Models > WDT970SAHZ0 > Symptoms > Door latch failure

Parts That Fix Whirlpool Dishwasher WDT970SAHZ0 Door latch failure

Door latch failure is a commonly reported symptom for the WDT970SAHZ0 Whirlpool Dishwasher, and we have put together a full guide on how to fix this. This advice is based on feedback from people who own this exact appliance. We have listed the most common parts for your WDT970SAHZ0 Whirlpool Dishwasher that will fix Door latch failure. We have included repair instructions, and helpful step-by-step video tutorials. If you are experiencing this issue, not to worry, DIYers just like you have fixed this, and shared their experience to help you!

Fixes Symptom 81% of time
★★★★★
★★★★★
199 Reviews

Rated by 184 customers 

  

Easy 

15 - 30 mins 

Ratings submitted by customers like you who bought this part.   

This part is a door balance link kit, also sometimes known as door cable or door spring cable kit, that helps support the door as it opens and closes by connecting to the dishwasher door hinges. The kit includes two door balance links and two door balance mounts with wheels, which will replace both the left and right sides. The only tool needed is a 5/16 nut driver. Before removing the existing kit, take note of how the door balance link kit is assembled for a smooth replacement process. It is recommended to check the door springs in case they need to be replaced as well.

$ 33.12
  In Stock
PartSelect Number PS972325
Manufacturer Part Number 8194001

Replacing your KitchenAid Dishwasher Door Balance Link Kit

Replacing your Door Balance Link Kit

Customer Repair Stories

Door spring link broken

1. Open the dishwasher and remove the two plastic grommets about halfway down on either side of the opening. Then remove the two screws under the grommets.

2. Remove the kick plate under the door. May have to lower unit by turning the feet using the adjustable wrench.

3. Make sure you have enough slack in the water input line and electrical wiring that you can pull the dishwasher out about 12 inches or more.

4. There is a spring and nylon rope link on both sides of the unit. Probably just one link is broken, but the replacement comes with two, so you can replace both or save one as a spare. Look at the good side and it should be pretty self explanatory how it attaches. I found it easiest to first thread the link around the lower pulley, then attach the link to the spring, then spring to the rear support, then the link to the door.

5. Reverse (2 to 1) to reinstall the dishwasher.
  • Sean from Ramona, CA
  • Difficulty Level:
    Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    15 - 30 mins
  • Tools:
    Screw drivers, Wrench (Adjustable)
153 of 178 people found this instruction helpful.
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Replaced Hinge Link

Pulled dishwasher from under counter, attached link to spring, hooked spring back into frame/chassis, threaded link through pulleys, attached other end of link onto door, reinstalled dishwasher under counter. All's well. Note-I purchased an extra link anticipating that the other one will fail. They're cheap enough.
  • Scott from Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • Difficulty Level:
    Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    Less than 15 mins
  • Tools:
    Screw drivers
622 of 661 people found this instruction helpful.
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Fixes Symptom 7% of time
★★★★★
★★★★★
10 Reviews

Rated by 5 customers 

  

Easy 

1- 2 hours 

Ratings submitted by customers like you who bought this part.   

$ 36.58
  In Stock
PartSelect Number PS11756967
Manufacturer Part Number WPW10653840

Replacing your Whirlpool Dishwasher Door Latch - Black

Replacing your Door Latch - Black

Customer Repair Stories

Door latch wouldn't close

Turned off power to the dishwasher. Removed the front panel via the screws on the inner wall of the door. Lifted and pulled out the front panel. Disconnected cable connections to fully remove the front panel. Pressed down on the latches to the left and right side of the door latch. Pulled out the door latch. Put in new door latch until it clicked into place. Reattached cable connections. Put the front panel back on with the screws. Turned back on power to the dishwasher.
  • Colin from Goffstown, NH
  • Difficulty Level:
    Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    30 - 60 mins
  • Tools:
    Screw drivers
3 of 3 people found this instruction helpful.
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Door would not latch shut

Following a utube video made it easy. Removed the outer cover of the door to expose latch. Two screws remove the latch, pay attention to how it was positioned and put the new one on and then replace the panel. But first turn off the electricity to the unit at the fuse box.
  • RONALD from PRESCOTT, AZ
  • Difficulty Level:
    Really Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    30 - 60 mins
5 of 5 people found this instruction helpful.
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Fixes Symptom 3% of time
★★★★★
★★★★★
601 Reviews

Rated by 35 customers 

  

Really Easy 

30 - 60 mins 

Ratings submitted by customers like you who bought this part.   

