Why doesn't the door on my dishwasher lock? What causes the problem and how can it be fixed?

When a dishwasher door won't lock, it doesn't necessarily mean it's faulty. For example, when installing new devices, you need to choose the right facade - if it is too heavy, the panel will constantly sag. But there are also more serious reasons associated with the breakdown of the locking mechanism. This article describes how to eliminate violations.

Main causes and types of malfunctions

The simplest explanation for why the dishwasher door does not lock is due to errors when integrating it into the set. Usually an external façade panel is attached to it so that the unit is invisible.

In the instructions, the manufacturer indicates the maximum weight of such a panel - it should be in the range of 2-7 kg. If you exceed this value even slightly, the door will not close tightly enough, which can even lead to breakdown of the mechanism.

There may be another reason related to a manufacturing defect or insufficiently high build quality. If the dishwasher door does not lock, this can lead to the following consequences:

• difficult closing and opening (with force);
• opening too quickly;
• door misalignment;
• uneven connection (for example, it is tight on top, but not on the side);
• The door hinges bend and the hinges fail.
• abrasion of cables, cracks in plastic holders.

You can determine why the dishwasher door does not lock by carefully examining the locking mechanism and the panel itself. In practice, 2 types of malfunctions often occur:

1. The door of a Bosch dishwasher or another model does not lock. Moreover, when it is open, it falls to the floor or deviates greatly. Therefore, when opening the panel you have to hold it with your hand.
2. The door presses hard and slams on its own. Again, you have to hold it, but this is inconvenient, especially when removing dishes.

The latter situation does not necessarily indicate a breakdown. The reasons may be:

1. The door is not fully open: if the angle is less than 30°, it will slam shut automatically, which is provided on most models.
2. The machine is new, and the facade has not yet been installed on it (we are talking only about fully built-in devices).
3. The facade has already been installed, but its mass is insufficient. For example, it is necessary to install a panel weighing 3 kg, but in fact it is 2 kg.
4. Finally, if the door of the dishwasher does not lock, this may be due to a feature of the model itself. After installation, it is necessary to further adjust the mechanism - then it will work properly. But this requirement only applies to older units, since in modern devices the adjustment is already made at the factory.

How to make repairs

First of all, you need to install the façade of the required mass and make adjustments. If this does not help, then the cause is due to damage to the mechanism, which consists of several parts:

• tension cable;
• spring;
• holder securing the cable to the spring;
• door hinges;
• closer (provides smooth closing).

If faults are found that prevent the Bosch dishwasher door from locking, repairs must be made. It comes down to replacing an individual element or the entire mechanism as a whole (this is important in case of severe wear). The step-by-step instructions are as follows:

1. Turn off the power, press any button on the control panel and make sure that it does not respond.
2. Unscrew each bolt around the perimeter of the door.
3. Remove the door from the outside, as well as the control panel. When unscrewing the last 2 screws, you need to support the panel with your hand, otherwise it will fall.
4. Disconnect the wires from the control panel.
5. Remove the door latch by disconnecting the wiring harness.
6. Install new latch parts and secure the lock. It will help if the dishwasher door does not stay on.
7. Return the outer door to its place, install the control panel, connect the wires.
8. Make sure that the dishwasher door does not fall, fits as tightly as possible to the surface and at the same time closes smoothly.
9. If the dishwasher does not latch, inspect the mechanism again, tighten the bolts, and make adjustments if necessary. If the dishwasher is built-in, put a weight, secure it, for example, with tape, and see how the panel closes.
10. Turn on the unit, make sure that the control panel is installed correctly (press each button in turn, see if they respond to commands).

It should be understood that if the dishwasher lock is broken, self-repair is only possible if you have the appropriate skills. If you are not sure, it is recommended to contact a specialist.