The panel lights on my whirlpool dishwasher only come on if I press on the door really hard. It latches but if you pull on the door with firm pressure it will open without pressing the latch. I am thinking it is the latch, but need advice.

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Originally Posted by dscruggs

The panel lights on my whirlpool dishwasher only come on if I press on the door really hard. It latches but if you pull on the door with firm pressure it will open without pressing the latch. I am thinking it is the latch, but need advice.

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Latch or latch adjustment. There is a switch attached to the door latch that has to make contact before the dishwasher will run. Mine had a bit of adjustment available but not all dishwashers do.

Here are the service manuals for your dishwasher: https://dl.dropbox.com/u/8010163/Dis...ol-Kenmore.zip
As HVAC1000 said, you may be able to adjust the switch mechanism. The manuals will show you how to do this. Alternately, the switch could be worn out or you could have a bad connection. To test the switch you need a meter. Here are instructions: https://dl.dropbox.com/u/8010163/Whi...e%20Manual.pdf
Every household needs a meter. I saw a really good one on EBay for $3.50.