How to Replace the Inner Door Panel WP6-918615 on a Maytag Dishwasher

Is your Maytag dishwasher leaving you in a soggy kitchen puddle due to a leaky, rusted, or outdated inner door panel? Fear not: swapping out the inner door panel WP6-918615 could be your simple, screwdriver-only solution! Dive into our step-by-step guide and watch the included video below to restore that sparkling seal and flawless function.

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Is your Maytag dishwasher leaking, rusting, or just looking worn out inside the door? Swapping out the inner door panel WP6-918615 is an easy fix with just a screwdriver and some time. We’ll walk you through the whole replacement process, so you can get your dishwasher sealed, safe, and running like new.

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

Watch: How to Install the Inner Dishwasher Door

The Importance of the Inner Door Panel

Before we jump into the step-by-step guide for replacing the inner door panel, it’s important to understand why this component is so important. The inner door panel plays an important role in making sure your dishwasher runs properly. It serves as both a protective barrier and an integral part of the cleaning process.

A damaged inner door panel can compromise the dishwasher’s performance in several ways:

• Water Leakage: Any cracks or holes in the inner door panel can lead to water leakage during a wash cycle, potentially causing water damage to your kitchen floor.
• Inefficient Cleaning: A damaged inner door panel can disrupt the water distribution within the dishwasher, resulting in less effective cleaning. Dirty dishes may be a common sight even after a wash cycle.
• Aesthetic Impact: Beyond functionality, the inner door panel contributes to the overall appearance of your dishwasher. A battered or worn-out panel can make your entire kitchen appliance ensemble look less appealing.

Safety Precautions

Safety comes first when working on any appliance. Here are some practical tips to help keep you safe:

• Always turn off the power by unplugging the appliance or switching off the circuit breaker before starting. This protects you from the risk of electric shock.
• Wear insulated gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges, pinching hazards, or debris.
• Take your time and work at a steady pace to avoid accidents or injuries.
• Make sure your workspace is well-lit so you can clearly see and access the parts you’re working on.
• Keep your area organized and free of clutter, and ensure children and pets are kept away from the workspace.
• Never handle internal parts with wet hands. Make sure both your hands and the work area are completely dry.
• Check your appliance’s user manual for specific instructions or safety guidelines related to your repair.
• Handle parts gently to prevent damaging the appliance or injuring yourself by using too much force.
• Wear safety glasses if you’re dealing with chemicals, dust, or large debris to protect your eyes.
• If the appliance was recently used, give it time to cool down before working on any heated components.
• Take photos or notes of wiring connections before disconnecting anything. This makes reassembly much easier.
• Avoid touching exposed wires or terminals. If you need to handle wires, use non-conductive tools or wear insulated gloves to reduce the risk of electrical shock.

Accessing the Inner Door Panel

The first step in replacing the inner door panel is accessing it. Here’s how to do it:

1. Start by opening the dishwasher door. This provides access to the dishwasher’s interior. Remember to remove any racks or utensils that might fall during the process.
2. Most dishwashers have a power cord plugged into a junction box. Carefully pull the plug out to disconnect the power supply or turn off the breaker to the unit.

Removing the Old Inner Door Panel

With access to the sides and door, it’s time to remove the old inner door panel:

1. Take a flathead screwdriver and push on the vent to get it to release. Once it’s released you can get underneath it with the screwdriver and lift it out.
2. Use a Torx 20 driver to remove all the screws around the inner door panel. Lift the panel up, and make sure the vent assembly doesn’t come up with it so hold that down as you lift it up.
3. Once the panel is lifted up you can disconnect the wiring harness to the dispenser.

Preparing the New Inner Door Panel

Put a towel down so you don’t scratch the countertop. Lay the old door panel on the counter. You will need to remove the support bracket at the top, dispenser, and baffles at the bottom of the old door so they can be transferred to the new door:

1. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the screws. The bracket just lifts off the panel. Put the support bracket on the new door panel. Note: there was a design change, so the new panels have 4 screw holes, you will just need to use the ones that line up with the bracket.
2. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the screws. Once the screws are removed you can lift the frame off. You can lift up the inner door panel and push the dispenser out through the panel. Make sure that the seal around the detergent dispenser is clean so there is a proper seal when reinstalled. Slide the detergent dispenser through the opening on the new inner door panel and reinstall the frame.
3. Use a flathead screwdriver to pop the tinnerman clips off the baffle and lift off the baffle. To attach the baffles to the new panel, simply place them onto the pins, making sure the smaller pin aligns with the cutout

Installing the New Inner Door Panel

1. Lay the panel down so the bottom of it goes inside the inner lip of the tub.
2. Lower the panel and connect the dispenser wire harness.
3. Lower the panel all the way down and line it up with the vent hole.
4. Replace the screws on the door. Note: the longer screws go across the control panel, the shorter ones go along the sides of the door.
5. Line up the vent cover and reinstall it. Make sure it’s flush against the door and twist it to lock it in.

Reassembling and Testing

With the new inner door panel securely in place, it’s time to reassemble your dishwasher:

1. Insert the electrical plug back into the junction box, making sure it’s fully seated, or turn the breaker back on.
2. Locate the hot water valve beneath the sink and turn it back on. Check for any leaks at the hose connections to ensure a watertight seal.
3. Finally, plug the dishwasher back in or turn on the circuit breaker. Run a test cycle to verify that your dishwasher is functioning as expected, washing your dishes flawlessly.

Where To Find Us 

If you need any replacement parts for your appliances, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to locate and order them quickly. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have tons of great information in our repair help section and YouTube videos to help you troubleshoot.

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