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HomeRepair HelpKenmore Dishwasher RepairKenmore Dishwasher won't latch Repair
Kenmore Dishwasher won't latch
If your Kenmore dishwasher won't latch, start with the parts most likely to keep the door from lining up and catching properly. A damaged door hinge is the top cause, since a bent or broken hinge can keep the door from closing squarely. Next, check the door seal, because a misaligned or swollen seal can prevent the door from seating all the way. If the door feels heavy, drops open fast, or seems hard to control, inspect the door spring and door cable, as either one can throw off the door position and lead to a dishwasher door latch not catching. After that, look closely at the door latch itself and the door strike. If either part is cracked, bent, or worn, your dishwasher door won't latch securely. This kind of Kenmore dishwasher door won't latch problem usually comes down to worn mechanical parts, not guesswork. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact Kenmore door hinge, door seal, door spring, door cable, door latch, or door strike that fits your specific dishwasher.
01 - Kenmore Dishwasher Door Hinge
If the door hinges are damaged, the door won’t be able to latch properly. Inspect the door hinges for damage. If a hinge is bent or broken, replace it.
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02 - Kenmore Dishwasher Door Seal
A dishwasher door having trouble latching could be caused by a damaged or misaligned door seak. Confirm the seal is fully seated in its track and replace if necessary.
Highly Likely
03 - Kenmore Dishwasher Door Spring
A dishwasher door spring is attached to a cable to prevent the door from dropping down when opened and to allow the door to be more easily closed and latched. If the door feels heavy when opened or falls quickly, a broken door spring or cable is likely the cause. If the damaged component is not replaced, the strain on the door hinge can lead to hinge failure which can result in the door not latching properly. It is recommended to replace both door springs at the same time to reduce uneven wear.
Highly Likely
04 - Kenmore Dishwasher Door Latch
Inspect the door latch assembly for damage. If the door latch is broken, replace it. The door latch is not repairable—if it is broken, you must replace it.
Highly Likely
05 - Kenmore Dishwasher Door Cable
A dishwasher door cable is attached to a spring to prevent the door from dropping down when opened and to allow the door to be more easily closed and latched. If the door feels heavy when opened or falls quickly, a broken door cable or spring is likely the cause. If the damaged component is not replaced, the strain on the door hinge can lead to hinge failure which can result in the door not latching properly. It is recommended to replace both door cables at the same time to reduce uneven wear.
Highly Likely
06 - Kenmore Dishwasher Door Strike
Inspect the door strike assembly for damage. If the door strike is broken, replace it. The door strike is not repairable—if it is broken, you must replace it.
Highly Likely
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won't my Kenmore dishwasher door latch?
How do I tell if the door latch or door strike is bad on my Kenmore dishwasher?
Why does my Kenmore dishwasher door feel heavy and not close right?
Can a bad door seal keep a Kenmore dishwasher from latching?
How do I find the right door latch, hinge, spring, cable, or seal for my Kenmore dishwasher?
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