How to replace door interlock switch WD21X10169 on a GE dishwasher

Is your GE dishwasher refusing to start? The culprit could be a faulty door interlock switch, a common issue that leaves countless dishwashers idle. Don’t worry—replacing it is easier than you think, and we’ve got a step-by-step guide along with a helpful video just below to get your appliance back in action!

Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!

On a GE dishwasher, the door interlock switch signals when the door is closed. If this switch fails, the dishwasher may not start. Over time, physical damage or electrical issues can cause the switch to stop working. Fortunately, replacing the door interlock switch is a relatively quick and straightforward repair that you can complete yourself to save time and money.

Follow the instructions in this guide to get your dishwasher up and running again in no time!

You can find a replacement door interlock switch here. If you need other replacement parts for your GE dishwasher, just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to find them. It’s that easy! Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Watch the repair here

What you need

• Phillips screwdriver
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Towel
• New door interlock switch (make sure it’s compatible with your specific dishwasher model before installing)

Disclaimer: 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: Must-Have Tools for Appliance Repair – DIY For Beginners

Check part compatibility

Before you replace the door interlock switch, make sure you have an OEM part that’s compatible with your specific dishwasher model. To do this, you’ll need to find the appliance model number.

The model number will say MOD or Model before the numbers and is typically found on a sticker or a metal plate in one of the following locations:

• On the side panel or the door frame
• On the back or bottom of the dishwasher
• On the control panel or console

Once you’ve found the model number, write it down or take a clear photo of it for reference.

Next, visit AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can enter your model number to check if the door interlock switch is compatible with your model.

Read more: How To Find Your Appliance’s Model Number

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.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.
• 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.

How to replace the door interlock switch

Follow these steps to swap out the door interlock switch on your GE dishwasher.

1. Unplug the dishwasher from the power outlet and disconnect it from the water supply.
2. Partially open the dishwasher door.
3. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the control panel on. There are screws on the top of the door, and you’ll need to remove all six of them.
4. Carefully lift the control panel until it comes off the door.
5. Close the dishwasher door without latching it.
6. Disconnect the ribbon cable from the control board and set the control panel aside.
7. Place a towel underneath the door interlock switch to catch any screws that might get dropped.
8. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the lower screw that holds the switch.
9. Release the locking tabs around the outer cover of the switch. There are three tabs on each side. Use a small flathead screwdriver to help release them while you pull on the cover.
10. Once the cover is off, remove the plunger and the spring and set them aside.
11. Pull the individual switches out of the housing and disconnect the wires. Start with the switch on the left, which has the double black wire and the wire that’s black with the white stripe. Pop the switch out and use a small flathead screwdriver to remove the wires.
12. Repeat the same process for the switch on the right, which has the double white wire and double white wire with the red stripe.
13. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the upper screw that holds the housing in place.
14. Pull the housing off the dishwasher.
15. Disassemble the new door interlock switch by releasing the tabs and removing the cover.
16. Lift the cover off and set it aside.
17. Remove the plunger and the spring from the new switch. Be careful not to lose the spring.
18. Take out the switches from the new switch with a small flathead screwdriver.
19. Use a Phillips screwdriver to attach the base of the new switch to the door. Make sure the wires aren’t caught behind the body before you tighten the screw all the way.
20. Connect the wires, starting with the ones on the right. Connect the double white wire to one connector and the double white wire with the red stripe to the other connector.
21. Set the new switch in place and make sure the wires go through their designated cutouts.
22. Install the switch on the other side. Connect the double black wire to one connector and the black wire with a white stripe to the other connector.
23. Put the plunger back into the door latch.
24. Open the door slightly to avoid hitting the plunger and make sure the flat side of the plunger is facing the inside of the dishwasher. The cutout on the plunger should align with the rib in the body.
25. Place the cover back on the switch, align it and snap it into place.
26. Insert and tighten the lower screw with a Phillips screwdriver. Push the switch over to align the screw hole.
27. Remove the towel that you placed earlier.
28. Put the control panel back on. Line it up and connect the ribbon cable to the control board. Carefully push the block in all the way and use a small flathead screwdriver if needed to make sure it’s connected well.
29. Open the door slightly and place the control panel on top of the front panel.
30. Open the door a bit more and use a Phillips screwdriver to put the screws back in place.
31. Once all the screws are in, close the dishwasher door.
32. Plug the dishwasher back in and reconnect it to the water supply.
33. Run a test cycle to check for any problems.

Read more: How to Clean a Dishwasher

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the door interlock switch on your GE dishwasher.

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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