How to Replace W10250160 Dishwasher Rack Adjuster Arm Clip on Whirlpool & KitchenAid — Step-by-Step

You go to close your dishwasher door and it won't latch. The upper rack won't stay in position, sliding forward every time you pull it out. That little plastic clip on the rack adjuster arm has broken off — and it's a W10250160 clip you need. This happens on countless Whirlpool, KitchenAid, and Kenmore models, from the WDT750SAHZ0 to the KDTE204DSS0. The good news? This is one of the easiest dishwasher repairs you'll ever do.

What You Need Before Starting

This repair requires almost no tools. You'll need:

• New W10250160 rack adjuster arm clip (replaces WPW10250160, AP6017800, PS11751100)
• Your hands — that's it

Estimated Time: 3-5 minutes
Difficulty: Easy — Perfect first repair

Safety First

Pull the dishwasher rack out completely before starting. There's no need to disconnect power for this repair since you're only working with the rack assembly itself. Make sure the dishwasher is empty and the rack is at room temperature if it's been recently used.

Step 1: Remove the Upper Rack Completely

Pull the upper rack all the way out until it stops. Look at each side of the rack where it meets the track — you'll see the adjuster assemblies. Lift the rack slightly while pulling forward to disengage it from the tracks. Set it on your counter or kitchen table where you have room to work.

Step 2: Locate the Broken Clip Position

On the side of the rack, you'll see the height adjustment mechanism — it's the assembly that lets you move the rack up and down. The W10250160 clip snaps onto the adjuster arm to hold it in position. If yours is broken, you'll see a small rectangular slot where the clip should be. Sometimes the old clip is still partially attached or has fallen off completely.

Step 3: Remove Any Remaining Broken Clip Pieces

If part of the old clip is still wedged in place, gently pry it out with your fingernail or a flathead screwdriver. The clip is just plastic that snaps into place — there are no screws or permanent fasteners. Clean out any debris from the slot so the new clip seats properly.

Step 4: Snap the New W10250160 Clip Into Position

Take your new clip and orient it so the wider end faces the direction the old one did. Line it up with the slot on the adjuster arm and press firmly until you hear a distinct click. The clip should sit flush and not wobble. Give it a gentle tug — it shouldn't pull free easily. If it does, reposition and press harder until it locks.

Step 5: Test the Rack Adjustment

Before reinstalling the rack, test the adjustment mechanism. Move the lever or button that changes the rack height (this varies by model — some have a lever on each side, others have a center mechanism). The rack should move smoothly and lock into each position. The new clip prevents the arm from slipping out of the adjustment notch.

Reinstalling the Rack

Slide the rack back into the dishwasher at a slight upward angle to engage the tracks. Push it all the way back — you should feel it seat properly on both sides. Pull the rack out and push it in a few times to make sure it glides smoothly. Close the dishwasher door to verify it latches correctly now that the rack sits at the proper height.

Testing After Installation

Load a few plates or bowls on the upper rack and slide it in and out several times. The rack should stay level and not tilt forward. Try adjusting the rack height (if your model allows multiple positions) to confirm the new clip holds in all settings. Close the door — it should latch without resistance. If everything works smoothly, you're done.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this W10250160 clip fit my KitchenAid dishwasher?

Yes, this clip works across Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Kenmore, Maytag, and Jenn-Air models. It's compatible with dozens of dishwashers including the KDTE204DSS0, KUDE20FXSS4, KUDS30IXSS6, and many others. Check your model number against the compatibility list, but if your old clip looks the same, this part will work.

My door still won't close after replacing the clip — what's wrong?

If the door won't latch, check that the upper rack is seated properly on both sides and sitting at the correct height. Sometimes the rack gets pushed too far back or isn't level. Pull it out completely and reseat it. Also verify nothing is blocking the door from closing — a tall dish or utensil sticking up can prevent the latch from engaging.

How long do these rack adjuster clips typically last?

These clips can last 5-10 years under normal use, but they're plastic and subject to constant stress from loading and unloading dishes. If you frequently adjust your rack height or overload the upper rack, they may wear out faster. They're inexpensive and simple to replace, so keeping a spare on hand isn't a bad idea if your dishwasher is more than five years old.