Kenmore dishwasher: intermittent drain pump

I have a kenmore ultra wash quiet guard (Model # 665.16879000) dishwasher that has been acting up recently.

Dishwasher goes through wash cycle. At the end, water remains in the bottom. If I push cancel/drain immediately after completing the wash cycle, I hear the pump working but no water draining. Push drain/cancel 3-4 times. Hear pump but nothing draining. Then, all of a sudden, next day (may be after 6 to 8 hours), push drain/cancel and machine drains perfectly. If I start new wash cycle, get back to the beginning--will not drain and go through the process again. Cleaned out everything, no clogs, it's spotless.

It appears as though there is some clog in the pump that appears to activate some sort of thermal protection in the pump.

I removed the cover and cleaned every thing in the sump area but did not help.

Any ideas?

 

Could not get that model # to work.
Dishwasher Won't Drain - Repair Parts - RepairClinic.com

 

I corrected your model number format.

Your machine has a check valve in it that may be defective. The link below has a video that shows you how to replace it but you can also use it to see how to access the sump areas. You should check and make sure the sump areas below the screen are clean.

Kenmore Dishwasher Check Valve 8268375 Repair Clinic

You should also check the drain line for possible clogs. The drain line orientation has a long term effect on drainage too. Make sure your line is fastened high up under the counter top.

 

I cleaned the sump yesterday and rechecked the check valve. There is no problem with check valve. I also used shop vac to remove all water from sump. The dishwasher worked first time right after I did this. During the wash cycle, the dirty water was pumped out 4 times.

The joy didn't last very long... when i tried today, water got pumped out 2 times during the cycle, with full force. But the third and fourth time the pump just made some humming noise but did not pump water. I can tell if it pumped water or not because I can see water coming inside my disposal when it pumps.

So, I am back to square one on this....

 

If the pump just hummed it sounds like it may need to be replaced. The OEM part number for the pump is 661658.

I left a link from the same place the check valve was at. They offer a 365 day return policy so if the new part is not the problem it can be returned for a full refund. You could also use the part number to search for other sellers and better prices. Either way the part is relatively inexpensive.

There is also a replacement video on the parts page.

Kenmore Dishwasher Drain Pump 661658 Repair Clinic

 

The pump works and successfully drains water first two times in the cycle and then fails. This is consistent. Is that a pump failure? Any ideas?

 

It sounds like the pump is failing... possibly due to heat.

 

Hi Pete,

Thanks for your responses...

Following thread is same problem like mine. Replacing pump did not help.

Dishwasher: Drain pump works intermittently - Appliance Repair Forum

 

Hi Pete,

Thanks for your responses...

Following thread is same problem like mine. Replacing pump did not help.

Dishwasher: Drain pump works intermittently - Appliance Repair Forum

I heard there are basically two types of dishwashers - "There are two basic designs, the direct drive dishwasher and the forward-reversing dishwashers. Direct drive dishwashers do not have to stop to drain the water will forward-reversing dishwashers have to stop the motor and start it up in the other direction to drain the water."

Can you tell me which type is mine?