Many Kenmore dishwashers come with a lock feature meant to prevent children or any other unauthorized users from using or controlling the dishwasher in between wash cycles. While this can be a useful feature for many owners, if the dishwasher gets stuck in the lock mode, some troubleshooting may be in order to use it again.
Control Lock
A Kenmore dishwasher will not turn off the control lock automatically when the wash cycle is complete. To turn off the lock feature, hold the "Heated Dry" keypad for three seconds. When the "Lock" light goes out, the lock has been released, and the dishwasher can be opened or programmed.
In Progress
When the Kenmore dishwasher is in use, the control lock feature cannot be set, but other functions cannot be selected either. While some users may misinterpret this to mean that the control lock is stuck when other selections cannot be made, it is simply an operational feature. The user should release the control lock before selecting a wash cycle then wait for the dishwasher to start. Do not try to press the control pads and change the function when the dishwasher is mid-cycle. Note that once the wash cycle is finished, the control lock can be set again by pressing and holding "Heated Dry" for three seconds. The lock light will illuminate.
Power Reset
Owners who find that the control lock feature will not release even after pressing and holding the "Heated Dry" pad might want to reset the power. To do this, simply unplug the Kenmore dishwasher, wait 15 minutes then plug the unit back in. This should reset the control panel and release the control lock feature.
Service
If the control lock will not unlock after the "Heated Dry" pad is held and released and a power reset has been performed, it may be time for assistance. Contact Kenmore for help at (888) 536-6673.
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