How to Install Dishwasher Door Latch and Gasket Kit 5304442175 in a Kenmore Dishwasher

Quick answer: Cut power, open the door and remove the inner door panel screws to reach the latch, unplug its wiring and swap it, then pull the old tub gasket out of its channel and press the new one in from the top center down both sides. Keep the door closed for a few hours so the gasket seats.

Kit 5304442175 bundles two parts that wear together on Frigidaire-built Kenmore dishwashers: the door latch that holds the door shut and tells the control it is safe to run, and the tub door gasket that keeps wash water from leaking along the top and sides of the door. If your dishwasher will not start unless you lean on the door, or you find a puddle at the front after a cycle, this kit is the usual fix. It also covers the earlier numbers 5300809640, 5304442173 and 5304532229.

The job has two halves. The latch lives inside the door, so you open the inner door panel to reach it and its wiring. The gasket lives on the tub, pressed into a channel that runs up one side, across the top and down the other side of the tub opening. Nothing has to come out of the cabinet. Plan on about an hour. A repair video also exists for this kit if you prefer to watch first.

See part details and every compatible model: 5304442175

⚠️ Safety First
  • Unplug the dishwasher or switch off its circuit breaker before opening the door panel; the latch switch carries line voltage.
  • Wear work gloves. The inner edge of the door panel and the tub flange are sharp sheet metal.
  • Support the outer door panel while the screws are out so it does not fall forward on its hinges and bend.
  • Keep track of every screw; a loose one inside the door can rattle or short a wire.

Tools and Parts You Need

  • Torx driver set for the door panel screws
  • Phillips and flat-blade screwdrivers
  • Plastic trim tool or putty knife for lifting the old gasket
  • Needle-nose pliers for the wiring connector
  • Towel, sponge and mild detergent to clean the gasket channel
  • Work gloves

Step-by-Step Installation

  1. Cut power and open the door Switch off the breaker or unplug the machine, then open the door fully. Look along both side edges of the door for the row of Torx screws that hold the outer panel to the inner panel.
  2. Separate the door panels Remove the side screws while holding the outer panel. Tilt the outer panel and console away from the inner panel just enough to see the latch at the top center; the console wiring can usually stay connected.
  3. Unplug and remove the old latch Note how the wiring connector sits on the latch switch, then pull it off. Remove the screws or release the tabs holding the latch to the inner panel and lift it out.
  4. Fit the new latch Set the new latch into the same opening with the hook facing the tub, secure it, and push the connector on until it clicks. Move the handle by hand to make sure the hook travels freely.
  5. Reassemble the door Bring the outer panel back against the inner panel, start every screw by hand so none cross-thread, then snug them evenly. Do not overtighten into the thin metal.
  6. Remove the old tub gasket Starting at one bottom corner of the tub opening, grip the old gasket and peel it out of its channel all the way around. Wash the channel with detergent and dry it so the new rubber grips.
  7. Install the new gasket Find the middle of the new gasket and press it into the channel at the top center with the soft lip facing the door. Work toward each side, then down both sides without stretching it, so the two ends hang evenly at the bottom corners.
  8. Close the door and test Shut the door, confirm the latch catches with a clean click, and leave it closed for several hours so the gasket settles. Restore power and run a short cycle, checking the door edges for drips.

Fit Checks Before You Call the Job Done

  • Compatible with hundreds of Frigidaire-built models including Kenmore 58714131102, Frigidaire FDB949GFS1 and GLDB653AQ2; check the model tag on the door edge.
  • The new latch should drop into the inner panel opening without forcing and line up with the strike on the tub.
  • The gasket cross-section should match the old one, with a stem that seats fully into the channel.
  • Both gasket ends should reach the bottom corners of the tub opening; a gasket that stops short will leak at the corners.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Stretching the gasket Pulling the rubber tight as you press it in leaves it short at the bottom and it creeps out later. Feed it in loosely.

Starting at one end If you begin at a bottom corner and run around, the other end almost never lines up. Always start at the top center.

Skipping the channel cleaning Old detergent film keeps the new stem from seating. A clean, dry channel is what keeps the gasket in place.

Leaving the latch connector loose A half-seated connector on the latch switch produces a dishwasher that fills only sometimes or refuses to start. Push it until it clicks.

Troubleshooting After Installation

Dishwasher will not start after the repair Check that the latch connector is fully seated and that the door closes far enough to trip the switch. A gasket bunched at the top can hold the door slightly open.

Water leaks at a bottom corner One gasket end is short. Pull the gasket out from the middle down that side and refeed it without tension so the end reaches the corner.

Gasket pops out of the channel The channel was dirty or the stem is only partly in. Remove that section, clean the channel and press the stem in with a plastic tool until it bottoms.

Door is hard to latch New rubber is stiff. Leave the door closed overnight; if still hard, confirm the gasket lip faces the door and is not folded.

Care Tips After the Repair

  • Wipe the gasket and channel monthly to remove food film that hardens rubber.
  • Never slam the door; a firm push until the latch clicks is enough.
  • Check that the racks slide fully in before closing so dishes do not force the latch.

Compatible Models (Sample)

This part is listed for 550 Kenmore models in our fitment data. Always confirm your exact model number on the appliance's rating plate.

Replaces or is replaced by: 5300809640, 5304442173, 5304442175, 5304532229

Repair Difficulty and Time

Difficulty: Moderate. Typical time: 45 to 75 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to replace both parts at once?

No, but they often fail at the same age. If only the gasket is bad, skip opening the door and do just the gasket steps.

Why should the door stay closed for several hours?

New rubber arrives coiled and stiff. Closing the door presses it into its final shape so it seals evenly.

Does this kit fit Frigidaire dishwashers too?

Yes. Kenmore models beginning with 587 are built by Frigidaire, and the kit fits many Frigidaire models such as FDB949GFS1 and FD1870WHB0. Match your model number to be certain.

Is there a video for this repair?

A manufacturer repair video exists for this kit and follows the same order as the steps above.

Final Checklist

  • Power off at the breaker or plug
  • Door panel screws removed and saved
  • Old latch out, new latch secured and wired
  • Old gasket out and channel cleaned
  • New gasket started at top center, ends even at bottom
  • Door closed for several hours before first cycle
  • Test cycle run with no drips at door edges

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