The process involved to get the Dishwasher to work just got to inconvenient to cope with between manipulating C/B off and on and pushing various buttons on the Control Panel. I finally had Kenmore Service come to investigate. Found out that the panel on this model and serial number had a recall issued because of the defective Control Panel Board. The Dishwasher was out of warranty; however, we reached an agreement that Sears would replace BOTH the control boards (approximate list price $400) in the appliance and guarantee its operation for 1-year, and I would paid for the house call to do the installation and checkout, as I recall it was $150. It has been working fine ever since the repair (2 years).

My '3 sec' light was on, but no other button would respond.

I fixed it as follows:

press the 'heat/dry' button for several seconds, then press the '3 sec' button until it goes out, then press 'normal wash'

In response to Fixitfast: The Kenmore Dishwasher is
Model #665. 16819990
Ser # FK2213515
Stock # 16819
All information from appliance ID plate on right side of door frame.
Dishwasher was purchased in 11/2000, most likely manuf. in late 1999 or 2000.
The control panel and both electronic boards in the washer were replaced. As I understand it, some of the flexible cushions behind the control panel buttons (what gives it the "spongy" feeling when pushed) had failed and that then messed up the control panel contacts and in turn the electronics. I was told it is difficult to tell exactly what all functionality had failed without extensive in-shop testing, so they replaced the control panel and both electronic boards in the machine. Has been working like a champ!