Dishwashers are easy to use. Once you load your dishwasher, it only takes a button or two to get it started. But, the appliance won’t start unless the door is closed correctly.
So, what can you do as a homeowner if you discover your dishwasher door won’t close?
If your dishwasher door won’t close, ensure the dishes aren’t sticking out, the food latch isn’t misaligned or blocked by food and grime, and that no loose screws are in the way, as this could prevent the door from closing. If everything is clean and well placed, then the problem is with the door parts. Check for broken, bent, or faulty door parts and repair them.
Continue reading as we’ll go more in-depth on the issue. We’ll show you how to identify and fix the problem.
Why Your Dishwasher Door Won’t Close And How To Fix It
Yes, your dishwasher door won’t close, but does this mean the machine is busted and you must buy a new one? That’s not always the case.
We’ll review some common causes of a faulty dishwasher door and steps you can take to fix this problem.
If you need to make any repairs, make sure you disconnect your dishwasher from power before starting the process. Repairing a powered dishwasher exposes you to massive risks such as electrocution.
Let’s cut to the chase:
1. Poor Installation
A poorly installed dishwasher may prevent its door from opening. Let’s say your dishwasher is tilted; the door may bump into other equipment next to it, which may prevent it from closing. What next, the machine won’t start.
This problem is usually common in dishwashers with plastic tubs, unlike those with stainless steel tubs.
How can you fix this problem? Take a bubble level and use it to check that your machine is level. If it’s not level, you can rotate the feet. To make them shorter, turn them clockwise and anticlockwise to lengthen them.
If your machine is old, ensure the screws holding it to the cabinet are firm. Loose screws may prevent the door from closing. In this case, you can use a screwdriver to adjust the screws.
2. Dishwasher Racks Sticking Out
Dishwasher racks may prevent the door from closing. Sometimes it may be the dishes themselves and dishes packed too tight or too high may protrude and prevent the door from closing.
Check your utensils to confirm that they are well arranged in the dishwasher.
If the rack is the problem, try and place it well. You can consult the manual and learn how to remove the racks and put them back. When you’ve pulled the racks out, ensure nothing is blocking the support rails inside the appliance.
3. Door Latch Glitch
If the door latch is worn out or misaligned, it may not fit into the alcove, which will prevent the dishwasher from starting. It’s easy to replace your dishwasher’s door latch, but if you find it difficult, seek the help of an expert.
First, to replace the door latch, first look for it behind the door panel, just around where the door connects to the dishwasher.
Perhaps you’ll have to remove the whole control panel to get to the latch; always use your manual to avoid causing more damage to your machine.
When you’ve located the latch, unscrew it, pull out the electrical connector and place a new latch. Before attaching the control panel, don’t forget to put the electrical connector in place.
Sometimes there could be dirt – food, soap, and other particles – on the metal latch. Clean it with a wet sponge or cloth. You may also clean the soap dispenser tray.
4. Door Hinge Malfunction
Hinges enable the dishwasher door to open and close with ease. If your dishwasher door appears crooked or makes some noise, the hinges could have some problems.
Look for breaks, rust, or loose screws on the hinges. To inspect the hinges, you will locate them on the side panels or by removing the dishwasher’s frame.
Tighten loose hinges to allow the latch to close, but replace the hinges if the issue is extensive
5. Misplaced Strike Plate
The latch inserts in the strike plate, and the plate is usually on the frame of the dishwasher. Your dishwasher’s strike plate may loosen or align poorly though these occur rarely.
If these happen, the latch won’t stay in its place, and the door won’t close.
Adjust the bolts and screws to get the strike plate back in place, and in case it’s rusty, replace it. Plastic strike plates don’t rust, but they break and will need to be replaced when they are damaged.
As you have seen, multiple causes may prevent your dishwasher door from closing, and these can be handled.
So, don’t despair when the door isn’t working. Follow the right steps carefully and fix it, and when you can’t, an expert will help you.
6. Loose Screws
Your dishwasher is held together by screws. These screws can very well unscrew themselves over the years as the unit vibrates slightly when running. When the screws pop out, they can end up blocking the door.
Search the dishwasher for loose screws meticulously. If you happen to find any, firmly screw them back into place to make sure they don’t fall out again.
7. Food, Soap, and Grime Blocking the Latch
When dishwashers are used they accumulate leftover junk. The more a dishwasher is used, the more grime you’ll find within the dishwasher. Some of the leftover food particles, soap, or grime can end up in the door latch, preventing it from closing.
Make sure all parts of the locking mechanism are cleaned up and freed from grime. Try closing the door again and make sure to clean your dishwasher more regularly to avoid this, along with other issues, in the future.
How Do I Test My Dishwasher Door Latch?
The door latch serves two primary purposes: it pulls the door to prevent water leakage and activates the safety switch. Therefore if the dishwasher door latch doesn’t operate, your appliance won’t work.
Before working on the latch, please turn off the supply of water to prevent it from spilling out. When testing the switch, make sure you know the kind of latch you are working with to determine where you’ll find it within the dishwasher. In most cases, the switch is generally at the top of the door.
To test the switch, depress it with a small object, and if the dishwasher won’t come on, the safety switch is faulty. Why? Pushing the switch completes the circuit and enables the dishwasher to operate.
If the dishwasher door isn’t latched correctly, the door won’t close. And, when the door isn’t closed, the switch can’t be suppressed, preventing the dishwasher from working.
Simply put, to test the door latch, open the door, then close the latch, select a cycle, and finally depress the switch. Your test is successful when water spills out since your dishwasher works with an open door.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace the Door Latch On a Dishwasher?
Sometimes repairing your dishwasher’s door latch may not be worth it, and you’re only left with the choice of replacing it. Replacement will cost you around $150 to $250.
Can You Replace the Dishwasher Door?
Yes, you can replace your dishwasher’s door. The process is quite simple, with the help of a Torx screwdriver. Make sure the replacement door matches the model of your dishwasher; otherwise, you’ll have problems fixing it, and it won’t work as expected.
Safety always comes first, so disconnect your dishwasher from the power supply before anything else.
Next, you need to remove the older door panel to put the new one in place. Begin by opening the dishwasher door to allow inside access to the door structure, and in the interior you’ll see mounting screws.
Remove the screws using the Torx screwdriver. Place the screws in a safe place for later use. Support the outer panel, for example, using your leg, before removing the final screws.
When all screws are out, pull the outer door panel away. Keep it safe so that it doesn’t hurt somebody.
It’s now time to install the new door panel. Make sure the panel is facing the right direction, and align it. Start mounting the screws; begin with one on each side to prevent the panel from falling, and don’t screw them tightly, in case there’s a need to make any adjustments.
Put the remaining screws back one by one. Ensure they are firm but don’t over tighten them.
The process is that simple. Now that the door has been replaced, it’s time to restore power and use your dishwasher!