Whirlpool oven door won’t close: How to fix
Steven E / Tuesday August 6, 2024
A Whirlpool oven door that won’t close correctly can be a major frustration and may prevent you from having dinner. But don’t panic — we’re here to help! With just a bit of DIY troubleshooting, you can get that door back on track without the need for a costly repair service.
If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your electric Whirlpool range while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.
Important: The information in this article is based on model WFC340S0AB and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.
What prevents a Whirlpool oven door from closing?
If the oven door flops down when you open it, or if you try to close it and notice that it doesn’t close properly, then the door’s hinges are probably weak. This can cause the door to sag or become misaligned, which can prevent it from closing securely.
If you see that the inside door gasket is getting scorched due to escaping heat, it’s likely because the door isn’t closing tightly enough. This could be due to the door not staying in the broil position and wanting to drop down.
What you need
- Phillips head screwdriver
Important: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.
Read more: How to fix an electric Whirlpool range that won’t start after a self-clean cycle
Safety precautions
When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
- If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
- Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
- Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
- Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
- Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
- Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
- Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
- Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
- When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
- Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
- Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.
Read more: Electric Range Little to No Heat When Baking: Top 5 Reasons and Fixes
How to fix the oven door
Follow these steps to repair a Whirlpool oven door that won’t close correctly.
- Open the door all the way until it lays flat.
- Move the door hinge clips so they extend over to the hinge and lock them into position.
- Find a flat surface nearby and lay down a protective pad.
- Gently lift the door up and out of the hinge socket. Lay it flat on the protective padding with the hinges facing upwards.
- Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws at the bottom of the door.
- Lift the inner panel and slide the hinges out.
- Slide the new hinge into place.
- Re-install the screws to secure the new hinge.
- Slide the door back into place.
- Open the door all the way until it lays flat.
- Push the hinge clips back into position.
- Close the door.
- Plug the range back in or flip the circuit breaker back on.
- Test the oven and make sure the door is working correctly.
Read more: How to fix a stuck bottom drawer on a range
More for you
Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your Whirlpool range working again.
If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.
If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.
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With nearly a decade of experience in providing top-notch customer service regarding appliance parts and repair, Steven enjoys sharing practical advice, troubleshooting tips, and interesting information to help readers stay informed.