Whirlpool Dishwasher Detergent Dispenser Won't Latch: Dispenser Replaced in San Jose
A Whirlpool WDF520PADM7 dishwasher in San Jose had a broken detergent dispenser latch. A dispenser in the original color was not available, so with the customer's approval we installed one in a dark color.
Repair at a glance
| City | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|
| Appliance | Dishwasher |
| Category | Major Brands |
| Brand & model | Whirlpool WDF520PADM7 built-in dishwasher |
| Repair date | |
| Customer complaint | The customer said the tab that holds the detergent dispenser lid closed had broken, so they could not use detergent. |
| Diagnosis | The latch tab on the detergent dispenser lid was broken, and the dispenser needed to be replaced. |
| Repair cost | $283 (parts and labor) |
| Warranty | 6 months on parts and labor |
| Outcome | Repaired |
What the customer told us
The customer said the small tab that holds the detergent dispenser lid closed had broken, and they could no longer use detergent in the dishwasher.
Diagnosis
During the diagnostic visit we confirmed the latch tab was broken and the dispenser needed to be replaced.
The problem was that the same dispenser in the original light color was not available. We found one in a dark color instead. The customer did not mind, so we ordered it. The part took four days to arrive.
The repair
To replace the dispenser we took the door apart and removed the outer panel. The dispenser is held in place by very small screws.
We removed the old dispenser, installed the new one and put everything back together.
Result
The new dispenser holds its lid closed again and the customer can use detergent. The total, including the part, was $283, with a 6-month warranty on parts and labor.
Photos from this repair
The Whirlpool dishwasher before the repair. 
The dispenser lid with the broken latch tab. 
Close-up of the broken tab. 
Old dispenser removed, new dark dispenser installed. 
New dispenser (in hand) next to the old one.
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