Reviewed diagnostic family

Kenmore 665 dishwasher: Start/Resume light blinks slowly

Sears PartsDirect says this can follow a door opening or power interruption; the cycle will not resume until the door is detected closed and Start/Resume is pressed.

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: Start/Resume light blinks slowly

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. Make sure racks/dishes do not block the doorDo not force the latch.
  2. Close the door firmlyThen press Start/Resume once as directed by the control.

Reviewed outcomes

Close the door fully and press Start/Resume

This is the documented recovery after the door opens or power is interrupted mid-cycle.

Evidence strength: Strong

The Start/Resume light keeps blinking slowly

A door-latch/switch or Start/Resume control problem may need service.

Evidence strength: Strong

When professional diagnosis is the safer next step

A door-latch/switch or Start/Resume control problem may need service.

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.

Browse reviewed dishwasher error codes →

Browse all Kenmore troubleshooting guides →

Related dishwasher guides