This authentic Dishwasher Upper Rack Adjuster Kit with white wheels is a kit made up of primarily plastic and metal components, which will require a screwdriver to install. This kit comes with all the necessary parts for a dishwasher rack adjuster. It fits onto the dishwasher rack and connects it to the track allowing it to slide in and out. If broken then the rack will no longer slide properly, and the part must be replaced. In many cases, our customers have reported the top rack of their dishwasher hanging down or sagging due to the adjuster kit, particularly if the wheels, have broken or failed. If you are having problems in this area, this kit will help get your dishwasher back up and running. Check your model number and user manual to see if this part is right for you. The parts for this kit come as a package and are not generally sold individually.

$ 47.83
  In Stock
PartSelect Number PS10065979
Manufacturer Part Number W10712395

Replacing your Kenmore Dishwasher Upper Rack Adjuster Kit - White Wheels, Left and Right Sides

Replacing your Upper Rack Adjuster Kit - White Wheels, Left and Right Sides

Customer Repair Stories

Roller wheel on dishwasher broke

OEM roller wheels were on plastic shaft which broke. Replacement was on stainless steel bracket with metal shaft, better quality. Don't think I will have to replace again.
  • Richard from LAKEWOOD, CO
  • Difficulty Level:
    Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    15 - 30 mins
  • Tools:
    Screw drivers
43 of 45 people found this instruction helpful.
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Instruction from Whirlpool Not Good (No problem with Part Select)

Trial and error. The instructions from Whirlpool included with the part had minuscule pictures so it was hard to follow. The written instructions were good. But "a picture is worth a thousand words." Eventually it worked. The metal replacement part is much better the the plastic original. Not a good reflection on Whirlpool.
  • Richard from OAKLAND, CA
  • Difficulty Level:
    Difficult
  • Total Repair Time:
    1- 2 hours
  • Tools:
    Screw drivers
68 of 89 people found this instruction helpful.
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Fixes Symptom 3% of time
★★★★★
★★★★★
13 Reviews

Rated by 5 customers 

  

Really Easy 

15 - 30 mins 

Ratings submitted by customers like you who bought this part.   

The mounting bracket is sold individually, without screws. This part secures the upper side of the dishwasher to the underside of the counter or cabinet to prevent the dishwasher from moving, shaking, or tilting forward. The bracket is made entirely of metal. It is recommended to check all brackets, if applicable, because they often wear at the same rate and both may need to be replaced. This is an OEM part that is sourced from the authentic manufacturer. Tools needed are a pair of needle nose pliers and a screwdriver.

$ 10.04
  In Stock
PartSelect Number PS11745496
Manufacturer Part Number WP8269145

Replacing your KitchenAid Dishwasher Mounting Bracket

Replacing your Mounting Bracket

Customer Repair Stories

Broken Mounting bracket

Removed old part and replaced with new part
  • Roy from HIGGINSVILLE, MO
  • Difficulty Level:
    Really Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    15 - 30 mins
  • Tools:
    Screw drivers
8 of 13 people found this instruction helpful.
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Lost dishwasher brackets

I called an experienced plumber, who balanced and installed my new dishwasher properly, using the brackets I ordered from Parts Select, after an INEXPERIENCED plumber had tossed the factory-provided mounting brackets out with the shipping carton. Relief!
  • Judith from Essex, MA
  • Difficulty Level:
    Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    15 - 30 mins
  • Tools:
    Screw drivers
75 of 106 people found this instruction helpful.
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Fixes Symptom 2% of time
★★★★★
★★★★★
4 Reviews

Rated by 9 customers 

  

Really Easy 

15 - 30 mins 

Ratings submitted by customers like you who bought this part.   

This dishwasher door spring is sold individually. It is recommended if you are replacing one side, to replace both.

$ 33.32
  In Stock
PartSelect Number PS11745526
Manufacturer Part Number WP8270020

Replacing your KitchenAid Dishwasher Door Spring

Replacing your Door Spring

Customer Repair Stories

Door spring broke-Door falls down

Remove the mounting screws that hold the dishwasher under the counter top. Remove dust cover plates at the bottom of the machine. The machine will have to be pulled out, so turn off the water to the machine. Usually under the kitchen sink. Disconnect water supply and push it out of the way so the dishwasher can be pulled out. Pull machine out enough so you have access to the door cables and springs. The door will have to be in the closed(up) position to do the repair. Usually only one side is broken. Start with the broken side and copy the working side when installing new parts. Then repair the working side. To get the working side apart just pull on the spring and disconnect it from the cable. Do the reverse to reinstall.
  • Peter from JERICHO, NY
  • Difficulty Level:
    Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    15 - 30 mins
  • Tools:
    Screw drivers, Socket set, Wrench (Adjustable)
6 of 7 people found this instruction helpful.
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The Door Just Falls Down

