Dishwasher Door Latch Problems – Is That The Cause Of Your Issues?
Posted on: 13 May 2015
Something as simple as a door latch on your dishwasher can cause a whole lot of problems with the way it works, or cause it to not work at all. Below, you will find out what problems are caused by a failing door latch and how to determine if the door latch is the problem that needs to be repaired.
How a Door Latch Works
The door latch doesn't work on its own. It works in conjunction with a door switch. When you close the dishwasher and latch it closed, the door latch engages with the door switch and completes a circuit. When the circuit is completed, the dishwasher will power up and start and complete the cycle.
Issues Caused by a Failing Door Latch
There are five main issues caused by a problematic door latch. These issues include:
- A dishwasher that does not work at all.
- A dishwasher that won't fill with water.
- A dishwasher that drains the water as it flows into the unit.
- A dishwasher that has soap and/or water leaking around the door.
- A dishwasher door that won't close and latch the way that it should.
Determine if the Door Latch is the Problem
Refer to your owner's manual to find the exact location of the door latch and the door switch. Once you have located each of these elements, open the dishwasher door, latch the door, and then press the door switch with your finger or a pencil. Turn on the dishwasher and see if anything happens.
Note: Do not use a metal item, such as a screwdriver to manually press the door switch. This could cause an electrical shock.
If, when you engage the switch manually, the dishwasher powers up, the problem is likely caused by:
- A misaligned door.
- A misaligned latch.
- A misaligned latch striker on the latch or switch.
Tightening the screws holding the latch in place could fix the problem, or you may need to replace the entire latch and switch mechanism. Determining exactly what is causing the problem can be a bit troublesome, but your best option is to start by replacing the latch if tightening the screws did not fix the issue.
If you are inexperienced working on appliances, this type of repair may be best left to the professional appliance repair technician. He or she will be able to pinpoint the problem and quickly make all of the necessary repairs for you. To learn more, contact a company like Buckeye Appliance Service.
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