1959 (1988) Kenmore Dishwasher - Overview

Remove old seal by pulling out tabs one at a time.

To install new seal, I had to remove the front control panel and door panel to access the back side of all of the slots that the new seal tabs go into. Using needlenose pliers i pulled each tab individually until they were locked into place.
Replace door and control pan ... Read more el.

With the dishwasher door open remove the 3 srews connecting the top of the dishwasher to the bottom of the kitchen counter top. Remove the lower access panel from the dishwasher and lower the dishwasher about 1/4 inch in the front and back of the dishwasher). Once you have lowered the dishwasher enough slide the dishwasher out about 6 inc ... Read more hes (enough to gain access to the door springs on the left and right side). Remove all broken spring parts and replace using new springs. The left side of the door contained a single heavy duty spring and the right side of the door contained a heavy duty and light duty 'helper' spring. I replaced only the right side springs since the left side spring was in excellent condition. When the springs are installed slide the dishwasher back into its original position and raise the dishwasher back up to its original height using the front and back adjustment screws. Replace the 3 screws holding the top of the dishwasher secure to the bottom of the countertop. Ensure that the door opens, closes and latches smoothly and then replace the lower access panel. Job done.

This repair is very simple. Partselect.com sells a repair kit for this problem that you can use but for simplicity the entire unit is not that much more. First remove the four outside lower philips head screws on the inside of your dishwasher door. Support outer door panel while removing screws. This will remove the outer door panel to ga ... Read more in access to the detergent cup. Remove panel by pulling out bottom first then slightly pulling downward. You will then see the detergent cup. Unplug the two leads that are connected to the unit keeping in mind their orientation. Remove the five screws that hold the detergent cup in place. Remove the cup assembly and gasket. Clean gasket area and install new cup and gasket. Reinstall five screws (do not overtighten) and plug leads back in. To reinstall door panel position door panel at a slight angle and install top first sliding upward into place under control panel then push inward at bottom. Reinstall the four philips head screws on the inside and you are finished. The complete repair will take you less than 30 minutes.