GE GSD900L-02 Door spring cable broke

I found the answer (see below) posted on another web site. I followed the instructions and replaced the spring. I found, as the original poster had, that the new spring works better than the original and is much more sturdy. To the original instructions, I would add the following:

1) There are about 20 screws so have patience removing and replacing the screws.
2) Step 3, "Slide off the rear panel" requires further clarification as the panel will not slide off even with all screws removed. I had to turn the oven over, with the top of the oven sitting on the work table. I then used a screw driver to lift the two tabs that hold the back panel to the bottom panel. With the tabs lifted, the back panel will rotate away from the oven along the edge where back panel slides into the top panel. The back panel can then be slid out. I have included three photos that show this step.
3) Step 7, "Re-attach feet": Be sure to use the guides on the bottom of the oven to slide the foot assembly onto the oven. I had unsuccessfully tried to screw the feet onto the oven without using the guides.

Oringinal instructions for replacing the broken spring:

Just repaired this yesterday.

Got a spring from Lowes (Hillman Part # 543028 for about $4), it's larger than the original but seems much sturdier, original is really thin metal. Fit the space provided without problem.

Oddly, end result was a more 'giving' spring action, prefer it to original, which loved to snap shut unless door was 100% opened (ie fully 90 degree open).

This is for BOV800XL:
1. Remove all rear screws
2. Remove feet entirely
3. Slide off rear panel
4. I was not able to remove top housing - but I was able to gently pry sides open just enough to thread the new spring with a little ingenuity and effort. Watch out for sharp metal edges everywhere.
5. Slide back in (remember that top edge goes under the top edge/lip)
6. Put all screws back in
7. Re-attach feet

Good luck!

Hello,

Please read our safety information before attempting any testing or repairs. Before repairing the door springs, unplug the dishwasher or shut off the power at the fuse box or breaker panel to avoid an electrical shock hazard.
The door opens and closes with the aid of springs. If the springs (or the cables that connect them on some dishwashers) break, the door will drop open hard. The door will also be heavier when closing. If the door drops open, it may also bend the door hinges out of shape resulting in a door that does not close properly and possibly leaks.

When replacing the springs or cables, all of them should be replaced at the same time.
To access the door springs and cables remove the lower panel located beneath the door. The panel is usually held in place with two screws either above or below the panel. It may be necessary to first open the door to the dishwasher to get to the screws over the panel, then close the door to remove the panel.
There are two common types of spring assemblies. One type connects the springs from a hook on the dishwasher cabinet of to a tang on the door hinge .

Hello,

Either the door spring is broken or the linkage that ties the spring to the door hinge...the springs hook onto the leg/frame asm that supports the tub then the spring fit into that linkage and the liknage fits onto the door hinges.

This link is a parts breakdown for your model and item #6 is the spring and item #11 is the linkage..their is 2 of them (one on the left and one on the right) and its reccomended that both are replaced at the same time

Here is that link so are can get a good look of how and where they go http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/part-model/Maytag-Parts/Dishwasher-Parts/Model-MDB4000AWA/3048/0130000/M0512217/00002?blt=06&prst=0&shdMod=MDB4000AWA


GENE

Question, my cable just broke yesterday. Where did you buy the part?

Same just happened here- what did you do??

The door cable is here:

http://www.appliancepartspros.com/part_details.aspx?part_id=2038829

I don't have the instructions on the how to replace it. It is a matter of replacing them one at time as best you can with the door closed. I do not have a manual for this dishwasher to pass you any pictures. Just being honest.

Kelly

If you gently push up on the door latch heads (hook-like devices sticking out of the door) there should be spring tension. If they just flop right up, the spring is off inside.

Normally the problem is not the spring, but a broken spring mounting tab on the door latch head (hook) assembly or the inner door panel.

If it's the door panel, it's usually easier and cheaper to use epoxy and some kind of hardware to fashion a new spring mount.

The door latch head (hook) is easy to replace or repair if that's the issue.

You can find helpful exploded view diagrams and order parts by entering your full model number here.

We have critical safety & disassembly info at our site.

Normally you have to separate the door panels (as shown in the attached photo) and then you'll see the screws you need to remove.

Or you can watch a YouTube video (not a video I made) here that demonstrates how it's done.

We're happy to help you with free advice and we'd appreciate your thoughtful rating of our answer.

Murray, It sounds like one of the door springs has broken and that is why the door seems heavier and opens with much more force.

You'll want to at least make a temporary repair and order a new replacment spring to get your dishwasher working like it should and so it's safer too.

You can check to see which side of the dishwasher the spring broke, by locking the door shut (with the cycle set to "off"). Now remove the lower access panel, beneath the main dishwasher door. There are a couple of screws near the top corner edges of the panel, just under the main door and a couple more on the toe kick near the very bottom.

Once you've got the lower access panel off, you'll be able to see the two door springs, (there is one on each side). Of course, the broken one might have fallen off the spring notches, so look around and you should see it.

With the door still closed and locked, you can remove the broken spring and see if it's just the hook end that broke. If that's the case, you can reform the end hook using a couple pairs of pliers and reinstall the spring on the door and frame mounting points. You'll have to use pliers to stretch the spring slightly to get it on the other mounting point, once you've got one end on a mounting point. If the spring broke off more than 3 coils, you'll need to replace it with a new one.

You can find a replacement by using searspartsdirect.com and putting in your model number to locate a line drawing and parts listing for your particular model. You can also order a new one from them, or use the part number to get one locally, if you wish.

Once you've got the spring back on the door and cabinet mount points, you can unlock the door and gently lower the door to see if everything is working properly. Once you've opened and closed the door several times, you can reinstall the lower access panel and you're back in business.

I hope you find this Very Helpful and best regards!

Hello Hickin! It would appear that one, or both of the door springs which act as a counter-balance for the weight of the door, have broke.

To confirm this and get at the spring(s), close and lock the wash compartment door and use a screwdriver (might be a 1/4" or 5/16" nut driver instead) to remove the lower panel.

Once you have the lower panel off, you should be able to see the door springs on each side. You'll probably also see part of the broken spring lying in there too. If the door spring broke near the end by the hook, it is possible to TEMPORARYILY bend the spring with a set of channel locks and pliers to form a new hook end, that you can attach to the door clip. If the spring is broke near the middle, you'll need to get a new one.

Regardless, you'll need to locate the model number for your dishwasher and obtain a replacement spring ASAP, as the temporary repair will only work for a short while before the spring breaks again.

You might want to try Fagor at their site to see what the part number for the replacement spring is. http://www.fagoramerica.com/

The other option with your model number is to try the Sears part web site, which shows a line drawing and parts list for most applianances.

http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action

This repair is relatively easy for anyone to undertake and you can save yourself the cost for a service tech's labor charges, plus the trip/house charge they normally tack on.

I hope you find this Very Helpful and best regards!

you need an ice duct door spring and selenoid call ge at 800-851-6200 about 40 dollars for parts they go in the freezer door despenser area