher F16 Error Code
Door switch not closed
What this error means
F16 means the door switch circuit reads open when the control expects the door to be latched. The dishwasher will not fill or run wash steps until the switch confirms closure.
How F16 is detected
Kenmore dishwasher models lock the door or lid before energizing fill, heat, or high-speed spin. F16 means the latch switch never sent a "locked" signal to the main control, or the lock motor did not complete its travel. On Kenmore 665.13223K901, Kenmore 665.17789K801, and similar variants, clothing caught in the gasket, a misaligned strike, or a failed latch assembly are the most common mechanical causes—not the board itself.
Inspect the door gasket perimeter and strike alignment before replacing the latch. Door not fully latched against the tub gasket is reported frequently on this code. After correcting mechanical issues, close the door firmly until the latch clicks. If the latch clicks but F16 persists, the door lock switch or wiring harness to the control board likely needs testing with a multimeter.
Do not force the door open during an active cycle; wait for the lock to release when the board de-energizes the lock motor—usually two to three minutes after canceling power on most Kenmore units.
Common causes
- Door not fully latched against the tub gasket
- Warped door strike not depressing the switch
- Failed door switch microswitch
- Broken wire in the door latch harness
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Close the door firmly until the latch clicks
- 2Inspect the strike plate alignment on the tub frame
- 3Test door switch continuity with the door latched
- 4Replace the door latch assembly if the switch stays open when latched
When to call a technician
Door latch replacement is straightforward—call service if the harness inside the door is damaged.
Affected models
- Kenmore 665.13223K901
- Kenmore 665.17789K801
- Kenmore 665.14703N510
Prevention & maintenance
- Wipe the door gasket weekly and avoid overloading items against the seal—F16 often starts as a slow leak or latch misalignment.
- Record when F16 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 F16; Kenmore uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting F16; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.