Whirlpool Door Latch (WPW10653840)

The Whirlpool Door Latch secures the appliance door in the closed position and signals to the control that the door is shut. It helps the machine start and run the selected cycle by preventing operation when the door is open. If the latch does not close or does not report a closed door, the appliance may not begin a cycle or may stop for safety.

Common causes of failure include worn latch hooks, a weakened or broken spring, damage from slamming or pulling on the door, and misalignment between the door and the latch strike. Dirt, detergent buildup, or warping around the latch area can also prevent a full lock. In some cases, the latch body cracks or the internal switch action becomes inconsistent, which can make door-closed detection intermittent.

These symptoms can help you decide if this door latch is the source of the problem:

- Door will not close, catch, or stay shut

- Appliance will not start because it does not sense the door is closed

- Cycle starts, then stops shortly after as the door-closed signal drops out

- Door-ajar or door-latch error shows even when the door is firmly shut

- You must push, lift, or hold the door to get the appliance to run

- Latch feels loose, sticks, or does not click consistently when closing