The dishwasher soap dispenser door latch is a crucial component that ensures the proper release of detergent during the wash cycle. Without a correctly functioning latch, your dishwasher may not clean your dishes effectively, leading to residue and unclean dishes.
Some models, like the Whirlpool 676413 Latch Kit, are genuine replacement parts that can be used for this type of repair.
Fixing a dishwasher soap dispenser door latch can seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it becomes manageable. The dispenser unit, which includes the latch, slide, door spring, and overall inspection of the dishwasher’s soap dispenser itself, plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of a dishwasher. This guide will walk you through the steps to identify and fix common issues with your dishwasher soap dispenser door latch.
Some models, like the Whirlpool 676413 Latch Kit, are genuine replacement parts that can be used for this repair.
The dishwasher soap dispenser is responsible for releasing detergent into the dishwasher to clean dishes. If the dispenser door latch has a problem, dishes won’t come out clean. It is important to keep the dispenser in good shape through regular maintenance and repairs.
Fixing the door latch is a simple task that can be done without expert help. Internal mechanisms like the wax motor or timer can also cause the latch to malfunction. The dispenser door spring and hinge pin should also be checked for damage.
What causes your Whirlpool dishwasher soap door latch to breakdown?
Old age- Even the best countertop dishwasher usually wear and tear with time. The older your dishwasher soap door latch, the higher the likelihood of it breaking down.
Lack of maintenance- Dishwasher soap door latch needs regular repair, replacement, and maintenance to function optimally. Regular maintenance includes ensuring that all components are up to date and functioning correctly.
This involves cleaning it regularly to remove dirt soap deposits and dust that have gathered around, applying suitable lubricants to enhance smooth movement, and much more. Make sure to update your dishwasher’s components to keep them in good working order.
Broken internal mechanism – If your dishwasher soap dispenser door latch does not open, then the internal mechanism could be broken. When a section of the lock is broken, then many things could go wrong. One of the signs that indicate that the internal mechanism has broken is if the door latch sticks when you attempt to open it. To access and fix the dishwasher soap dispenser latch replacement part, you may need to remove the inner door panel.
Additionally, removing the outer door panel can help you access internal components like the dishwasher timer itself, wax motor, and bi-metal switch for maintenance and testing purposes.
How to correctly fix dishwasher soap dispenser door latch?
Things you will need:
- A screwdriver
- A Torx head screwdriver No 15
- Dishwasher detergent dispenser spring
- Detergent dispenser module
- Dispenser latch
- Wax motor
Instructions step by step:
Step one: switch off the dishwasher
Start by unplugging the power plug. This will help prevent you from accidentally touching a live wire.
Try to start the dishwasher once you have turned the power supply off just to be sure that you have cut off the connection to the power supply.
Step two: Remove both the control panel and door panel
Open the dishwasher door then remove all Number 15 Torx head screws from the edge of the dishwasher door. Use a Torx head screwdriver No 15 to remove the screws. Shut the door once you are done.
Removing the control panel allows you to view the internal components of the dishwasher.
Gently pull the front panel from the door of the dishwasher to uncover the backside view of the door panel.
Step three: Remove the dispenser parts
Remove any insulating material from behind to expose a spring that connects to release the actuator arm. If the spring has deviated for its course, reconnect it or replace it if it is broken.
However, this is only possible for dishwashers that were made before 2006. If you are using a newer model like double drawer dishwasher, then you will not see this spring. In this case, you need to locate and replace the entire dispenser module.
Gently pull wire connector from the backside of the dispenser module and remove all screws attached to the dispenser module bracket to expose the interior door panel. Remove the dispenser and mounting bracket then open the dishwasher door to remove the dispenser module from the door panel.
Step four: Install a new dispenser
Attach the new dispenser bracket module to the door panel then close the door open the dishwasher door. Also, replace the dispenser bracket then tighten the screws that you had previously removed to hold the bracket in place.
Step five: Reattach the control panel and door panel
Connect the wire connector to the modular dispenser assembly. Replace the Torx head screws that you had removed from the dishwasher’s interior panel. Plug the dishwasher back to the power socket. Check if your repair was successful by putting the machine through a rigorous test.
Conclusion and update
The soap dispenser door latch is a very crucial component in a portable dishwasher. If it is not functioning properly well, then your dishes will not come out clean. It is, therefore, essential to ensure that it is in good shape all the time. If breaks down, then you will have to incur huge costs hiring an expert to fix it. Instead, you can fix it by yourself by following the simple step by step instruction that we have listed above.
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