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Samsung Dishwasher Door Open/Close Problems

When it comes to dishwashers, one of the biggest concerns as an owner is stumbling on an issue with the dishwasher not functioning as it should. However, if you have a Samsung dishwasher and there are problems with the door opening and closing, help is needed.

If you are having problems with the door of your Samsung dishwasher opening and closing, hold down the ‘Heated Dry’ button for 3 seconds, clean the soap dispenser of any detergent residue, turn off the AutoRelease setting, and be sure the door is pulled down completely with the bottom rack out.

Man fixing the dishwasher

It may seem rather trivial to fixate on door-related issues when it comes to Samsung dishwashers, however, if the door of your dishwasher won’t open or close as it should, proper function simply cannot ensue. Whether your door won’t close completely, won’t stay closed, won’t latch, is leaking, or is running when even the door is open, there is a solution for you. Take a look below to see what you can do when your Samsung dishwasher door isn’t working.

Samsung Dishwasher Not Opening/Unlocking

Woman opening the dishwasher

When your Samsung dishwasher is finished with its cycle, you should then be able to open the door and unlock it so that you can unload the newly cleaned contents from within. If you go to open the dishwasher door once the cycle has completed, but notice that it will not unlock and thus, open, what could be the cause of the problem and what can you do to fix it? If your Samsung dishwasher door is not opening or unlocking, continue reading below.

If your Samsung dishwasher is not opening or unlocking, it could be that your control panel has been accidentally locked. If this is the case, you will see a lock icon lit up, which means that you will have to manually unlock the dishwasher by holding down the ‘Heated Dry’ button for 3 seconds.

If you go through this process and you are still not able to open or unlock your Samsung dishwasher, it may be helpful to reset the appliance. To do this, either unplug the dishwasher from its power source or turn off the breaker to the dishwasher and allow it to sit for 1 to 5 minutes. Once this time has passed, you can power the dishwasher back on and see if the appliance has reset itself, giving you the ability to open the dishwasher without issue.

Samsung Dishwasher Not Opening Soap Dispenser

You might not be having any issue with your Samsung dishwasher opening or unlocking, but another aspect that is just as important as the appliance opening properly is being able to open the soap dispenser as well. The soap dispenser within a dishwasher is just as important as water throughout the cleaning cycle, which means there is a big problem when owners find that the soap dispenser isn’t opening during that cycle. What can be done if this is your problem?

If the soap dispenser on your Samsung dishwasher isn’t opening, it could be that the dispenser is being overfilled, which can lead to blockage. Be sure to clean the soap dispenser thoroughly and free it of any leftover detergent, then try once more to see if the dispenser opens properly.

If you clean the soap dispenser and still notice that it is not opening during the wash cycle, check to see that you are loading your dishwasher properly before washing. Many times, the bottom racks of the dishwasher can either be overfilled or are filled with items that are so large, they end up obstructing certain functions. If you have large items like a casserole dish or a very tall vase and place it in front of the soap dispenser, this can block it, causing it to stay closed.

Samsung Dishwasher Detergent Door Not Closing

When using a Samsung dishwasher, before you start the cleaning cycle, you will either insert a detergent pod or pour in dishwashing powder or liquid so that your dishes are being cleaned by more than just hot water. Detergent is placed within the dispenser, which needs to be closed so that proper dispensing occurs during the cycle. If your Samsung dishwasher detergent door isn’t closing though, how can this issue be remedied?

If your Samsung dishwasher detergent door isn’t closing, it could be that the door is obstructed by an overloaded dispenser. If you have dish soap build-up or are using a dish detergent pod that is too bulky, this will cause instant issues when it comes to being able to close the door.

If you know that the dispenser is clean and that you are not using a pod that is too large for the dispenser size, check to see if you notice any sort of damage to the door itself. If you notice that a part of the door has chipped off or that there is clear wear on an older model, it could mean that the door has stopped closing due to a change in its overall structure. If this is the case, the door will need to be replaced to open and close properly.

Samsung Dishwasher Door Won’t Stay Closed

Whether you are trying to keep tiny tots or curious pups out of the dishes, you need the door to close completely so no unwanted grabs are made at the contents within. Even more than this, when you are running your Samsung dishwasher, you have to be able to close the door tightly so that the cycle can run and no water finds its way outside of the appliance. If you notice that your dishwasher door won’t stay closed, read below to see what can be done.

If your Samsung dishwasher door won’t stay closed and you have a newer model, try turning off the AutoRelease feature. The process will vary depending on each model, therefore, consult your owner’s manual to find the exact process that will allow you to disengage this feature.

AutoRelease is actually used as a way to help dry your dishes faster, as this setting automatically cracks the door of your dishwasher at the end of the cycle by using a set of rods to extend the door. By doing this, steam and heat are released from this dishwasher, which allows your dishes to dry more effectively. However, when this setting is in operation, the rods prevent the door from closing completely and the door can be damaged if it is forced shut.

Samsung Dishwasher Door Won’t Stay Open

Man fixing the dishwasher

When you are unloading dishes, of course you want those dishes to be sparkling clean, but you also want the door of your Samsung dishwasher to stay open without a fight on your behalf. If you are trying to add in dish detergent or are working to get dishes unloaded quickly, it can be incredibly frustrating to have a dishwasher door that is constantly coming up. If this is your issue, read below to see what you can do to keep your dishwasher door open.

