When dealing with a malfunctioning dishwasher, a precise diagnostic sequence is essential. This guide is tailored for Kenmore models and walks you through resolving the specific symptoms you're facing. Ranked as a Easy difficulty fix, this procedure will help you inspect the key components and replace necessary parts. With an estimated completion time of 20–40 min, you can restore full functionality efficiently.
Difficulty: Easy • Est. Cost: $0 (cleaning only) • Time: 20–40 min
Safety Warning: This technical guide follows the official field diagnostic sequence. Ensure power is disconnected before performing any internal component tests.
1. The 'No Nut' Assembly Design Explained
Unlike standard dishwashers that use a visible retaining nut or bolt on top of the lower wash arm, your Kenmore 665 (which is built by Whirlpool) uses a specialized pump hub assembly.
- DO NOT pull or jerk heavily upwards on the spray arm. Because it is physically locked into the pump housing, pulling straight up will snap the internal plastic shaft.
- The wash arm itself sits inside a large 8-9 inch wide circular plastic base plate. This entire giant plate is the 'nut' that binds the arm to the motor.
2. The Secret Twist-Off Method
Reach into the standing water and grasp the thick, ridged outer edge of the large 8-inch plastic base plate (not the spinning arm itself).
- Turn the entire large base plate mechanism firmly COUNTER-CLOCKWISE (to the left).
- You only need to rotate it roughly 90 degrees (a quarter-turn) to unthread it from the sump housing notches.
- Once you hear it pop and it rotates free, you can easily lift the entire base and the attached spray arm straight up and out.
3. Dealing With a Seized Hub
If the plastic base refuses to twist by hand, it is likely seized by a calcium rim or hardened detergent deposits over years of use.
- Do not use immense force right away. Instead, pour two cups of warm white vinegar into the standing water and let it sit for 20 minutes to dissolve the scale.
- If it's still stuck, take a flathead screwdriver and place the tip gently against one of the raised plastic ridges on the outer rim of the base.
- Lightly tap the back of the screwdriver with a rubber mallet, driving it counter-clockwise, until the seal breaks and it rotates.
4. Cleaning the Sump & Food Chopper
Once the arm and base are removed, the source of your standing water problem is directly below.
- Remove the coarse filter screen. Use a wet/dry shop vac or a sponge to remove the standing dirty water.
- Use a Torx T15 screwdriver to remove the small plastic cover hiding the chopper blade assembly.
- Clean out all the glass shards, toothpicks, and dense food sludge jamming the chopper blade. This clog prevents the drain pump from emptying the tub.
5. Reassembly Check
Push the large base attached to the spray arm back down into the sump guides.
- Rotate the 8-inch outer plastic ring firmly CLOCKWISE until it hits the hard locking stop.
- Give the spray arm a quick flick to ensure it spins freely without hitting the lower dish rack.
- Run a test 'Rinse Only' cycle to confirm the dishwasher drains perfectly.