Reviewed diagnostic family

Kenmore 665 dishwasher: Clean light stays on and new cycle will not start

Sears PartsDirect says the control may not be detecting that the door opened after the previous cycle and documents a breaker power reset before door-switch service.

Model-family scope: Kenmore / Kenmore Elite dishwashers with model numbers starting with 665. The interactive diagnostic requires a model number matching this reviewed family before it will use this path.
KenmoreDishwasherReviewed 2026-09-11

What this guide covers

Error codes: Clean light stays on

This guide follows a structured decision tree built from manufacturer troubleshooting information. It does not assume that the most commonly replaced part is the failed part, and it does not show an exact-fit replacement part unless model compatibility has been independently verified.

Continue this exact diagnostic

Safe troubleshooting sequence

This reviewed path begins with a direct owner-safe action or status check rather than a branching question. Follow the step below, then use the interactive diagnostic if the condition persists.

  1. Turn dishwasher power off at the breaker for about 1 minute, then restore power once.Do not remove panels or touch internal wiring.
  2. Restore power and retry onceIf the same code returns, stop repeated resets.

Reviewed outcomes

Perform the documented power reset

Sears PartsDirect says the control may not be detecting that the door opened after the previous cycle and documents a breaker power reset before door-switch service.

Evidence strength: Strong

The code returned after the documented reset

The Sears/Kenmore guide points beyond a safe external reset to internal controls, wiring, sensors, or other components.

Evidence strength: Strong

When professional diagnosis is the safer next step

The Sears/Kenmore guide points beyond a safe external reset to internal controls, wiring, sensors, or other components.

Appliance Verdict stops before energized electrical testing, gas-system work, sealed-system work, and other checks that can create unnecessary risk. A technician can use the model, issue, and completed checks from the interactive diagnostic as a starting point.

Repair or replace?

A diagnosis and a repair decision are different questions. Once you have a real repair quote, compare the total repair cost with the all-in price of a comparable replacement. Warranty or protection-plan coverage, appliance age, reliability history, efficiency, and likely future repairs can all matter. Appliance Verdict’s interactive result includes a transparent cost comparison rather than a black-box replacement recommendation.

Manufacturer sources

Sears PartsDirect

Dataset reviewed through 2026-09-11. Appliance Verdict is independent and is not endorsed by the manufacturers cited. Always follow the exact owner or service documentation for your model.

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