Why won't my dishwasher start even though the door seems closed?

A common reason is a faulty door latch or door switch. Even if the door appears closed, the latch's internal switch might not be signaling the control board that it's secure. This prevents the wash cycle from starting to avoid leaks or operational hazards. Inspect the latch for physical damage or wear.

Can a faulty door latch cause leaks?

Yes, absolutely. If the door latch does not hold the door tightly sealed against the tub gasket, water can escape during the wash cycle. This often manifests as puddles on the floor around the front of the dishwasher. A worn or broken latch may not apply enough pressure to create a watertight seal.

Is it difficult to replace a dishwasher door latch?

Replacing a dishwasher door latch is generally considered a moderate difficulty repair. It typically involves disconnecting power, disassembling the inner portion of the dishwasher door, disconnecting electrical connections, and then installing the new part. While not overly complex, it requires careful handling of wiring and door panels.

Dishwasher Door Latch Replacement Guide

Appliance Aid takes part in the Amazon Associates programme. Some links on this page are affiliate links, and a qualifying purchase earns us a commission. Your price is unchanged.

🏆 RECOMMENDED PART

WPW10653840 Dishwasher Door Latch for Whirlpool Kenmore KitchenAid 3281753

WPW10653840 Door Latch - A high quality equivalent for parts WPW10653840, AP6023622, W10653840, 3281753, PS11756967, and W10574864.
The WPW10653840 is a highly durable product that is compatible with Whirlpool, Kenmore, KitchenAid, and Maytag dishwashers.
Replacing a part in your appliance can be a simple DIY task. This product can help you to fix the following symptoms: door latch failure, door won’t close, will not start, or leaking. Consult the appliance's manual or...
high quality Materials: Our replacement parts are crafted from premium materials to ensure durability and long-lasting performance, providing you with reliable solutions for your home appliances.
Wide Compatibility: Designed to fit a variety of popular home appliance models, our replacement parts offer a convenient and versatile solution to keep your appliances in top working condition.

Check Price on Amazon

What the WPW10653840 does

The dishwasher door latch secures the door shut during operation, preventing water leaks and allowing the wash cycle to begin. It typically activates a switch that signals the dishwasher that the door is safely closed.

Symptoms when this part fails

Dishwasher will not start
Door will not latch closed
Dishwasher leaks from the door
Cycle stops unexpectedly
Error code related to door switch

Compatibility

Fits the Maytag family. Specifically:

Any unit originally equipped with OEM part number(s): WPW10653840.
Check the model/rating plate inside your appliance and compare it against the fitment table on the product listing before ordering — this guide does not list specific compatible models because Amazon does not provide verified fitment data through this pipeline.

Tools you'll need

Screwdriver (Phillips or Torx)
Pliers
Work gloves
Nut driver (if applicable)

Difficulty: Moderate · Time: 30-60 minutes

How to install the WPW10653840, step by step

Disconnect power to the dishwasher at the circuit breaker.
Open the dishwasher door and remove screws securing the inner door panel.
Carefully separate the inner and outer door panels.
Disconnect wiring from the old latch assembly.
Remove screws or clips holding the old latch in place.
Install the new latch assembly, connecting wiring securely.
Reassemble the door panels and secure them with screws.
Restore power and test the dishwasher.

Related troubleshooting

If swapping this part doesn't fix the issue, check these next:

Dishwasher Door Latch Broken? Replace It Yourself for Under $30