GE Dishwasher Door Latch Bypass: How To Trick It Into Running

Tired of staring at your pile of dirty dishes because your GE dishwasher won’t start due to a faulty door latch? You’re not alone. Many of us have faced this inconvenience. 

But, what if I told you there’s a workaround? Although I won’t say it’s the best idea, there’s a way to get your dishwasher to run.

I’ll tell you how to do that in this post and also give you a heads-up on the potential risks of doing so. Let’s get started.

GE Dishwasher Door Latch Bypass

The door latch works when the door strike hits the latch, holding it securely in place. If this mechanism fails, your dishwasher won’t function properly.

Here’s a full breakdown of all the steps you can perform to bypass the latch:

Step 1: Powering Off The Dishwasher

Begin by disconnecting the power supply to your dishwasher. 

Safety is paramount, so ensure there’s no risk of electrical accidents during the process.

Step 2: Access the Door Latch

Open your dishwasher door and locate the door latch mechanism. 

Depending on your dishwasher model, you might need to remove screws or panels to access it fully. 

Step 3: Identify the Wires

Inside the dishwasher, find the three wires connected to the door latch: one signal wire and two switch output wires. 

Take note of their colors and positions for accurate reconnection later.

Step 4: Prepare Jumper Wires

Cut short pieces of, ensuring they are long enough to comfortably connect the wires.

Strip the ends of these wires for proper connections.

Step 5: Connect the Wires

Using the jumper wires, connect the signal wire (usually wire 1) to one of the switch output wires (usually wire 2 and wire 3). 

Ensure the jumper wires are securely attached to the appropriate wires. 

A loose connection can cause issues, so double-check for firm and secure attachments.

Step 6: Reconnect the Power Supply and Test Your Dishwasher

Switch on your dishwasher and verify if it recognizes the door as closed. 

Run a short cycle to confirm that the bypass is functioning correctly. 

If your dishwasher operates normally, you have successfully bypassed the door latch mechanism.

Risks Associated With Bypassing GE Dishwasher Door Latch

All of that sounds like a good idea, but I wouldn’t advise using your dishwasher like this often. 

While it might seem like a quick fix, there are compelling reasons why this isn’t a good idea. Let’s break them down.

• Safety Issues: Bypassing the door latch is risky. It’s there to prevent accidents like water spillage and contact with electrical parts, keeping you and your kitchen safe.
• Messy Clean-Up: Without a secure latch, water and detergent may leak, leading to less effective cleaning and potential damage to your kitchen floor or nearby items.
• Appliance Lifespan: Using the dishwasher regularly without a functioning latch can wear it out faster, shortening its overall lifespan. Repairs are a safer bet.

How To Test Door Latch On GE Dishwasher

As long as you have a screwdriver and a multimeter, the testing part is pretty easy:

1. Start by switching off the power of the dishwasher.
2. Remove the screws holding the dishwasher.
3. Peel back the cover. Disconnect electrical connectors from the latch.
4. Using a multimeter set to continuity, touch one probe on each switch terminal.
5. With the door closed, both switches should have continuity. If the door is open, neither should have continuity. 

If results differ, the latch is faulty and needs replacement.

How To Replace Door Latch On GE Dishwasher

Of course, you can simply replace your door latch. If you choose the safe path and go for  a swap, here’s a quick overview of the replacement process:

1. Grab a screwdriver and a new GE-compatible door latch. Before you start, make sure the dishwasher is not connected to power.
2. Open the dishwasher door and look for the old latch. It’s usually along the door’s edge where it meets the dishwasher.
3. Carefully unscrew the old latch using a screwdriver. Keep those screws. Also, unplug the wires from the old latch.
4. Connect the wires to the new latch. Use the screws you saved to attach the new one. Make sure it’s on tight.
5. Close the dishwasher door. It should shut properly with the new latch.
6. Plug in the dishwasher or switch on the power. Run a short wash to make sure the door latch is working fine.

FAQs

How much does it cost to fix a dishwasher latch?

A  GE Dishwasher Door Latch Kit costs about $30, more or less.

Can I fix the damaged door latch on my GE dishwasher?

Yes, you can often fix a damaged door latch without replacing parts. Cleaning the latch, ensuring it’s properly aligned, and tightening any loose screws can work wonders.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it. But keep in mind, bypassing the dishwasher’s door latch isn’t the best call.

It’s like trying to fix a leaky boat with duct tape; it might work for a moment, but it’s not a long-term solution. 

Instead of trying to juggle the risks, think about giving your dishwasher the TLC it deserves. 

Consider replacing the faulty latch or seeking advice from a handy friend if you’re feeling up to the challenge. 

Your kitchen gadgets work hard for you – make sure they’re in good shape to keep life running smoothly!