Having trouble closing your dishwasher door? Or is a flashing light puzzling you?

Let’s see what’s going on.

Door won’t close

Are protruding utensils or small items in the way? If not, it may be food particles along the door seal that are preventing the door from sealing properly.

If the door still won’t close, here are a few more possible causes.

Door spring tension
The door spring tension should be tested before the dishwasher is installed. You can do this by having someone else hold the dishwasher (so it doesn’t tip over) while you open and close the door a few times. If the door closes or falls open under its own weight, the door tension needs to be adjusted.

How you adjust this depends on the material of the tub, stainless steel or plastic.
Find out how to adjust the spring tension on your dishwasher here. 

Dishwasher is not level
Make sure your dishwasher is level. The leveling legs should support it, and the rear wheels should be flat on the floor. It should also be square in the cabinet. If it’s not, the door won’t seal properly.
See how to level your dishwasher here. 

Detergent and rinse aid dispenser issues

Detergent remains in the dispenser
Is it caked in the dispenser? Older detergent will clump when exposed to air and might not dissolve well. Store detergent in a tightly closed container in a cool dry place to keep it fresh for as long as possible.

If it’s not caked in, but still remains in the dispenser, the upper rack may need to be moved up higher. Sometimes the upper rack can block the detergent dispenser from opening completely.

Rinse aid dripping from the dispenser
Make sure the rinse aid cap is completely closed and in the lock position. Then check to see if the “O-Ring” is properly seated in the corresponding groove of the Rinse Aid Cap. If the “O-Ring” is missing, cut, or crimped, you’ll need a replacement. You can find one here.