How to Reset a Kenmore Dishwasher
Updated · from manufacturer service documentation
Many Kenmore dishwashers (model numbers starting 795.xxx) are built by LG, and reset the same way LG-branded units do. There's no separate Kenmore reset procedure — holding Start for three seconds cancels a running cycle, and a full power reset at the circuit breaker clears a code that Cancel alone doesn't.
Which Reset to Use
| Situation | What to do | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle running, want to stop and clear it | Press and hold Start for 3 seconds (Cancel function) | Drain pump activates, cycle cancels, power turns off |
| Buttons not responding to presses | Check whether Control Lock is active; deactivate it | Control Lock must be off before any new cycle can start |
| Error code won't clear after Cancel | Full power reset at the circuit breaker | Clears the control board's held state |
How to Reset It, Step by Step
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Try the Cancel function first
Press and hold Start for three seconds. Per the (shared LG/Kenmore) service documentation, this activates the drain pump, cancels the running cycle, and turns the unit's power off.
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Check that Control Lock isn't active
If the panel doesn't respond to button presses at all, Control Lock may be engaged — deactivate it before trying to start a new cycle.
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If an error code stays on the display after Cancel, do a full power reset
Turn off power to the dishwasher at the house circuit breaker, wait a moment, then restore power.
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Start a new cycle to confirm the reset worked
Close the door and press Start (or press Start first and close the door within four seconds).
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If the error immediately returns
The underlying fault is still present — check the drain, fill, or leakage causes on the matching diagnosis page rather than repeating the reset.
Which Models This Applies To
Kenmore dishwasher models beginning with 795 are LG-built and use the same Cancel and Control Lock functions documented for the LG LDF5545ST / LDT7808ST / LDF6810 series — there's no independent Kenmore-specific reset sequence for these units. If your model number doesn't start with 795, this specific rebadge match may not apply.
See also: How to reset an LG dishwasher · Kenmore dishwasher not draining.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my Kenmore dishwasher really an LG dishwasher underneath?
If the model number starts with 795, yes — it's built by LG and uses LG's internal diagnostics and reset functions, just sold under the Kenmore name.
How do I cancel a running cycle on a Kenmore dishwasher?
Press and hold Start for three seconds. The drain pump activates, the cycle cancels, and the unit powers off.
My Kenmore dishwasher buttons aren't responding — what's wrong?
Check whether Control Lock is active. It has to be deactivated before you can start or cancel a cycle.
When should I do a full power reset instead of just Cancel?
If an error code remains on the display after using Cancel, cut power at the circuit breaker, wait, then restore it.
Based on the LG dishwasher service documentation (LDF5545ST / LDT7808ST / LDF6810 series), which applies to LG-built Kenmore dishwashers (795.xxx model numbers). Last updated: .