KitchenAid model KUDS25SH (Stainless) latch has come loose.

I believe your best answer can be found here (ensuring again the power is disconnected before beginning):
http://www.fixya.com/support/t116203-dishwasher_door_latch
I would suggest finding the full model number, comparing to the list at this Sears site, and viewing the "door and latch" manual for your specific model number. This will provide insight on how the door is assembled, and can provide details on what part(s) you might need to order.
Hope this helps.

Hi.

The door latch is probably broken. Emergency opening can be done accessing the door latch from the inside of the washer assembly.

Before attempting an emergency opening, disconnect power cord and empty water inside the machine through the filter located at the bottom front side of the machine.

After removing water connect back the machine and try opening again.

If that does not work, then the machine must be disassembled. Most models have an emergency cable located on the inside of the door latch. Pulling the cable will release the latch.
The inside of the door latch is reached either from filter housing or from top of the machine. Either the filter (usually held by screws) or the top panel must be removed to access the inside of the lock mechanism.
Power must be kept off while doing maintenance. Due to the safety issues involved the door latch emergency opening and repair must be done by a trained technician.

Regards.

Ginko

Yes you can replace the panels. There are 3 panels. The problem is only 2 of the 3 panels are availble. The large panel can be found here:

http://www.appliancepartspros.com/part_details.aspx?part_id=4508020 or here:

http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/part-model/Kitchenaid-Parts/Dishwasher-Parts/Model-KUDS25SHBS1/0593/0130000/P9080030/00001?blt=06&prst=&shdMod=
The panel below that panel is no longer available so you would end up with a large stainless panel and a white panel below that.

I checked several sources for the panels. All 4 of the sources that I checked state the panel (item 5 of above link) is not available.

Also the bottom toe panel is black (Item 8 above link) on the stainless model. You could sand and paint your existing one (enamel) black.

Thanks for choosing FixYa,
Kelly

The idea is to lift up on the part of the latch that is fixed to the body of the washer. The door part of the latch slides under this peice. If the handle mechanism is broken, it will not depres the door part of the latch to allow it to open. therefore, we have to pickup the latch part fixed to the body.

To get the door open, take a clothes hanger and cut off a 12" peice with a pair of pliers. Bend the last 1.25" at 90 degress angle. Make another bend about 4 " from that to make another 90 degree angle. This will give you leverage. Insert the first bent end between the top of the door and the counter. Rotate it so that the end is facing down. Feel for a metal plate. When you hit the plate with the probe, turn your hanger so that it lifts up the plate and simultaneously pull on the door handle. The door should come open.

Now you have to get the handle repaired, but at least you know how to open the door.

get a coat hanger or flexible wire and try to run it under latch from the top. This may be difficult depending on how your countertop is. Once it's under the latch from one side to the other, pull up on both sides of wire to raise the latching mechanism. Open door.

Check for a tripped circuit breaker, inspect the wiring that connects to the dishwasher for breaks. Is the door latch locking? If the door is out of alignment the door switch may not completely engage. To test this, with the door open, close the latch and select a cycle and depress the switch(water may spray-and make sure nothing is setting inside the dishwasher)The switch is probably a little hole with plastic or metal inside. Using the eraser end of a wooden pencil, push inside the hole to press the switch in completely.
You may be able to realign the latch by loosening the screws and moving the striker plate. You may have to remove the control panel to access the screws.

The idea is to lift up on the part of the latch that is fixed to the body of the washer. The door part of the latch slides under this peice. If the handle mechanism is broken, it will not depres the door part of the latch to allow it to open. therefore, we have to pickup the latch part fixed to the body.

To get the door open, take a clothes hanger and cut off a 12" peice with a pair of pliers. Bend the last 1.25" at 90 degress angle. Make another bend about 4 " from that to make another 90 degree angle. This will give you leverage. Insert the first bent end between the top of the door and the counter. Rotate it so that the end is facing down. Feel for a metal plate. When you hit the plate with the probe, turn your hanger so that it lifts up the plate and simultaneously pull on the door handle. The door should come open.

Now you have to get the handle repaired, but at least you know how to open the door.

If the door cannot be opened, remove the the outside lower panel. (2 screws at bottom of panel, then lift off. Take a long screw driver (be sure power is removed first!) and push up behind the control panel at the latch at the very top middle of the door. You can them open the door and remove the screws that hold the control panel on. When the control panel is removed you will have access to the door handle and latch pieces. These parts can be ordered through sears partsdirect web site. Good luck.

Yes indeed! If you know the measurements, you can buy a stainless panel from www.applianceart.com cut to any size you would like. THey also have a cheaper "faux" stainless option too. Many colors and designs as well.

yea but the trick is the latch acces is behind console not the front panel, you need to unistall the d/w slightly to remove strike plate holding broken latch closed, door needs to be opened to gain access to console screws