If your Samsung dishwasher door won’t stay open, it could be that you don’t have the door completely pulled down. When opening the door, be sure to extend it completely so that there is no room for the springs to coil back.

If you have the door down as far as it will go but are still having problems with it coming up, try pulling the bottom rack of the dishwasher all the way out so that you have a bit of weight on top of the door. For newer dishwashers, the springs which cause the door to open and close easily can be wound relatively tight and will need some time to be able to wear and stretch. If you have the door down and bottom rack out but it will still not stay open, the springs may not be set right.

Samsung Dishwasher Won’t Close

One common reason a Samsung dishwasher won’t close is due to a misaligned or damaged door latch. The latch ensures the door stays shut during operation. If it’s misaligned or broken, it may prevent the door from closing securely. Inspect the latch for any visible signs of damage and, if necessary, replace it to ensure proper door closure.

Obstructions within the dishwasher can also prevent the door from closing. This can be caused by oversized dishes, utensils sticking out, or even the lower or upper rack being out of position. Carefully inspect the interior and rearrange any items that might be blocking the door. Ensure the racks are properly aligned and slide into their intended positions.

The door hinges, over time, can get bent or damaged, leading to difficulty in closing the dishwasher door. Regular wear and tear or applying excessive force when opening or closing can bend these hinges. Examine the hinges for any signs of bending or damage. If they appear to be the issue, they might need to be adjusted or replaced to ensure the door closes smoothly.

Samsung Dishwasher Door Not Closing/Latching/Locking

Man fixing the dishwasher

Before you start any cycle, your Samsung dishwasher door must close completely, latch, and lock so that the clearing process can begin. If this doesn’t happen, the cycle will be delayed and you will be prevented from washing any items. If your dishwasher door is not closing, latching, or locking properly, read on to see what may be causing the problem and see what you can do to get this issue resolved.

If your Samsung dishwasher door isn’t closing, latching, or locking, check to make sure that no overloaded racks are causing the problem and that a protruding screw or low cabinet (for new installations) are not the reason for your issues. If this is not the problem, a repair may be needed.

Once you can confirm that an overloaded rack is not preventing the door from closing or that an improper installation isn’t the reason for your dishwasher not latching, a repair may be in your future. Over time and with heavy use, the latch on your Samsung dishwasher door can be dislodged which causes it to become unaligned. When this happens, the sensor which relays the message to start the cycle is upset, meaning that this piece needs repair.

Samsung Dishwasher Door Seal Leaking

Putting cups in dishwasher

Whether you are a homeowner, a business owner, or simply working in an area that has you using a Samsung dishwasher regularly, the last thing that you want to see is the door seal leaking as water pours onto the floor. This not only affects the function of your dishwasher, but can also be a recipe for disaster when it comes to flooring, meaning that a solution should be found immediately. If this is your issue, read on to see what the cause might be.

If your Samsung dishwasher door seal is leaking, check for any cracks on the wash arm within the dishwasher. If the wash arm is damaged or cracked, it can cause the water to jet directly onto the door of your dishwasher, which can cause the heavy stream to accumulate and leak from the seal.

If you see that there is no damage to the wash arm within your Samsung dishwasher, move forward with troubleshooting and see if the water inlet valve is the issue. If this valve is stuck open, water will keep filling at the bottom of the dishwasher until there is nowhere for the water to go but out. This will cause water to leak from your dishwasher and if this is the problem, the inlet valve cannot be repaired, but should be completely replaced.

Samsung Dishwasher Auto Door Release Not Working

Pressing the on button of dishwasher

Newer Samsung dishwashers have an AutoRelease function that causes the door of your dishwasher to automatically open at the end of the cycle so that steam can be released and your dishes can dry faster. This is a great feature for those who find themselves constantly drying wet dishes, but if you have a Samsung dishwasher and this is not working, what can you do? Read below to find the solution.

Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on September 21, 2021.

If your Samsung dishwasher AutoRelease feature is not working, it could be that the door opener needs to be replaced. If this piece is malfunctioning, it will not release at the end of the cycle as Samsung has intended, but if replaced, should get things back into working order without a problem.

Samsung Dishwasher Running With Door Open

Putting cups in dishwasher

Even worse than your dishwasher revealing a small leak is seeing that your dishwasher is fully running when the door is open. Not only does this cause worry about the overall state of your dishwasher, but it results in a huge spill of water across your floors or a constantly running energy bill if only the motor is running, leading to potential ruin and unnecessary costs. If your Samsung dishwasher is running with the door open, read on to see what can be done.

If your Samsung dishwasher is running with the door open, check to see if there are any error codes that your dishwasher is relaying. This will either be displayed as a message, or you will see multiple buttons blinking which indicate a specific message.

If you are having opening and closing problems with your Samsung dishwasher, check to make sure the racks are not overloaded and that no loose screws are preventing the door from closing, check for any cracks on the wash arm, replace the door opener, and check for error codes

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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on September 21, 2021.

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