How to Repair a Dishwasher Door Latch

When the dishwasher door latch does not operate as it should, your dishwasher will not run. This can be a major annoyance but should also be an easy thing to repair. The dishwasher door latch serves two purposes. The first purpose is to pull the door tight and keep it closed to prevent water leaks; the second is as a way to push the safety switch. A dishwasher will not run if the door is not properly latched. If your dishwasher will not run or attempts to run with the door open you may have a faulty dishwasher door latch.

Below are the steps to repair the dishwasher door latch.

Step 1: Test

The first thing you need to do when repairing a dishwasher door is to figure out if the latch is the problem or if it is the safety switch. To test the switch, turn the dishwasher on with the door slightly open. Then depress the switch. If the unit comes on, the dishwasher door latch is the problem. The switch will be inside a hole in the unit. To locate it, look for a spike that protrudes from the door to see where the spike enters.  Keep the door as closed as possible as the dishwasher will spray water if it comes on. If the dishwasher does not come on, the problem is the safety switch and you will simply need to replace it.

Step 2: Inspect the Latch

If the problem is the dishwasher door latch, the next step is to closely inspect it. Sometimes food particles or other debris can become wedged inside the latch, making it hard to open or close. If enough debris is present, it will make the dishwasher stop working altogether. If there is debris in the latch, clean it out with a rag and a small screwdriver.

Step 3: Lubricate

Sometimes repairing a dishwasher door latch is as simple as spraying a little silicon spray onto the parts to lubricate them. Silicon spray can be purchased at your local hardware store. P.B. Blaster is the name of the spray that is most recommended. Spray the lubricant directly onto the dishwasher door latch. While spraying, use a rag or your fingers to move the latch back and forth so the lubricant gets into all of the moving parts.

Step 4: Check the Strike Plate

The strike plate is located on the dishwasher itself and is the part that the dishwasher door latch grabs onto to pull the door closed. If the strike plate is out of adjustment, the door will not close properly. To test the strike plate, visually appraise it for any bends or twists. The strike plate should be straight. If the plate is tilted slightly upward or downward, you can use a hammer to gently tap it back into place. If you are unsure, close the door while watching carefully to see where the latch hits the plate.