How do I replace the spring in the soap door? Spring appears to be broken because it is sticking out from the door. Door will not stay shut.

The soap dispenser door has a spring inside under the pastic that opens it when the timer says it's time for soap.
Sometimes the spring can become disconnected.
Sometimes the plastic part the spring connects to gets broken.
Sometimes the door's pivot point becomes gummed up so bad the spring is no longer strong enough to open the door.
Sometimes solenoid (which works like the electric door unlocker in a car) doesn't work.
Sometimes the timer gets broken and doesn't tell the solenoid when to open the door.

If you start taking out screws around the door to see what is going on inside, unplug the dishwasher first.

If you gently push up on the door latch heads (hook-like devices sticking out of the door) there should be spring tension. If they just flop right up, the spring is off inside.

Normally the problem is not the spring, but a broken spring mounting tab on the door latch head (hook) assembly or the inner door panel.

If it's the door panel, it's usually easier and cheaper to use epoxy and some kind of hardware to fashion a new spring mount.

The door latch head (hook) is easy to replace or repair if that's the issue.

You can download Whirlpool owner's manuals, installation manuals, and parts lists here.

You can find helpful exploded view diagrams and order parts by entering your full model number from the tag here.

Normally you have to separate the door panels (as shown in the attached photo) and then you'll see the screws you need to remove.

There has to be some sort of spring on the door latch assembly that keeps the door closed. If broken or no tension the door will not latch and spring open. And when the door springs open, a safety switch shuts the machine off.

If you gently push up on the door latch heads (hook-like devices sticking out of the door) there should be spring tension. If they just flop right up, the spring is off inside.

Normally the problem is not the spring, but a broken spring mounting tab on the door latch head (hook) assembly or the inner door panel.

If it's the door panel, it's usually easier and cheaper to use epoxy and some kind of hardware to fashion a new spring mount.

The door latch head (hook) is easy to replace or repair if that's the issue.

The service manual for the R-408LS (the model you posted it under) is here.

You can order parts from the Sears Parts Direct Web site.

Contact the maker or Google the model number for "parts"

That part likely will require the unit to be taken apart to replace it.

If you gently push up on the door latch heads (hook-like devices sticking out of the door) there should be spring tension. If they just flop right up, the spring is off inside.

Normally the problem is not the spring, but a broken spring mounting tab on the door latch head (hook) assembly or the inner door panel.

If it's the door panel, it's usually easier and cheaper to use epoxy and some kind of hardware to fashion a new spring mount.

The door latch head (hook) is easy to replace or repair if that's the issue.

You can order these Electrolux (by Sharp) parts from Encompass here or you can call them toll-free at 866-779-5835.

One or more of these service manuals should work for you.

http://www.microwavedisplay.com/BLMV169_GLMV169_PLMVZ169GCB_sm.pdf

http://www.microwavedisplay.com/glmv169_plmv169_sm.pdf

http://www.microwavedisplay.com/glmv169_plmv169_late_prod_sm.pdf

We're happy to help you with free advice and we'd appreciate your thoughtful rating of our answer.

Hi there,

Well you can please follow the below steps -
1. Remove any dishes in the dishwasher. Unhook the dishwasher's dish trays or racks from their tracks, and set aside. Empty the soap dispenser if it contains unused soap that failed to dispense. Use a wet rag to wipe down the interior of the dishwasher, as well as the inside of the dispenser.
 
2. Close the dispenser, and shut the dishwasher door. Turn the dishwasher on to a manual setting, then stop it and open the appliance. Check to see if the dispenser is open. If it is, continue to Step 2. If the dispenser is closed, skip to Step 4.

3. Switch dishwasher soap. Some dishwasher dispensers have difficulty with dry or liquid dishwashing soap, depending on the make and model of your dishwasher. Incompatibilities typically result in the dispenser sticking shut, which explains why the dispenser opens when empty. Switch to liquid soap if you are using dry powder soap, or vice versa.

4. Check the dishwasher soap dispenser's spring. The spring is located behind the dispenser top's hinge. Consult your dishwasher's original manufacturer's manual or user guide to find a replacement spring. Pop the old spring out with a screwdriver, and replace with a new spring. This should resolve any issues related to the dispenser failing to open.
Please post comments if you need more help or information..........

Good Luck!!

Thanks

It sounds like it may be stuck between cycle steps.(this sometimes happens if the washer is open during a cycle)Try and run it through one full wash cycle as it is.Then check to see if the soap door will close.If not,the lack may be broken

THE INNER DOOR PANEL HAS TO BE DISASSEMBLED TO ACESS THE SOAP MECHANISM NO IT DOESNT JUST PULL OUT

I too thought my soap container spring was broken- I filled the dispenser with soap but then couldn't slide the circle back shut.
But then - EUREKA- I set the dishwasher control back into "off" position and lo and behold, I could now close the little round door! Make sure you verify that BEFORE you spend $$$ on new parts or a repairman!