Whirlpool Dishwasher: Door Latch Fix in 4 Steps

When your Whirlpool dishwasher stops working properly, your first reaction may be to call the Whirlpool appliance repair service nearest to your home.  But these days, many appliance repairs can be done at home with a few common tools.

It is beneficial to do some research and see if the repair is one you can do yourself. Many times, simple repairs can be found in YouTube videos online or spelled out on websites like this one. If one follows the instructions, minor repairs can be made and money can be saved. Of course this all depends upon your level of comfort with repairs and whether or not your appliance is still under warranty.  If so, doing repairs yourself may negate your warranty, so in those cases, it is best to call a Whirlpool dishwasher repair service.
If your Whirlpool dishwasher`s door latch quits functioning, there are a few steps you can take to possibly remedy the problem before you have to spend a single cent on replacement parts or a repair service.  Sometimes the latch is not actually broken, but simply needs an adjustment. More information about it in this article topic …

1. Check the Strike Plate

First, inspect the strike plate while you open and close the door of your dishwasher several times. The strike plate is the portion of the latch assembly where the door hits & latches into place when closed. It may be difficult to see this if your dishwasher is installed in a tight corner, so a flashlight and a little maneuvering may be necessary.  The door latch and the strike plate should line up.  If they do, the door will latch properly.  If they do not line up, you may have just found your problem! Read another topic here…

2. Try Tapping the Strike Plate

The second step to remedying your dishwasher door dilemma involves a common household tool. You can sometimes tap the strike plate back into the correct position by tapping it with a hammer from the side.  Over time, the dishwasher’s natural vibrations and operation can slowly move things out of place and cause a problem.  If you tap the strike plate and notice that it moves back in the right direction, you will want to open and close the dishwasher door several times to test the alignment of the door latch and strike plate again.  Once lined up, the door should latch properly. More tips here…

3. Clean the Strike Plate and Door Latch

Third, after making sure the two parts line up properly, take the time to clean the two pieces. Use a stiff brush to scrub both the strike plate and the door latch to assure that there are no particles that would keep the dishwasher door from latching properly the next time. Read another tips here…

4. Lubricate the Latch

Fourth, to prevent any sticking latch issues later, spray the door latch with WD-40 or another spray lubricant. In a pinch, kitchen cooking spray will work as well.  This will assure that the moving parts continue to move properly and lock appropriately. If the door is not securely locked, the dishwasher will not function. More information about it in this article …

In many cases, this is all that is needed to get your Whirlpool Dishwasher’s door latch working correctly. When a repair is this simple, you may feel inclined to tackle other appliance repairs.  But as always, please be careful to do your research before you attempt any household repairs. Safety is top priority! Call us for help at ️(800) 657-0765