Kenmore Dishwasher Error Code i20: Meaning and Fix
Also shown as: I20
Reading the dishwasher display
A dishwasher reports its fault in the display window, or by blinking a cycle light a set number of times with a pause between groups. Count the blinks and pauses before opening the door. Check the model-number prefix first: the same Kenmore code can mean different things depending on the manufacturer.
Kenmore is a private label, and the factory that built your unit decides which fault codes it shows. The first digits of a Kenmore model number (110, 417, 665, 795, 796 and so on) tell you whether Whirlpool, LG, Electrolux or Frigidaire made it. Check the model label on your unit before using any chart.
What causes i20
- Food scraps, lint, coins or other debris blocking the drain pump, filter or hose
- A weak, jammed or burned-out drain pump motor
- Clogged filter or drain hose
- A kinked, crushed or clogged drain hose or standpipe, or a disposal knockout plug that was never removed
How to fix it
- Stop the cycle, switch the appliance off and unplug it (or flip its breaker) before touching anything.
- Bail out standing water with a cup and towel, then clean the filter or pump cover and remove anything that does not belong.
- Clean filter and clear drain hose.
- Check the drain hose from the machine to the sink or standpipe for kinks, crush points and clogs; straighten or flush it with warm water.
- Look for a disposal knockout plug or a drain loop that sits too low, which can siphon or block flow.
- Restore power and run a short drain or rinse cycle; if the pump hums but does not move water, replace the drain pump.
Parts you may need
| Part | Part no. | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher Drain Pump | WPW10348269 | Find part |
Part numbers are OEM references; confirm fit by your model number before ordering. Some links are affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Questions
What does error i20 mean on a Kenmore dishwasher?
Water is not leaving the tub in time. Kenmore sells units built by several manufacturers, so the code table that applies depends on who made your model; use the model number to confirm.
Can I keep using my dishwasher while i20 is showing?
Not really. Water that stays in the machine smells, breeds bacteria and keeps the code coming back, so clear the drain path first.
How do I clear i20, and can I fix it myself?
Cancel the program, switch the appliance off and leave it unplugged (or the breaker off) for about five minutes, then restart. The code only stays cleared if the underlying problem is fixed, so work through the steps above. This one is usually a do-it-yourself job with basic tools.
Other Kenmore dishwasher codes
Sources
Part numbers are OEM references; confirm fit by your model number before ordering. Meanings compiled from manufacturer and parts-retailer documentation; see sources below. Unplug the appliance before opening it.
Applies to models including Kenmore Elite 665 series (Bosch/Whirlpool/Electrolux-built), Kenmore 665.1 series (Whirlpool-built), Kenmore 630 / 665.13 series (Electrolux-built).