After unscrewing the dishwasher, I pulled out the washer, I saw that the springs were attached just by strings that were broken... I just used the strings from an old lanyard, retied everything, and did not need the springs! works well!
  • Neil from Winchester, VA
  • Difficulty Level:
    Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    15 - 30 mins
  • Tools:
    Nutdriver, Screw drivers
52 of 83 people found this instruction helpful.
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Fixes Symptom 1% of time
★★★★★
★★★★★
117 Reviews

Rated by 41 customers 

  

Really Easy 

30 - 60 mins 

Ratings submitted by customers like you who bought this part.   

The rack track stop on your dishwasher is designed to stop the dish rack at the appropriate place when opening and closing the rack. If your dishwasher is not cleaning your dishes properly, the rack stop may need to be replaced. The replacement part may differ slightly from the broken part, depending on the model. However, the different styles are interchangeable. This product is sold individually and comes in both a white and grey plastic version. Many of our customers found this repair to be very easy and takes less than 30 minutes to complete. Simply snap the old part out and snap the new part into place. You will not require any tools to complete the job. This is an authentic part approved by the manufacturer.

$ 7.71
  In Stock
PartSelect Number PS11746591
Manufacturer Part Number WP8565925

Replacing your Whirlpool Dishwasher Rack Track Stop

Replacing your Rack Track Stop

Customer Repair Stories

Roller wheel broke off upper rack and also end rack stops needed replacing.

Husband watched your repair video. Everything went well and we are very pleased.
  • Carole from IRVINE, CA
  • Difficulty Level:
    A Bit Difficult
  • Total Repair Time:
    1- 2 hours
  • Tools:
    Screw drivers
3 of 3 people found this instruction helpful.
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Lost stop from one side of top rack. Rack could be pulled off track.

Looked at other side of top rack which still had the stop. Just had to orient the direction of the stop and push it firmly onto the rack arm. Took a couple tries, but it went in and locked. Works perfectly. Inexpensive and easy fix to to very annoying problem.
  • Sheila from FAYETTEVILLE, NY
  • Difficulty Level:
    Very Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    Less than 15 mins
8 of 11 people found this instruction helpful.
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Fixes Symptom 1% of time
★★★★★
★★★★★
19 Reviews

Rated by 7 customers 

  

Really Easy 

30 - 60 mins 

Ratings submitted by customers like you who bought this part.   

Detergent dispenser W10861000 is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part that fits some Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag and Amana dishwashers. Detergent dispenser W10861000 attaches to the inner door panel and holds the dishwasher detergent and rinse aid in covered compartments. This dishwasher detergent dispenser measures approximately 5 inches wide and 4.5 inches high.

$ 158.01
  In Stock
PartSelect Number PS11731570
Manufacturer Part Number W10861000

Customer Repair Stories

Detergent dispenser latch broken

Replaced the detergent dispenser module by first unscrewing the front outer cover from the dishwasher and removing it, then by unplugging the old detergent dispenser, then by bending the metal latch clips outward to remove the old detergent dispenser, then by bending the metal latch clips inward before inserting the new detergent dispenser, plugging the new one into the wiring harness then re-securing the front outer cover of the dishwasher door.

This repair could be done in under 15 minutes but my dishwasher is so old that there was a lot of gunk built-up around the screws that hold the front cover on that I wanted to take my time cleaning up real nice.

The detergent dispenser is VITAL for getting dishes clean. Without it working properly, the detergent will be removed from the wash during the pre-wash/soak function and your dishes will not come out clean. I HIGHLY recommend doing this repair if your detergent dispenser is not working, and I had a great experience with www.PartSelect.com
  • Benjamin from KNOXVILLE, TN
  • Difficulty Level:
    Really Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    30 - 60 mins
  • Tools:
    Screw drivers
6 of 7 people found this instruction helpful.
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Detergent door was not locking closed

Super simple.
Remove all screws around the stainless metal shroud inside the door. DONT remove the hinge screws.
Torx bit required.

Unplug detergent dispenser and place outer door assembly aside. Dispenser has small clips holding it in, top, bottom and sides I believe. Push these in, dispenser falls out into dishwasher.

