How to Troubleshoot & Replace Ge AP6049687 / WD13X23417 Latch Assembly

After turning the power off to the dishwasher, I dis assembled the door panel ti investigate why the door was not latching. I had an idea it was something in the latch assembly, but was not sure. I discovered that a spring in the latch had failed and that is what my wife heard snap. I ordered the replacement and 2 days later I had the replacement part and was able to repair the door. The only glitch was after I initially replaced the latch I discovered that the latching arm was not positioned to receive the door striker, so I had to remove the latch again and reposition the latching arm, then reinstall the latch assembly. 

Replaced the latch assembly.. This is the part that contains the spring loaded latch. It will require you to remove the micro switches and re-install in new latch..Note: my new latch came in the latched position. I had to activate the spring loaded latch with a small screw driver so that it was in the unlatched position. After that the repair was a breeze.. 

New latch. Latch was easy to install, but when I tried to close the door, it wouldn’t hold shut. For some reason, the manufacturer ships the latches in the closed position. I only figured this out by reading some of the other reviews for this item. Once I moved the latch to the open position (just need a screwdriver to pop the spring loaded latch in the other direction), I was able to get through a complete wash cycle. 

Took front panel off dishwasher to gain access to broken latch then unplugged the two switches that are in the latch! I should start by saying I had already shut off power to unit! I then removed old door latch and installed new latch it is held in by four screws the first two will be removed in order to separate control panel from door ! After latch was reattached to control panel I then inserted the two switches into new latch! Note these can be put in upside down so I left them in old latch to keep track of there placement! I then carefully reassembled door and door panel and turned power back on to dishwasher! Door now latches and dishwasher runs! 

Replaced the latch and hook and it works fine. 

I removed the door panel.I used a couple of couch pillows to support the door panel,this gave me easy access to the assembly I removed thew 4 wires and screws and replaced the switch assembly.Before starting I turned off the power via a circuit breaker.It took me no more than 30 minutes the part was an exact replacement.With standard shipping I received the part in one day.An easy fix. 

I had an appliance repair company come look at my GE dishwasher. It wasn't three years old but he told me the parts were discontinued. Afterwards I checked for myself and GE has discontinued them! AAARRRGGGHHH! Well AppliancePartsPros has them! Thank goodness. I even installed it myself! 

Bought the 5 components that comprise the latch and switches, installed them and it works fine now. The GE Model GLDT696TSS-00 was less than 4 years old so it was great that I could purchase the parts from a supplier that had very reasonable pricing and fast shipping, but not a very good testament to the quality of GE's products.