How to replace Whirlpool dishwasher door hinge W11612302

Is your Whirlpool dishwasher door refusing to cooperate? A faulty hinge (part number W11612302) might be the culprit, causing issues like a loose, tight, or uneven door operation. Thankfully, swapping out the hinge is a straightforward DIY fix, and we’ve even included a handy how-to video below to guide you every step of the way.

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Got a Whirlpool dishwasher door that won’t open or close like it used to? The hinge, part number W11612302, might be to blame. Whether your door feels too loose, too tight, or just plain off, replacing the hinge can fix it fast. And the best part? You can totally do it yourself. Let’s go through the steps to swap that hinge and get your door back in shape.

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 dishwasher door hinge

What you’ll need 

Gather the following tools and part before starting this repair:

Tools

• Large flathead screwdriver
• 1⁄4 inch nut driver
• Phillips head screwdriver
• T15 Torx driver
• T20 Torx driver

• New dishwasher door hinge (part # WP8534854 for Whirlpool models) Take your model number to AppliancePartsPros.com to locate the correct part for your unit.

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.

Remove the old door hinge

1. Before any appliance repair, unplug the dishwasher from its power source or turn off the circuit breaker. This protects against electric shock while working on the dishwasher. Also, turn off the water to the unit to prevent any leaking.
2. Fully open the dishwasher door. Using a Phillips head screwdriver, remove the two screws located along the top of the dishwasher tub just under the counter.
3. These screws secure the dishwasher frame to the underside of the counter. Removing them allows the dishwasher to pull out.
4. Using a T15 Torx driver, remove the three Torx screws on each side of the door panel. Save these screws for reinstallation later.
5. With the screws removed, carefully close the door panel. Tilt the panel forward from the top so it releases from the control console.
6. Lift the door panel off the dishwasher and set it aside on a protected surface to avoid scratches.
7. With the door panel detached, slowly pull the dishwasher away from the cabinet opening.
8. Pull just far enough to access the left side door hinge and wiring, about halfway out. Take care not to strain water and drain lines.
9. On the left hinge where the door cable connects, release the tension on the cable and unhook it from the old hinge. Let the cable retract slowly.
10. Disconnect the wire before fully removing the old hinge to avoid damage to the wiring harness.
11. Using a 1⁄4 inch nut driver, remove the lower screw that secures the hinge brace to the door. This screw has a grounding strap attached.
12. Then using a T20 Torx driver, remove the two Torx screws that mount the left hinge to the dishwasher door. Set these aside with the door screws.
13. With all mounting points disassembled, the old door hinge can now be removed.
14. Bend back the middle retaining tab with a flathead screwdriver to release the hinge. Lift the door hinge up and off the mounting pin and brace.

Install the new dishwasher door hinge

1. Align the hinge brace tab on the new part into the slotted groove on the dishwasher door frame.
2. This orientates the brace correctly in the door before setting the hinge pin.
3. Keeping the brace aligned, set the hinge assembly onto the protruding hinge pin. The pin inserts through the middle of the new hinge.
4. Use a flathead screwdriver to slightly bend the middle retaining tab over the end of the hinge pin.
5. Only bend enough to retain the hinge without crushing or distorting the pin. The tab prevents the hinge from detaching from the pin.
6. With the new hinge seated properly on the pin, close the dishwasher door. Align the hinge screw holes with the door frame holes.
7. Using the T20 Torx driver, securely screw the two Torx screws into the hinge to fasten it to the door. Do not over tighten.
8. Be sure to reinstall the small screw spacer on the lower hinge screw.
9. Rotate the dishwasher door cable around the pulley wheels. Hook the cable through the new hinge’s retaining clip to reconnect it.
10. The pulley system allows the door to open smoothly and close with the assistance of spring tension.
11. The last step is to secure the hinge brace back onto the dishwasher tub frame.
12. Reinstall the grounding screw through the brace into the frame using the 1⁄4 inch nut driver. This grounds the hinge assembly.
13. With the new door hinge mounted, carefully slide the dishwasher back into the cabinet opening. Take care not to pinch or bind any hoses or wiring.
14. Holding the door panel at an angle, insert the top edge under the control console lip.
15. Pivot the panel down onto the door hinges evenly. The alignment tabs will insert into the console slots if positioned correctly.
16. Open the dishwasher door fully to access the top front frame. Reinstall the two Phillips screws into the tub lip to mount the dishwasher securely under the counter.
17. Using the T15 Torx driver, screw the six Torx screws back into the sides of the door panel. This secures the panel onto the door.
18. Do not overtighten the panel screws.
19. With all screws replaced and panel realigned, restore power to the dishwasher. Open and close the door several times, checking for smooth operation.

More Information

Thanks for reading! We hope this article helped you replace the dishwasher door hinge on your appliance.

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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