Adjusting the door on your Maytag dishwasher typically involves fine-tuning the tension of the door springs to ensure it opens and closes smoothly, staying in place at various angles without falling shut or swinging open too quickly.
Understanding Dishwasher Door Tension
The door of your Maytag dishwasher is designed to stay open at certain angles and close securely. If the door isn't behaving as expected—for example, if it closes by itself when you want it to stay open, or if it falls open too rapidly—you likely need to adjust the door spring tension. This adjustment is usually straightforward and can be done with basic tools.
When to Adjust Your Dishwasher Door
You might need to adjust your dishwasher door if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- The door closes on its own when you release it.
- The door drops open too quickly or with excessive force.
- The door feels unusually stiff or difficult to open.
- The door doesn't stay open at a desired angle.
Tools You'll Need
Before you begin, gather these essential tools:
- 5/16" Nut Driver or Hex Socket: This will be used to remove and reposition the tensioner screw.
- Gloves: For hand protection, especially when working with springs.
- Flashlight (optional): To better illuminate the area under the dishwasher.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adjusting Door Tension
Follow these steps carefully to adjust the door tension on your Maytag dishwasher:
- Safety First: Always ensure the dishwasher is unplugged from the electrical outlet before performing any adjustments or repairs.
- Access the Springs:
- Carefully open the dishwasher door.
- Locate the door springs, which are typically found on either side, at the bottom front of the dishwasher, connecting to the door hinge mechanism and running back to the dishwasher's base. You may need to gently tip the dishwasher back or look underneath it for better access, or remove the lower kick panel if present.
- Unhook the Spring:
- Carefully unhook the spring from the rear leg of the dishwasher. It's often attached to a small hook or clip. You might need to gently stretch the spring to unhook it.
- Locate the Tensioner Screw:
- With the spring unhooked, identify the tensioner mechanism. This usually involves a screw that secures the spring's attachment point to one of a series of holes (often numbered 1, 2, or 3) on the front leg of the dishwasher.
- Using your 5/16" nut driver or hex socket, carefully remove the screw from its current hole.
- Adjust the Tension:
- The position of this screw determines the door's tension.
- If the door closes by itself or falls open too quickly: Move the tensioner to a higher number hole (e.g., from hole 1 to hole 2, or from 2 to 3). This increases the tension, making the door more resistant to closing on its own.
- If the door is too stiff or difficult to open: Move the tensioner to a lower number hole (e.g., from hole 3 to hole 2, or from 2 to 1). This decreases the tension, allowing the door to open more easily.
- Replace the Screw: Once you've selected the desired hole, replace and tighten the screw securely.
- Re-hook the Spring: Carefully re-hook the spring to its attachment point.
- Test the Door: Gently open and close the dishwasher door several times to check the new tension. It should stay open at various angles without closing unexpectedly.
- Repeat if Necessary: If the door's behavior is still not ideal, repeat steps 3-8, adjusting the tensioner to a different hole until you achieve the desired feel. Ensure both sides (if applicable) are adjusted similarly for balanced operation.
- Restore Power: Once satisfied with the adjustment, plug your dishwasher back into the electrical outlet.
Tensioner Settings Guide
Here’s a quick reference for common tension adjustments:
| Symptom | Recommended Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Door closes by itself | Move tensioner to a higher number hole |
| Door falls open too quickly | Move tensioner to a higher number hole |
| Door is too stiff to open | Move tensioner to a lower number hole |
| Door doesn't stay open evenly | Adjust both sides equally |
For further information on Maytag dishwasher maintenance, you can visit the official Maytag Support Website.
