Written by
Elena Marsh Appliance Care EditorPublished October 29, 2026
VERIFIED
Error codeSanitized light blinks at end of cycle
ApplianceDishwasher
Nothing appears on a display here. The signal is the Sanitized light itself, blinking once the cycle finishes on a Kenmore or Kenmore Elite 665 model dishwasher. It tells you the control was unable to confirm that the sanitation water temperature was reached.
Two temperature limits behind the blink
Sanitizing requires the heating element to stay on for 10 minutes.
It also requires the water to reach 150 degrees.
Supply water under 120 degrees can leave the element unable to bring the water up to 150.
Supply water over 150 degrees can stop the element from staying on for the whole 10 minutes.
Checks in the manual’s order
Measure the temperature of the water coming into the dishwasher.
If that temperature is within the limits above, inspect the heating element for damage.
A damaged element, or one that does not heat, is replaced.
Related codes
HE is the heating failure code, worth a look since the element is involved.
tE points to the thermistor, the temperature sensor.
When the Sanitized light keeps blinking, our Kenmore dishwasher repair team in San Francisco and around the Bay Area can inspect the element. Phone (415) 825-6393 and have the model number, the incoming water temperature you measured and a note of the element check ready.
Model compatibility: Kenmore reuses codes across series and model years, so Sanitized light blinks at end of cycle may mean something different on another appliance or generation. Confirm this against your model’s documentation and record your full model number before acting.
Plain language
What this code means
At cycle end the control could not verify that sanitation water reached its target temperature.
Important safety warning. Do not attempt repairs involving electrical components, gas, water lines, refrigerant or sealed systems. Unplug the appliance if it is safe to reach the outlet, and leave internal diagnostics to a qualified technician.
Seeing this code on your Kenmore appliance?
Book a specialist visit for a clear estimate and approval before any repair.
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