Frigidaire Dishwasher: door not staying open

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Frigidaire dishwasher door not staying open? This common issue can lead to inconvenience during loading and unloading. The door may swing down or fail to hold its position. Typical causes include worn door hinges, weak door springs, or misaligned mounting hardware. Understanding these causes can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Low

Important Tips for Frigidaire Models

  • Frigidaire door problems often relate to mechanical tension or hardware rather than electronics; check mounting and friction components.

Possible Causes

Worn or faulty door friction hinges/sleeves

How to Identify: Door falls shut under its own weight when partially opened; tension feels weak compared to normal resistance when lifting the door.

Part: Door friction hinges or friction sleeves

Weak or broken door springs

How to Identify: Door feels slack, doesn’t resist movement, internal visible spring looks stretched or broken when inspecting hinge area.

Part: Door tension springs near hinge

Hinge or mounting hardware issues

How to Identify: Loose, bent or misaligned hinge hardware; screws backing out interfering with hinge operation.

Part: Door hinges or mounting screws

DIY Solutions

Replace/Adjust Door Friction Hinges or Sleeves

Moderate 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver set, possible pliers
  1. Disconnect power to the dishwasher.
  2. Open the door fully and support it manually while removing the kick plate or access panel at the base.
  3. Locate the door hinges/friction sleeves on each side.
  4. Inspect for worn parts and either adjust tension (if adjustable) or replace the friction sleeves/hinges per part instructions.
  5. Reassemble panels and test the door for proper holding position.
⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power before working on appliance.

Tighten or Realign Hinge Mounting Hardware

Easy 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver
  1. Power off the dishwasher.
  2. Check screws securing the hinge assembly at the base of the unit.
  3. Tighten any loose screws and ensure hinges are aligned symmetrically.
  4. Test the door movement.
  5. Reassemble panels if removed.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before adjusting hardware.

Professional Repairs

Replace Door Spring or Hinges

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

Hinge and Mounting Realignment by Technician

Estimated Cost: $100 - $200

When to Call a Professional

Door hardware appears damaged or broken
Hinges internally misaligned or inaccessible
DIY attempts do not improve door tension

Preventive Maintenance

  • Periodically check and tighten hinge mounting screws: Loose or sagging door hinge problems
    Frequency: every 6 months
  • Inspect door movement for resistance change: Unexpected hinge sleeve wear
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Frigidaire Dishwasher door not staying open?
The common causes include worn or faulty door hinges, weak springs, or hinge misalignment.
How do I fix Frigidaire Dishwasher door not staying open myself?
You can replace or adjust door hinges and tighten hinge mounting screws for a DIY fix.
How much does it cost to fix door not staying open?
Professional repairs can cost between $50 to $200 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for door not staying open?
Consider calling a technician if DIY fixes do not resolve the issue or if you're unsure.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

70%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Worn or damaged door hinges
  • Faulty door springs
  • Misaligned door or frame

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace the door hinges. Open the dishwasher door and check the hinges for any signs of wear or damage. If they are worn, replace them by removing the screws and installing new hinges.

  2. Check and replace the door springs. Open the door and locate the springs on either side. If they appear stretched or broken, carefully remove them and install new springs.

  3. Realign the door or frame. Check the alignment of the door with the frame. If misaligned, adjust the mounting screws or hinges to ensure proper alignment.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. How to fix hinge on dishwasher?

Community Discussions

door sits on the floor when opened, won't keep the bottom tray in

Replace hinges and possibly the inner door.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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