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HomeRepair HelpDishwasher RepairDishwasher won't latch Repair
Dishwasher won't latch
If your dishwasher won't latch, the problem is usually mechanical, not a mystery. Start with the door hinge, since a bent or damaged hinge can keep the door from lining up with the latch. Next, check the door seal or gasket to make sure it is fully seated and not bunched up or misaligned, since that can stop the door from closing far enough to latch. If the door feels heavy, drops open fast, or seems out of balance, inspect the door spring and door cable, because worn or broken parts there can pull the door out of position and lead to a dishwasher door won't latch complaint. After that, look closely at the door latch and door strike for cracks, wear, or obvious damage. A broken latch not catching or a damaged strike can easily cause a dishwasher door latch broken symptom or a dishwasher door won't close properly issue. RepairClinic.com makes it easier to track down the fix. Enter your model number to find the exact replacement door hinge, door seal, door spring, door cable, door latch, or door strike that fits your specific dishwasher.
01 - Dishwasher Door Hinge
If the door hinges are damaged, the door won’t be able to latch properly. Inspect the door hinges for damage. If a hinge is bent or broken, replace it.
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02 - Dishwasher Door Cable
A dishwasher door cable is attached to a spring to prevent the door from dropping down when opened and to allow the door to be more easily closed and latched. If the door feels heavy when opened or falls quickly, a broken door cable or spring is likely the cause. If the damaged component is not replaced, the strain on the door hinge can lead to hinge failure which can result in the door not latching properly. It is recommended to replace both door cables at the same time to reduce uneven wear.
Highly Likely
03 - Dishwasher Door Seal
A dishwasher door having trouble latching could be caused by a damaged or misaligned door seak. Confirm the seal is fully seated in its track and replace if necessary.
Highly Likely
04 - Dishwasher Door Latch
Inspect the door latch assembly for damage. If the door latch is broken, replace it. The door latch is not repairable—if it is broken, you must replace it.
Highly Likely
05 - Dishwasher Door Spring
A dishwasher door spring is attached to a cable to prevent the door from dropping down when opened and to allow the door to be more easily closed and latched. If the door feels heavy when opened or falls quickly, a broken door spring or cable is likely the cause. If the damaged component is not replaced, the strain on the door hinge can lead to hinge failure which can result in the door not latching properly. It is recommended to replace both door springs at the same time to reduce uneven wear.
Highly Likely
06 - Dishwasher Door Strike
Inspect the door strike assembly for damage. If the door strike is broken, replace it. The door strike is not repairable—if it is broken, you must replace it.
Highly Likely
07 - Dishwasher Rack Adjuster
A damaged rack adjuster can cause the dishrack to not be seated properly on the rails which can prevent the dishwasher door from latching properly. Inspect the rack adjusters to confirm they are intact and not damaged. Replace any damaged rack adjusters with new ones and ensure the dishrack can be fully pushed into the dishwasher.
Less Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won't my dishwasher door latch?
My dishwasher door won't latch unless I push hard. What should I check first?
Can a bad door spring or door cable keep a dishwasher door from latching?
How do I know if the dishwasher door latch or door strike is bad?
How do I find the right dishwasher door latch, hinge, or seal for my model?