Kenmore 665 dishwasher: Sanitized light blinks
Sears PartsDirect says a blinking Sanitized indicator means the control could not confirm the required sanitation temperature was achieved.
What this guide covers
Error codes: Sanitized LED blinks at end of cycle, Sanitized light blinks
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
Start with the observations and external checks that can be verified without opening energized assemblies. The interactive version asks these in order and changes the path based on your answers.
- Check the incoming hot-water conditionSears says incoming water temperature affects whether the sanitation target can be reached.
What the answers can lead to
Prime the hot-water line before retrying Sanitize
Bring normal household hot water to the nearby faucet first so the dishwasher starts with a hot supply.
Evidence strength: Strong
Sanitized still blinks with a normal hot-water supply
The remaining Sears path involves the heating system and requires appliance diagnosis.
Evidence strength: Strong
When professional diagnosis is the safer next step
The remaining Sears path involves the heating system and requires appliance diagnosis.
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
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.
Browse reviewed dishwasher error codes →
Browse all Kenmore troubleshooting guides →