[raymac1215]

Hi, I ordered part # AP4264452 for my Maytag dishwasher. this is the latch assembly handle. Upon trying to remove the old assbly , I am unable to pull the electrical connectors off of the switches. Is there a trick to this or just brute force? I am afraid of breaking the plastic connectors.Thanks

[denman]

I usually get a flat screwdriver and place it between the switch body and the connector. Then twist the screwdriver to force the connector off.

[raymac1215]

I did try that, but they are connected so tight I was afraid to break the connector. I'll try it again. There appears to be a hole in the male connecter that holds it in place in the connector. I was able to get one side to come out which is how I seen the hole in the metal strip, but the other side is really stuck. I'll try again. Thanks for the advice and I appreciate your help. Just wanted to be sure there was no release pressure point I was missing.

[raymac1215]

Hi , I really put some force on that screw driver and the connectors came off. One of the switches on the old unit fell apart, but you don't reuse them. Thanks for all your help, the dishwasher works perfect.

[shorpy]

I had the same problem. Flat screw dirivers worked nicely. I used two, going form a smaller to a larger. I could not do it manually, and was surprised at how easily it came out with the screwdrivers. I ordered part Tuesday with normal delivery and it arrived FedEx on Wednesday. Great delivery service and great online help site.

[raymac1215]

Thanks, I got them off and the new handle assbly installed. By chance do you know how hard it is to replace the heater coil on the bottom? mine is corroding apart.

[shorpy]

Originally Posted by raymac1215

Thanks, I got them off and the new handle assbly installed. By chance do you know how hard it is to replace the heater coil on the bottom? mine is corroding apart.

Sorry. I probably reached my limit of repair at the latch. It was an easy one to identify. But I suspect that most of the parts are probably fairly easy once you figure out the accessibilty.

[denman]

Here are the parts
Replacement parts for MAYTAG MDBH950AWW DISHWASHER- UNDERCOUNTER | AppliancePartsPros.com

I would replace the heater and a new set of gaskets (Item 29 in Section 6)

Replacing it is easy, the hard part is that it is best to pull the dishwasher out from under the cabinet so the connections are easy to get at.

Replacing it can be done with the unit in place but you need long arms, a talent for working on things without being able to see them and you do not mind skinned knuckles, so pulling the unit will probably save you time in the long run.

The drain, water supply line and power connection may have to be disconnected depending on the slack in the lines.

Turn off the water supply and the power.
Sometimes the drain line can be disconnected at the house plumbing which makes draining the unit easier.
Have dirty towels, rags etc. handy to sop up any water that may spill out.

One little trick that reduces the spillage is to use a shallow pan under the water valve. Loosen the input line till it starts to drain/drip and then empty the pan as necessary till the dripping is done. Tightening the fitting to stop the dripping between emptying.
Not sure if the above makes sense.

I would also check/clean the screen filter on the input side of the water valve while you have access to it.
Do not remove it permanently from the valve as it is there to keep crud out of the valve which could hold it open and cause a flood.

If they use the squeeze type hose clamp on any fitting that you have to remove, I would replace it with a screw type.

Do not over tighten the nuts holding the element to the tub.

Here is the install sheet which may help pulling the unit.
http://shared.whirlpoolcorp.com/asse...e/6918789B.PDF