How can I fix a dishwasher’s door that won’t latch or close?
Your dishwasher’s door must be closed and locked for it to start. Appropriately latched, a door will keep water from spilling onto your kitchen floor. This sensor activates the machine’s safety switch at the same time. We can help if the latch on your dishwasher won’t close. Asurion Experts have extensive experience and are well-trained to repair all major appliances, including dishwashers. From leaking dishwashers to dishwashers not filling with water, we fix them. Here’s what to do before you resort to paper plates.
Causes of your dishwasher’s door not closing
If your dishwasher will not close, it does not mean that the machine is broken. Here are some common reasons why your dishwasher door doesn’t close correctly and how to fix them. It is important to note that before you begin any repair work, turn off the dishwasher’s power. This will reduce the chance of an electrocution.
Misaligned dishwasher
If you don’t install your dishwasher correctly, say it’s on an angle or tilted, the door may bump into cabinets around it and prevent it from closing fully. The machine will not turn on. This problem is more familiar with machines with plastic tubs rather than stainless steel. Use a bubble level to check that the machine is at level. You can adjust the machine by rotating the feet clockwise or counterclockwise. Check the screws that hold the machine to the cabinet. If they’re loose, it may prevent the door from closing. Adjust the screws with a wrench or screwdriver to ensure the door is in the correct position.
Clean the dishwasher door latch
If you find food, soap, or grime stuck inside the metal latch, clean it using a damp cloth or sponge. Also, take a few moments to clean the soap dispenser. Please close the door once more after you are sure nothing is blocking it.
Protruding dishwashing racks
The door may not close if the racks or dishes are too high. The door can only close if the dishes are packed tight enough or too high. Check the set-up to see if tall utensils or panhandles block the door. Follow the instructions on your user guide (usually available online) for removing the bottom and top racks if the racks are still not aligning. After removing the racks, check that nothing is blocking the support rails in the machine.
Door latch failure
The machine will not start if the door latch is worn out, damaged, or out of alignment. It can vary depending on the model and brand of your dishwasher. You may need to consult an expert if it is not. You can replace the latch yourself if you look behind the door’s inner panel near the connection between the door and the machine. Consult the user guide to determine if you need to remove the control panel or just an access panel to get to the latch. Then, unscrew and remove the electrical connector from the latch. Screw in a new latch. Before reinstalling the control or access panel, reconnect the electrical connector.
Misaligned Strike Plate
The strike plate is the dishwasher part where the latch slides into. The strike plate is located on the top frame of your dishwasher. The strike plate can become loose or misaligned. This will cause the latch to not lock into place and the door not to close.
Replace the strike plate if it is rusted. If the strike plate is rusted, replace it. Plastic strike plates on dishwashers are not rust-proof but can easily break. You’ll need to replace the plate if it rusts.
Door hinge problems
The hinges allow the door of the dishwasher to open and shut. Check the hinges if you hear a squeaking or crooked door. You can usually access the hinges on most dishwashers by removing either the top or side panels or the frame. Tighten the hinges if they are loose so that the latch aligns and closes. If this doesn’t work, you should replace them.
Door spring issues
If a door spring is not in place, it may cause the dishwasher to close improperly. The result is? The sensor may not activate the machine if the latch doesn’t click into the alcove. Check the springs near the hinges to ensure they are in place on both sides. It would help if you replaced the coils when you find defects, rust, and gaps.
Faulty gasket for the door
A rubber strip is attached to the inner edge of the dishwasher tub. This gasket ensures that the seal is watertight. When the door latches properly, the gasket will keep all the water in. Seals can be misshaped in older machines and cause the door not to close or the latch to not activate. Gaskets can be problematic if they leak water during a wash cycle. They are also loose if your dishwasher won’t close. The gasket can be replaced easily. Remove the old gasket, and then press the new gasket in place. Consult the manual to see if your model requires removing a door.