Kenmore 363 electronic control model dishwasher Error Code C5: Meaning & How to Fix It

By the ErrorCodePro Editorial Team · Last reviewed October 20, 2026

Kenmore 363 electronic control model dishwasher error code C5 means: Drain time is too short (Dishwasher is underfilled). [1] Keep using it? Only if the owner checks below clear the code; if it returns, stop and book a repair. Start with the owner checks below, beginning with: write down the code and model number.

Source: Kenmore 363 electronic control model dishwasher error-code chart, via Sears PartsDirect [1].

Quick facts

Code	C5
Also shown as	None listed by the manufacturer
Brand / appliance	Kenmore 363 electronic control model dishwasher
System	Drain
Meaning (service chart)	Drain time is too short (Dishwasher is underfilled). [1]
Keep using it?	Only if the owner checks below clear the code; if it returns, stop and book a repair
DIY-safe?	Owner checks only (listed below)
Support	Kenmore customer support (kenmore.com) or a Sears-authorized technician
Source document	Kenmore 363 electronic control model dishwasher error-code chart (via Sears PartsDirect)

On this page: Meaning · Steps · Parts · When to call a technician · Related codes · FAQ

What error code C5 means on a Kenmore 363 electronic control model dishwasher

Drain time is too short (Dishwasher is underfilled). [1]

This is a drain code. Codes and wording can vary by model, so check your owner's manual for your model number.

How to fix Kenmore 363 electronic control model dishwasher error code C5 (safe owner checks)

Safety first: disconnect power before you remove any panel or reach into the sump or drum. Do not touch wiring, the control board or the motor. If you see water near electrical parts, stop and call a technician. These steps are based on the Kenmore 363 electronic control model dishwasher error-code chart (via Sears PartsDirect) [1], rewritten for clarity.

Write down the code and model number. Note exactly what the display shows (C5) and copy the full model number from the rating label, so you can confirm this chart applies to your 363 electronic control model dishwasher and order the right parts.
Open the water supply. Make sure that the water supply for the dishwasher is fully open. Unplug the dishwasher and shut off the water supply, and then disconnect the fill line and examine the inlet water valve.
Reduce the load. Check the overfill float switch to see if it's stuck in the up position, which would keep the dishwasher from filling properly.
Do a power reset. Unplug the appliance or switch off its breaker for one minute, then restore power and try again. If the code clears and stays away, it may have been a one-off fault.
Test and decide. Run a short cycle or restart and watch the display. If C5 comes back after these checks, stop using the dishwasher for this function and call a technician, because the remaining causes need meters or part replacement.

The first and last steps (and the power reset) are general owner checks added by ErrorCodePro; the rest follow the Kenmore 363 electronic control model dishwasher error-code chart published by Sears PartsDirect, rewritten for safe owner use.

Parts that may be involved

Exact parts depend on your model number. This page lists part types only, never part numbers.

Overfill float switch
Inlet water valve

When to call a technician

If the inlet screen is clogged, a technician should replace the water valve-don't just clean the screen, because debris could enter the valve body, causing the valve to stay open, resulting in flooding.
Technician: check the wiring connections on the inlet water valve and secure any loose connections.
If the water valve won't open when activated, a technician should replace it.
Anything involving wiring, the control board, the motor or the water valve electrics
The appliance is under warranty: contact Kenmore customer support (kenmore.com) or a Sears-authorized technician first

Frequently asked questions

What does error code C5 mean on a Kenmore 363 electronic control model dishwasher?

The Kenmore 363 electronic control model dishwasher error-code chart lists C5 as follows: Drain time is too short (Dishwasher is underfilled).

Is it safe to keep using the 363 electronic control model dishwasher with C5?

Only if the owner checks below clear the code; if it returns, stop and book a repair.

Can I fix Kenmore 363 electronic control model dishwasher error C5 myself?

Only with the owner checks on this page, starting with: write down the code and model number. If it persists, call a technician or Kenmore customer support (kenmore.com) or a Sears-authorized technician.

Sources

Sears PartsDirect: Kenmore 363 electronic control model dishwasher error-code chart (third-party copy of manufacturer service data)

Last reviewed: October 20, 2026. ErrorCodePro is not affiliated with Kenmore.