Oven Convection Fan Not Working? 6 Causes and What to Do
A convection fan that will not spin is usually a failed fan motor, a seized blade, a door switch or a relay on the control board. Here is how to narrow it down.
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Why won't my dishwasher door latch?
A dishwasher door usually will not latch for 5 reasons: a rack, dish or utensil is in the way, the strike plate has moved, the dishwasher is not level or has come loose from the counter, the latch itself is broken, or the hinges and door springs are worn. If the door closes but the dishwasher will not start, the latch switch is the most likely part.
If the door still will not latch after the checks below, our dishwasher repair Mountain View technicians replace latches, switches, hinges and springs on Bosch, KitchenAid, Whirlpool, GE, Samsung, LG and Miele dishwashers.
How do you tell which part is the problem?
Watch the latch hook and the strike as you close the door slowly. If the hook hits the strike off-center, the dishwasher has shifted. If the hook does not move when you press the door, the latch is broken. If you hear a click but get no lights or start, the switch is at fault.
| What happens | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Door stops before it closes | Rack, dish or tall pan in the way |
| Hook hits the frame, no click | Dishwasher not level or loose from the counter |
| No click at all, latch feels loose | Broken latch or strike |
| Clicks shut but will not start | Failed latch switch |
| Door falls open or springs back | Worn hinges, springs or cables |
What are the 5 most common causes?
1. Something in the way
A lower rack pushed in crooked, a tall cutting board, or a spoon hanging through the basket can stop the door short. Pull both racks out and slide them back in until they stop.
2. The dishwasher has shifted
The dishwasher is held by two small brackets screwed to the counter or the cabinet sides. If a screw pulls out, the tub tips forward and the latch no longer lines up. This is common under stone counters.
3. A broken latch or strike
The latch is a plastic part with a metal hook and a spring. It wears over thousands of closings. A strike plate on the tub can also crack.
4. A failed latch switch
Inside the latch is a switch, or two on many models. When it fails, the door closes but the control never gets the signal. You may see no lights at all, or the start light blinks.
5. Worn hinges and door springs
Springs and cables on each side hold the door's weight. When one breaks, the door drops open fast or springs back and will not stay against the tub.
Dishwasher door still will not latch? Call now for dishwasher repair in Mountain View.
What can you check safely?
- Pull out both racks and slide them back in. Check the wheels are on the rails.
- Close the door slowly and watch where the hook meets the strike.
- Open the door and look at the top edge of the dishwasher where it meets the counter. Tighten any loose bracket screws.
- Check that the dishwasher is level. A small level on the door opening helps. Adjust the front feet if needed.
- Lower the door halfway and let go. It should stay put or drop slowly. If it falls, a spring or cable has failed.
Turn off the dishwasher's breaker before you remove any door panel. The latch switch is wired to line voltage, and the door edge is sharp.
Is it the latch or a different problem?
If the door latches and the lights come on but the dishwasher still does nothing, the problem may be the control or the power supply. Our guide on a dishwasher that won't start covers those checks. If the door latches but water leaks out the front, read our guide on a leaking dishwasher, since a worn door gasket is often the cause.
Repair or replace?
A latch problem is almost always worth repairing. Latches, switches and springs are small parts. Most dishwasher repairs in Mountain View cost about $150 to $400 with parts and labor, and a latch job is usually in the lower half. Replacement makes sense only if the dishwasher is old and also has a rusted tub or a failed pump at the same time.
Other common repairs we see in Mountain View
Something else acting up? These guides may help: why wont my oven turn on, dryer keeps shutting off after a few minutes and a washer wont drain after the cycle ends. For dryer trouble you cannot fix, see our dryer repair Mountain View page.
Frequently asked questions
Why won't my dishwasher door latch?
The most common causes are a rack or dish sticking out, a strike plate that moved, a dishwasher that is not level or not screwed to the counter, a broken latch, or worn door hinges and springs.
Why does my dishwasher close but not start?
The latch has a switch inside that tells the control the door is shut. If the switch fails, the door feels closed but the dishwasher thinks it is open and will not start. A technician can test the switch with a meter.
Can I fix a dishwasher latch myself?
You can push racks in, tighten the strike and check that the dishwasher is level and screwed to the counter. Replacing the latch means opening the door panel near wiring, so most people call a technician.
How much does dishwasher repair cost in Mountain View?
Most dishwasher repairs in Mountain View cost about $150 to $400 with parts and labor. A latch or door switch is usually in the lower half of that range. You get the price before work starts.
