Dishwasher door not closing

Common reasons your dishwasher door not closing

The most common reasons your dishwasher door is not closing are a broken door spring, damaged door hinge or a broken door latch assembly.

  • 38%

    38% of the time it's the Door Spring

  • 24%

    24% of the time it's the Door Hinge

  • 13%

    13% of the time it's the Door Latch Assembly

  • 25%

    25% of the time it's the Something else

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Common dishwasher repair parts you may need

Replacing one of these dishwasher parts may fix your problem.

Door Spring Replacement

If a door spring is broken, it may jam against the door hinge, stopping the dishwasher from closing properly. You can usually see a broken door spring without turning off the dishwasher's power or pulling it out of the cabinet. However, pulling the dishwasher out of the cabinet is a job best handled by a professional. If you suspect that a broken door spring is the reason your dishwasher door won't close, it's a good idea to have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert solve the problem.

Door Hinge Replacement

When the dishwasher door isn't closing and you notice a bent door hinge, it's probably best to have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert come to your home and repair the dishwasher. A bent door hinge can cause the door to jam against the base of the dishwasher, preventing it from shutting properly. The technician will need to pull the dishwasher slightly out of the cabinet and replace the bent door hinge. Usually, both door hinges are replaced together to ensure the door continues to work smoothly.

Door Latch Assembly Replacement

If you notice that the door of your dishwasher isn't closing properly, inspect the door latch assembly for any signs of damage. At the top of the dishwasher opening, there's a strike that fits into a slotted catch within the door latch assembly. Spring-loaded clips inside this catch hold the door shut during the dishwashing cycle. If the door latch assembly is broken, the strike won't be able to enter the catch, preventing the door from closing properly and the cycle from starting. Arrange for a Sears Home Services Repair Expert to repair your dishwasher if a broken door latch is causing the door to not shut properly.

What to expect when you experience a dishwasher door not closing issue

Tips for fixing a door not closing problem

Fixing most issues with doors not closing typically requires replacing either the door spring, door hinge, or door latch assembly. However, since there are many potential causes, conducting a thorough diagnosis is crucial for resolving the problem. Getting an accurate diagnosis is important for understanding the cost of the repair.

Sears Home Services recommends these steps for a dishwasher door that is not closing

If the dishwasher door isn't closing, there could be several reasons why. To avoid replacing parts that aren't necessary, we suggest having a Sears Home Services professional conduct diagnostic tests to find out what's causing the problem. Our technicians have experience diagnosing all types of dishwasher failures.

What to expect with a dishwasher door not closing diagnosis

Figuring out issues with modern appliances can be hard without the right knowledge and training. If you don't use the right diagnostic techniques, trying to fix your dishwasher problem might mean just guessing and swapping out parts. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have gotten very advanced, with lots of electronic parts that are tricky to test. Doing repairs yourself on the latest appliance models is getting harder and harder.

When the dishwasher door won’t latch, water can leak or the cycle won’t even begin. Misaligned hinges or worn seals typically cause this. Rather than forcing it shut, schedule dishwasher fix near me.

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Thorough

James called to give an estimated arrival time. He was professional and personable. He had 2 professional ideas of the problem and found 1 was correct, but he didn't stop there. He did a thorough check of the appliance. 1 small part was needed. He ordered the part to my house. Fortunately, he was able to schedule for the next week, just before Thanksgiving. As before, he called ahead, arrived and quickly fixed the problem. My appliance is working perfectly.

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Luke was great. Polite and knowledgeable even though the dishwasher was older than he!

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Daniel went above and beyond to fix my dish washer. Very pleasant to deal with.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn't the door of my dishwasher closing properly?
A misaligned door latch, a broken spring, or an obstructed door seal could prevent the dishwasher door from closing.
How can I fix a dishwasher door that won't close?
Inspect the door latch for damage, check for any blockages, and replace the spring or door seal if necessary.
Could a faulty door latch cause my dishwasher door not to close?
Yes, if the door latch is broken or misaligned, the door may not close securely.
What should I do if the door of my dishwasher isn't closing?
Align the door latch, remove any debris blocking the door seal, and replace the spring or seal if damaged.

Repair Dishwasher Resources

Glossary Terms

A dishwasher basket is a removable container designed to securely hold small items like cutlery and utensils during the wash cycle, ensuring efficient cleaning without loss or damage.

A dishwasher end panel is a finishing piece installed on the exposed side of a dishwasher, primarily when it is at the end of kitchen cabinetry, to ensure a seamless and aesthetically pleasing look in the kitchen.

A dishwasher diverter motor controls the direction of water flow to different spray arms within the dishwasher, ensuring optimal water distribution during each wash cycle for thorough cleaning.

A dishwasher drawer is a compact, space-saving kitchen appliance designed to clean dishes efficiently, resembling a standard kitchen drawer that slides out for easy loading and unloading.