Whirlpool Stove Door Latch WP9761013 Replacement Guide

Is your Whirlpool oven door refusing to lock or getting stuck during a self-clean cycle? Don’t worry, this common issue is usually due to a faulty door latch, and we’ve got the perfect DIY solution for you. Follow along with our step-by-step guide and how-to video below to easily replace the latch and get your oven back to working safely and smoothly.

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

Having trouble with your Whirlpool oven door not locking—or worse, stuck during a self-clean cycle? It’s likely the door latch (part #WP9761013) is worn or faulty. This small but crucial component keeps the door locked during cleaning and ensures safety while in use. Replacing it is totally doable with a few tools and a little patience. We’ll walk you through how to remove the old latch and install the new one so your oven functions like it should.

Watch: How to replace the door latch

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.

Let’s get started

Before we dive in, let’s go over some important safety information. Whenever you are doing repairs on any appliance, you’ll want to unplug the appliance or turn off circuit breakers to avoid the risk of electrocution. Safety should always come first!

Now, onto the specifics of this repair. To replace an oven door latch, you’ll need:

• New oven door latch (WP9761013) – This is a direct replacement part that fits Whirlpool, KitchenAid, and Maytag models. Use your model number to locate the correct part number.
• Phillips head screwdriver

Replacing the oven door latch is a fairly straightforward process. We’ll be removing an inner access panel, taking out the old latch, putting in the new one, and reassembling everything.

Removing the Inner Panel

The first step is to remove the inner panel so we can access the latch mechanism.

1. Make sure the oven door is closed, lift up the cooktop, and make sure it is locked in the up position out of the way.
2. Look underneath the top for a removable panel. You’ll see tabs or screws holding it in place.
3. Lift up the edges of the inner panel. It may take some wiggling to get it free.
4. Once loose, pull the panel toward you while lifting up slightly to clear the center vent pipe.
5. Support the top of the panel as you lift it up, being careful not to bend it.
6. Rest the panel on the legs holding the cooktop up so it’s out of the way

Now that we’ve removed the inner panel, we have a clear pathway to the oven door latch mechanism. It’s time to proceed with removing the old latch.

Removing the Old Oven Door Latch

1. Fully open the oven door to expose the latch.
2. Look for two Phillips head screws holding the old latch in place.
3. Using your Phillips screwdriver, remove both screws. Set them aside in a safe place.
4. Slide the old latch horizontally to detach it from the latch rod.
5. Remove the old latch from the oven door.

Alright now that we have all the necessary tools and equipment gathered, we can proceed with confidence to install our new replacement oven door latch. Taking this step will not only make sure we have the proper functionality of our oven but also guarantee the safety of our household members while using it. Let’s get started!

Installing the New Oven Door Latch

1. Take the new oven door latch (WP9761013) out of its packaging.
2. Locate the latch rod on the oven door.
3. Slide the new latch onto the rod horizontally, just like the old one.
4. Feed the end of the latch into the hole on the oven body.
5. Line up the screw holes on the new latch.
6. Insert the two Phillips screws and tighten them to secure the latch in place.

Helpful tip: The screws may feel tight at first since they create their own threads. Apply extra downward force when driving them in.

Replacing the Inner Panel

1. Check to make sure that the oven door hinges are rotated out of the way.
2. Lift up the top of the inner panel.
3. Align the slots on the panel with the oven frame.
4. Gently lower the panel back into place. Make sure the holes line up.
5. Push the oven door hinges back into position.
6. Lock the panel legs back into the oven.
7. Replace the screws or push-in clips to secure the panel again.

Note: There may be two sizes of screws – make sure to put any larger screws towards the back.

Testing the Repair

1. Plug the oven back in or turn the circuit breaker back on.
2. Open and close the oven door several times to test the latch.
3. Verify that the door is closing, latching, and sealing properly.
4. If needed, adjust the strike plate on the oven frame until the alignment is right.
5. Enjoy your perfectly functional oven door once again!

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope you found this information useful to get your oven door latch working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our thousands of free videos and troubleshooting guides available. If you need replacement parts or some extra help, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, order parts, read our DIY blog and more.

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