Insert new unit, reverse all steps. Done.
Dont for get to reattach the wires!
  • David from Swanzey, NH
  • Difficulty Level:
    Really Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    15 - 30 mins
  • Tools:
    Nutdriver, Screw drivers
12 of 12 people found this instruction helpful.
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Fixes Symptom 1% of time
★★★★★
★★★★★
24 Reviews

Rated by 1 customer 

  

Very Easy 

Less than 15 mins 

Ratings submitted by customers like you who bought this part.   

The silverware basket sits in the lower dishrack and holds small utensils like forks and knives upright during the dishwashing cycle.

$ 59.53
  In Stock
PartSelect Number PS12347809
Manufacturer Part Number W11158804

Replacing your Whirlpool Dishwasher Dishwasher Silveware Basket

Replacing your Dishwasher Silveware Basket

Customer Repair Stories

old silverware wrack was broken

looked up replacement item on net[ your page], ordered and installed...exact part, priced right and shipped on time....good experience....v
  • vernon from missouri city, TX
  • Difficulty Level:
    Really Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    Less than 15 mins
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old silverware basket was broken

slipped new one into slots
  • David from AUSTIN, TX
  • Difficulty Level:
    Very Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    Less than 15 mins
3 of 3 people found this instruction helpful.
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Fixes Symptom less than 1% of time
★★★★★
★★★★★
331 Reviews

Rated by 28 customers 

  

Very Easy 

15 - 30 mins 

Ratings submitted by customers like you who bought this part.   

This OEM gray Dishwasher Lower Dishrack Wheel Assembly is a plastic kit that allows the rack to slide in and out of the dishwasher easily. If it breaks or becomes damaged. sliding will feel difficult. This can happen due to normal wear and tear, and the part should be replaced if this occurs. Check your model number and user manual to make sure this part is correct. It attaches directly to the dishrack. To repair, open the dishwasher door and pull out the lower dishrack. Next, push the tab from both sides and it should pop out. To install the new wheel assembly, place it on the rack and make sure the caps overlap the wire from the inside before you clip it in place by pushing the wheel. It measures roughly 3x6 inches.

$ 46.04
  In Stock
PartSelect Number PS3406971
Manufacturer Part Number W10195416

Replacing your KitchenAid Dishwasher Lower Dishrack Wheel

Replacing your Lower Dishrack Wheel

Customer Repair Stories

Wheel on lower shelf broke off

Simply snap the old one off and snap the new one on. Simple as that less than 15 seconds.
  • Dennis from OAKWOOD, IL
  • Difficulty Level:
    Very Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    Less than 15 mins
30 of 36 people found this instruction helpful.
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Broken wheel unit on the bottom dish rack

All you do is pop out the old wheel unit at two (2) points on the plastic wheel housing and pop in the new one. Easy fix. Less than a 5 minute fix.
  • Thomas from WEST OLIVE, MI
  • Difficulty Level:
    Very Easy
  • Total Repair Time:
    Less than 15 mins
92 of 106 people found this instruction helpful.
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Fixes Symptom less than 1% of time
★★★★★
★★★★★
4 Reviews

Rated by 2 customers 

  

Really Easy 

30 - 60 mins 

Ratings submitted by customers like you who bought this part.   

Sold individually. This dishrack adjuster is for dishwashers. Dishrack adjuster lets you change the height of the dishwasher's upper rack. Wear work gloves to protect your hands when installing this part.

$ 46.08
  In Stock
PartSelect Number PS11750092
Manufacturer Part Number WPW10195839

Replacing your KitchenAid Dishwasher Dishwasher Dishrack Adjuster

Replacing your Dishwasher Dishrack Adjuster
Fixes Symptom less than 1% of time

Rated by 2 customers 

  

A Bit Difficult 

30 - 60 mins 

Ratings submitted by customers like you who bought this part.   

$ 129.78
  In Stock
PartSelect Number PS16875381
Manufacturer Part Number W11612302

Replacing your KitchenAid Dishwasher HINGE-DOOR

Replacing your HINGE-DOOR
Fixes Symptom less than 1% of time

Rated by 2 customers 

  

A Bit Difficult 

30 - 60 mins 

Ratings submitted by customers like you who bought this part.   

$ 139.16
  In Stock
PartSelect Number PS11746183
Manufacturer Part Number WP8534853

Replacing your KitchenAid Dishwasher Door Hinge - Right Side

Replacing your Door Hinge - Right Side