April 20, 2023

Dishwasher: Why does my dishwasher door drop open too fast?

Tension springs connected to the door hinges help control how fast your dishwasher’s door drops when you open it.

When the door drops without any resistance, a tension spring may be broken or disconnected. Follow the steps in our How to replace a dishwasher door spring repair guide to reconnect a disconnected dishwasher door spring or replace a broken spring.

If a dishwasher door spring is broken, replace both springs at the same time to ensure that the control tension is the same on both sides of the door.

Check the dishwasher door hinges while examining the door springs. Replace damaged or broken door hinges, because they can contribute to the dishwasher door falling open too fast.

dishwasher

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR DISHWASHER PROBLEM

JC-DISH-Replace-the-dishwasher-door-hinge-spring

Replace the dishwasher door hinge spring

A door hinge spring attaches to each side of the dishwasher door hinges. The door springs provides tension when the dishwasher door opens so it doesn't drop down too quickly. If a spring is broken, the door drops without control, and the door springs need to be replaced. Replace both springs so the sides have equal tension.

Dishwasher door hinge spring

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-DISH-Replace-Dishwasher-Door-Spring-Intro-Image
April 01, 2014

How to replace a dishwasher door spring

If your dishwasher door falls open too quickly, chances are the door spring is broken. This easy-to-follow repair guide shows you how to replace the door springs yourself.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
JC-DISH-Replace-the-dishwasher-door-hinge

Replace the dishwasher door hinge

The dishwasher door hinge is attached to a spring. It pivots on a pin to allow the door to open and close in a controlled manner. If the door hinge is damaged, it won't allow the door to open and close properly. In that situation, replace the door hinge.

Dishwasher door hinge

Find the required part specific to your product.

Symptoms common to all dishwashers

Choose a symptom to see related dishwasher repairs.

Main cause: damaged rack height adjuster
Main causes: water supply problem, stuck overfill float, clogged water inlet valve screen, water inlet valve failure
Main causes: improper loading, low water temperature, improper detergent dosage, detergent dispenser failure, spray arm or pump problems
Main causes: damaged or stuck spray arm, leaking door seal, damaged door hinge, leaky heating element water seal, cracked water supply line
Main causes: broken door latch, tripped circuit breaker, broken heating element, faulty vent fan, sensor failure, control system problem
Main causes: light switch beside the sink turned off, lack of power, bad dishwasher door switch, control system failure, wiring problem
Main causes: clogged kitchen sink drain, clogged drain hose, drain check valve damaged, drain pump failure, control system problem
Main causes: broken door spring, damaged or broken door hinge
Main causes: glass or popcorn kernel stuck in the chopper blade, drain line vibrating against the cabinet, debris in wash pump or drain pump

Repair guides common to all dishwashers

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your dishwasher.

How to replace a dishwasher door latch assembly

If the dishwasher door doesn't click shut, a broken door latch is a likely cause. Follow these instructions to replace it yourself.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace a dishwasher user interface control

The user interface control houses the selection buttons and display. If it fails, you can't select the cycle and settings. Follow these instructions to replace it yourself.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace a dishwasher thermal fuse

A completely dead control panel often indicates that the thermal fuse on the electronic control board is blown; follow these steps to replace a blown thermal fuse in your dishwasher.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Articles and videos common to all dishwashers

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your dishwasher.

November 13, 2022

7 Tips to Get Your Dishwasher Ready for the Holidays

7 Tips to Get Your Dishwasher Ready for the Holidays

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How to reset a Whirlpool dishwasher

How to reset a Whirlpool dishwasher

Learn how to reset a Whirlpool dishwasher when its control freezes up.

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How to read a wiring schematic video

How to read a wiring schematic video

Learn how to decipher symbols so you can buy the right part for your problem.