Dealing with a Bosch dishwasher door not closing can be really stressful. Without the ability to run cycles, you lose the appliance’s cleaning power. When a Bosch dishwasher door won’t close properly, it ruins your dishwashing routine.
There can be several issues that prevent your Bosch dishwasher door from closing completely. However, some of the common causes are a stuck latch and incorrectly positioned dish racks. Identifying the cause and resolving it is the key to getting the door fixed.
In this guide, I will walk you through the most common reasons why your Bosch dishwasher door is not closing. You’ll learn how to diagnose the issue through some easy checks. I’ll also provide you with some practical steps to fix the problem.
By the end, you’ll be able to get your Bosch dishwasher door closing properly again and wash those dirty dishes.
Why my Bosch dishwasher door won’t close?
Here are the top causes for a non-closing dishwasher door.
Tripped overhead latch
When it comes to a Bosch dishwasher door not closing, a tripped overhead latch is often the culprit.
The overhead latch is responsible for swinging down and sealing the door shut when you close your Bosch dishwasher. This latching action triggers the start of the wash cycle. However, these latches can sometimes get stuck in the closed position even if the door is open.
When you close your appliance door, the latch will get engaged allowing you to start the cycle. But since the door is still in the open position, you can’t start or change the cycle.
Incorrect rack positioning
The incorrectly positioned racks are one of the most common but overlooked causes of the Bosch dishwasher door that won’t close.
Dishwasher racks that are out of alignment can prevent the door from shutting completely. If the racks aren’t properly seated in the tracks at the bottom of the tub, they can block the door from closing.
Damaged door latch
When a Bosch dishwasher door refuses to close, a damaged door latch could be the reason.
When the latch is broken, it will be unable to seal and shut the door properly. This typically happens if the door gets hit or impacted at the wrong angle, which can break the latch mechanism.
With a broken latch, the dishwasher is unusable, since the door can’t be closed and latched. Just like a stuck latch, a broken one also prevents the door from sealing properly and running a cycle.
Broken door hinges
The hinges are what allow the door to open and close smoothly. But due to, aggressive or excessive opening and closing the hinges can start to crack and malfunction. If the hinges become too damaged, the door may stop working properly.
Broken hinges prevent the door from swinging on the correct alignment. When the door opens and closes, the hinges are not guiding them correctly, to achieve the right position to latch and seal.
Worn-out door springs
The door springs play a crucial role in allowing a Bosch dishwasher door to open and close properly. When these springs become worn out or damaged, it can directly cause issues with door closure.
The springs act as a counterbalance to the weight of the door. This allows the door to feel light and easy to open and close. But over time, the repeated opening and closing of the door can wear out the springs.
Once the springs are too weak or damaged, they can no longer support the weight of the door. This makes the door feel much heavier and harder to operate. Without the springs’ counterbalancing effect, the door loses alignment and often fails to close fully.
How can I fix the door of my Bosch dishwasher?
Fix the tripped overhead latch
Many people mistakenly try to flip the stuck latch upwards to correct it. But on Bosch models, the latch is held horizontally by a spring. So pull the latch outward, instead of pulling it upward to release it from its position.
This horizontal spring is tight and resistant, so some force is required when pulling out. You don’t need to worry about breaking the latch. it’s actually designed to handle the pressure of being pulled outward. With some determined outward pulling, the stuck latch will release and snap back into the upright position.
Once the latch is positioned correctly to the open position, the dishwasher door will start to close and seal properly.
Correct the rack position
Another possible reason for a non-closing dishwasher door is misaligned dish racks.
First, determine whether the racks are properly seated in the tracks or not. The wheels on the racks should move smoothly along those tracks. If not, slide the racks back into the correct aligned position.
Also, you should remove the racks and check them for any debris that could be obstructing them. Utensils or other items that have fallen to the bottom can block the racks from sitting properly. The rightly positioned dish rack will allow the door to close properly.
Replace the damaged door latch
If you have identified that your appliance door is unable to close due to a broken door latch, you will need to fix that problem.
Unfortunately, a damaged or broken door latch cannot be repaired. So, it’s always better to replace the door latch with a new one.
Bosch sells replacement door latches for their dishwasher models. Just be sure to get the latch assembly of your specific model.
Replacing the broken latch with a functioning one will instantly fix your door not closing issue.
Check the door hinges
To determine if the door hinges are the reason behind this problem, you will need to test it.
To do so, close your unit’s doors and give it a press to check for any movement or looseness. If the door shifts at all, it means the hinges are damaged and you will need to replace it.
To order the new door hinges, you can visit any genuine online or local store. Just make sure that the hinges fit your appliance model. Installing the new hinges is an easy task and requires no special tools.
But if you are not confident doing these repairs, you can always call a professional technician for assistance.
With the proper hinge replacements in place, your appliance door will get back to normal condition.
Fix the door springs
Another culprit that can cause the dishwasher door to stop closing is a damaged door spring.
Follow the given below instructions to check the spring of the door:
- First, unplug your Bosch appliance from the power source.
- Then, pull it out slightly from under the counter to access the door springs.
- The door springs are located on either side of the door and connect to the hinge mechanisms.
- Inspect the door springs carefully to check for any damage.
- If they are broken or appear damaged, appear will need to be replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace a dishwasher door latch?
Replacing a dishwasher door latch can cost between $10 to $100, with the average part around $25. The expense varies based on the latch’s size. A malfunctioning latch, if not replaced, hinders proper door closure, disrupting dishwasher functionality.
Why is my door suddenly not latching?
When your door suddenly won’t latch, the likely culprit is a faulty engagement between the latch and strike plate. The absence of clicks or snaps during closure indicates this issue, affecting the door’s ability to stay closed.
Is it worth repairing the dishwasher door?
Repairing a dishwasher door is worth it if the cost is below 50% of a new unit’s price. For instance, if a replacement costs $500, don’t spend more than $250 on repairs. Frequent repairs within a year are also a sign it’s time for a new dishwasher.
Why does my dishwasher door fall off?
If your dishwasher door falls off, it’s likely due to broken door springs. The springs control the door’s movement, preventing sudden drops or slams. A quick, unresisted door movement signals broken springs.
Conclusion
If your Bosch dishwasher door won’t close properly, it can affect the appliance’s functioning. Thankfully, a few troubleshooting steps can help diagnose the issue. Common issues like a tripped latch, damaged hinges, worn-out door springs, and wrongly placed racks can all prevent the door from closing correctly.
Once the specific cause is identified, you can easily fix the problem. You can head over to the article to read the detailed troubleshooting guide. Also, if you are confused about solving the issue, call a professional for help.
Following the fixing guide will surely retain your dishwasher functionality and you will be able to clean the dishes again
