Dishwasher Door doesn't close tight to activate wash

Dishwasher Repair
1

I have a Kenmore dishwasher. I can not find the model number anywhere on it. I moved into this house with this problem already happening to the dishwasher so don’t know any history. The door will not close tight to make the dishwasher start washing. If I lean against it to make it close tighter, the dishwasher will go through the whole cycle. I’ve resorted to propping a piece of wood against it to create the tension it needs to work but it’s rather cumbersome every time I want to wash the dishes! :smiley: There is a metal piece with a rectangular hole on the dishwasher side with a plastic rectangular tip on the door that is supposed to fit inside the hole and keep the door closed. As far as I can tell, the tip fits inside the hole but it just doesn’t pull it tight enough to activate the dishwasher. It is a 20 yr old dishwasher and I want to repair it if I can but will buy a new one if it gets too expensive to repair. The soap door also has a problem but will post it in the next thread. Thanks for replies!

2

PS…It is a Kenmore Ultra Wash II dishwasher.

3

We definitely need the complete model number of the dishwasher. There are tons of different dishwashers. You can find the name plate on the door frame.

Gene.

4

Model number 665.1571592 Now I have another problem though! I tried to take off the inner door but one of the screws is stripped! The screw just keeps turning and turning. I tried putting a screwdriver between the inner door and the frame to create tension and then unscrewing it but it just keeps turning. I’m down to thinking I need to take a hacksaw and saw the screw head off. Any suggestions? Thanks!

5

If this is a left or right upper corner screw then most likely a plastic piece of the console with a thread for this screw is broken off. The console has to be replaced.

Gene.

6

Thank you Gene for writing. Yes, it is the upper left screw! I looked up the part on Sears and the console is discontinued on their website. APP says that it “needs special attention” and to call. If it is the console, then I also have a soap dispenser door problem and the door latching problem and since I have been messing with the door screws, now just the pump comes on and no water comes out but not all the screws are back in the door. Anyway, I am wondering if it is time to hang it up on this 18 yr old dishwasher?
Barb

7

Hi Barb,

Looks like it’s time to buy a new dishwasher, especially if the console is no longer available.

Gene.