mypros+
Error code reference

Kenmore Dishwasher Error Code LO

Indicates the rinse aid dispenser is low and needs to be refilled.

Kenmore codesKenmore dishwasher codes

Indicates the rinse aid dispenser is low and needs to be refilled.

First step from the service manual

Refill the rinse aid dispenser.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

MyPros+ Max

Get the full diagnostic procedure for LO.

  • Step-by-step tests with expected resistance, voltage, and continuity values
  • Wiring diagram references and connector pinouts from the OEM service manual
  • Verified part numbers when replacement is required
Get the full procedure

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass

What LO means on a Kenmore dishwasher

The LO code on a Kenmore dishwasher is generated by the control board when the rinse aid dispenser sensor detects that the rinse aid level has dropped below the minimum threshold. The dispenser assembly includes a float or optical sensor that monitors fluid level and signals the control board when a refill is needed. This is a status alert, not a fault code, meaning the dishwasher has not detected a component failure.

For homeowners, LO simply means the rinse aid compartment built into your dishwasher door is running low and needs to be topped off. Rinse aid is the liquid that helps water sheet off dishes during the final rinse cycle, which reduces water spots and speeds up drying. Without it, dishes may come out with spots or still wet, but the machine will continue to operate.

The code will clear automatically once the rinse aid dispenser is refilled to an adequate level. No tools or parts are required in most cases. If the LO code persists after a confirmed refill, the dispenser sensor or the dispenser assembly itself may be malfunctioning and would require further diagnosis.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of LO

  1. 01

    Depleted rinse aid supply

    Wiring / connection

    The most common trigger for LO is simply that the rinse aid dispenser has been used down to a low level through normal wash cycles. Refilling the dispenser will resolve the alert immediately.

  2. 02

    Faulty rinse aid level sensor

    Part replacement

    If the dispenser is full but the LO code persists, the float or optical sensor inside the dispenser assembly may be stuck or defective, causing it to report a low level incorrectly. This typically requires replacing the dispenser assembly or the sensor component.

  3. 03

    Damaged or cracked rinse aid dispenser assembly

    Part replacement

    A cracked dispenser body can cause rinse aid to leak out rapidly or prevent the compartment from holding an adequate level, triggering the sensor repeatedly. The dispenser assembly would need to be replaced.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about LO

What does LO mean on a Kenmore dishwasher?
LO on a Kenmore dishwasher means the rinse aid dispenser is low and needs to be refilled. The control board reads a signal from the dispenser's level sensor and displays LO to alert you before the rinse aid runs out completely. Open the dispenser cap on the inside of the door, fill it with rinse aid, and the code should clear on its own.
How do I fix the LO code on my Kenmore dishwasher?
Open the rinse aid dispenser door located on the inside of the dishwasher door, typically near the detergent cup. Fill the compartment with standard dishwasher rinse aid until the indicator shows full, then close the cap securely. Run a cycle and the LO code should clear automatically. If LO remains after a confirmed refill, the dispenser level sensor may be faulty and the dispenser assembly may need to be replaced.
Can I still run my Kenmore dishwasher when it shows the LO code?
Yes, the dishwasher will continue to run and complete wash cycles when LO is displayed. LO is a low-supply alert, not a fault that disables the machine. However, running without rinse aid will likely result in water spots on dishes and slower drying times, so refilling the dispenser is recommended before your next wash.
How much does it cost to fix the LO code on a Kenmore dishwasher?
If the LO code is caused by a low rinse aid level, the only cost is a bottle of rinse aid, which typically runs between $4 and $12. If the LO code persists after refilling and the dispenser level sensor or dispenser assembly is defective, a replacement dispenser assembly for a Kenmore dishwasher generally costs between $20 and $60 in parts, and the repair is accessible to a confident DIYer with basic tools.
Why does my Kenmore dishwasher keep showing LO even after I added rinse aid?
If LO stays on after you have filled the rinse aid dispenser, the level sensor inside the dispenser assembly is likely stuck in the low position or has failed. Check that the dispenser cap is fully closed and that you filled the correct compartment, not just the detergent cup. If the compartment is genuinely full and the code persists across multiple cycles, the dispenser assembly should be inspected and likely replaced.

Related Kenmore dishwasher codes

All Kenmore dishwasher codes
View all 80 Kenmore dishwasher codes

78,000+ service manuals · 160,000+ error codes · 55+ brands

Get Started

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass