October 01, 2016

How to replace a dishwasher door latch assembly

If the latch assembly on the dishwasher door isn’t working, the door won’t latch and the dishwasher won’t run. The problem could be the latch itself, or it could be the microswitch that tells the electronic control board if the latch is closed. Fortunately, the latch assembly includes both components, so you just have to replace the latch assembly with the right dishwasher replacement part. This repair guide offers detailed instructions for accessing and replacing the door latch assembly in a dishwasher.

This repair procedure works for some Kenmore, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, JennAir and Amana dishwashers. You also can use the same basic process to replace the door latch assembly on GE, Frigidaire, Electrolux, Samsung and LG dishwashers.

Quick links

Video

Instructions

Tools required

Torx screwdriver

Work gloves

Repair difficulty

Time required

30 minutes or less

How to replace a dishwasher door latch assembly video.

Replacing a dishwasher door latch assembly video.

Instructions

01.
Shut off electrical power
Unplug the dishwasher or shut off the house circuit breaker for the dishwasher.
To verify that power is disconnected, make sure that you can't activate the display on the control panel.
PHOTO: Shut off the house circuit breaker.
02.
Remove the outer door panel and control panel
Remove the Torx screws from the inner door panel, supporting the outer door panel with one hand as you remove the final 2 screws so the outer door panel doesn't fall.
Separate the outer door panel and control panel from the inner door panel, and let the outer panel rest on the floor while you disconnect the user interface control wire harness from the control panel.
Pull off the outer door panel and control panel.
PHOTO: Remove the outer dishwasher door panel.
03.
Remove the door latch assembly
Unplug the door switch wire harness from the latch assembly.
Release the locking tabs and pull the door latch assembly out of the inner door panel.
PHOTO: Remove the door latch assembly.
04.
Install the new door latch assembly
Insert the new door latch assembly and engage the locking tab.
Plug in the door switch wire harness.
PHOTO: Install the new door latch assembly.
05.
Reinstall the outer door panel and control panel
Position the outer door panel and control panel close enough to the inner door so you can reconnect the user interface control wire harness.
Reconnect the user interface control wire harness and attach the outer door panel and control panel to the inner door panel.
Reinstall the mounting screws.
Tip: Use the longer screws to secure the control panel.
PHOTO: Reinstall the outer door panel.
06.
Restore electrical power
Reset the house circuit breaker or plug in the dishwasher to restore electrical power.

Warning: Undertaking repairs to appliances can be hazardous. Be sure to use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs should only be performed by a qualified technician.