Kenmore · Dishwasher
Kenmore Dishwasher F8 Error Code
Drain pump not removing water
What this error means
F8 means the drain pump ran but water remained in the tub after the drain timeout. Standing water at the end of a cycle or cancel/drain triggers this code on Kenmore 665 dishwashers.
How F8 is detected
When F8 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 F8 calls are resolved without parts: remove the lower spray arm and clean the filter assembly thoroughly. 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 F8 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
- Clogged food filter at the tub bottom
- Blocked drain hose at the disposal or air gap
- Failed drain pump motor
- Garbage disposal knockout plug still installed on new setups
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Remove the lower spray arm and clean the filter assembly thoroughly
- 2Check the drain hose at the disposal—remove knockout plug if recently installed
- 3Verify the drain hose has a high loop or air gap
- 4Listen at drain—humming with no water movement means jammed or failed pump
When to call a technician
Clear filter and hose with a silent pump at drain command requires drain pump 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 F8 from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when F8 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 F8; Kenmore uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting F8; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.