How to Install Dishwasher Door Latch Lock 4026DD3001A in a Kenmore Elite Dishwasher

Quick answer: Cut power, open the door and find the latch lock at the top center of the tub opening. Remove its mounting screws, loosening the counter brackets and easing the dishwasher forward if they enter from above, fit the new lock in the same orientation, tighten, and confirm the door hook catches cleanly.

Door latch lock 4026DD3001A is the fixed catch, sometimes called the strike, that sits on top of the dishwasher tub on Kenmore Elite dishwashers built by LG and on LG models such as LDT9965BD00, LDF7561ST and LDF8764ST. The moving latch in the door hooks onto this piece; if the lock is cracked, worn smooth or has lost a mounting ear, the door will not stay shut and the control will refuse to start or will stop mid-cycle when the door drifts open.

This is a small plastic part, so the repair is quick and cheap. The only real challenge is access, because the lock is screwed to the top of the tub right behind the countertop edge. On some installations you can reach the screws from inside the tub opening; on others you loosen the two countertop brackets and slide the dishwasher forward a few inches to get a driver in from above. Either way, the part comes off and goes on in minutes, and no wiring is involved because the switch is in the door latch, not in this lock.

See part details and every compatible model: 4026DD3001A

⚠️ Safety First
  • Unplug the dishwasher or switch off its breaker before you begin, even though this part has no wiring; the door latch beside it does.
  • Wear gloves; the top tub flange and the countertop bracket edges are sharp.
  • If you slide the dishwasher forward, pull gently and watch the water supply line and drain hose so they do not kink or pull loose.
  • Do not run the dishwasher with the lock removed; the door can fall open during the wash.

Tools and Parts You Need

  • Phillips screwdriver, ideally a stubby one
  • Torx driver set for the countertop brackets if present
  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • Small mirror to see the top of the tub
  • Adjustable wrench to lower the leveling legs if needed
  • Work gloves

Step-by-Step Installation

  1. Cut power and open the door Switch off the breaker or unplug the machine. Open the door fully and look at the top center of the tub opening; the latch lock is the plastic catch the door hook grabs.
  2. Check how the lock is mounted Shine a light on the lock. Its screws may face forward and be reachable now, or they may enter from the top of the tub rail, hidden under the countertop. That decides whether you need to move the dishwasher.
  3. Free the dishwasher if needed If the screws are on top, remove the screws in the two brackets that tie the dishwasher to the countertop, lower the front leveling legs slightly, and ease the unit forward a few inches until the top of the tub rail is exposed.
  4. Remove the old lock Back out the mounting screws and lift the lock off the tub rail. Note which way the sloped face points; it must face the door so the hook can ride up and drop in.
  5. Install the new lock Set 4026DD3001A in the same position with the same orientation, start both screws by hand and tighten until snug. Plastic ears crack if you overtighten.
  6. Test the catch by hand Before pushing the dishwasher back, close the door and feel for a solid click. Pull lightly on the door; it should stay latched. Open it and confirm the release works.
  7. Return and secure the dishwasher Slide the unit back into place, raise the leveling legs so the top rail meets the counter, and refasten the two countertop brackets.
  8. Restore power and run a test Turn power back on, start a short cycle and confirm it runs to completion with the door held firmly closed and no error about the door.

Fit Checks Before You Call the Job Done

  • Compatible with Kenmore Elite 72214693610 and LG models including LDT9965BD00, LDF7561ST, LDF7810BB01, LDF7551ST and LSDF995ST; verify your model on the door edge tag.
  • The new lock's screw holes should line up with the tub rail without redrilling.
  • The sloped catch face should point toward the door, matching the old part.
  • The door hook should ride up the slope and drop in with a clear click, not scrape or stop short.
  • With the door closed, the door should not have noticeable play when you tug it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Blaming the wrong part If the door hook itself is worn or the latch switch has failed, a new lock will not fix a no-start. Inspect the door latch assembly too before ordering.

Installing it backward The lock is asymmetric. Mounted the wrong way the hook cannot climb onto it and the door will bounce open.

Overtightening the screws The mounting ears are plastic and split easily. Snug is enough.

Pulling the dishwasher out too far A few inches exposes the tub rail. Yanking it further strains the drain hose and supply line behind it.

Forgetting the countertop brackets If you leave the brackets loose, the whole dishwasher tips forward when the loaded lower rack is pulled out.

Troubleshooting After Installation

Door still pops open during a cycle Check that the lock is fully seated and screws are tight, then inspect the door hook for wear. A hook rounded off by years of use needs the latch assembly replaced.

Dishwasher will not start with the door closed The door may not be closing far enough to trip the switch in the latch. Confirm the lock is not mounted too far forward and that no rack or dish is blocking the door.

Door is hard to close The lock may be a few millimeters off its original spot. Loosen the screws, nudge it back toward the tub and retighten.

Grinding or scraping when latching The hook is hitting the edge of the lock rather than its slope. Recheck orientation and alignment.

Care Tips After the Repair

  • Wipe the lock and door hook when you clean the tub rim so grit does not wear them.
  • Close the door with a push, not a slam; slamming is what cracks the plastic ears.
  • Make sure racks are fully in before closing so the door is not forced against a stop.
  • If the door begins to feel loose when closed, inspect the lock before it fails completely.

Compatible Models (Sample)

This part is listed for 66 Kenmore Elite models in our fitment data. Always confirm your exact model number on the appliance's rating plate.

Repair Difficulty and Time

Difficulty: Easy. Typical time: 20 to 40 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the same as the door latch?

No. The latch with the handle and switch is in the door. Part 4026DD3001A is the fixed lock on the tub that the door hook grabs.

Do I have to pull the dishwasher out?

Only if the mounting screws enter from the top of the tub rail. Many owners can reach them from the front once the door is open. Look first.

Does this part have any wiring?

No. It is a plain plastic catch. The door sensing switch is inside the door latch assembly.

Will this fit my LG dishwasher?

Kenmore Elite dishwashers of this type are built by LG, and the lock is listed for LG models such as LDT9965BD00, LDF7551WW and LDF6920WW. Confirm your model number against the list.

Final Checklist

  • Power off at breaker or plug
  • Screw access identified before moving anything
  • Countertop brackets loosened only if needed
  • Old lock removed and orientation noted
  • New lock fitted, screws snug not tight
  • Door click tested by hand
  • Dishwasher returned and brackets refastened
  • Test cycle completed with door secure

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