Would this require removing the front panel?

Yes, you are supposed to remove the front panel to replace these.

Service manual for your dishwasher is here (page 37): http://members.msaworld.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/02/2013-DW-Service-Manual.pdf

whirlpool_trainee and hvtech42- Thanks so much for your help! Will give it a go and hope that I don't destroy anything in the process.

hvtech42- Thanks for the link to the manual. We tried to remove the front panel according to the instructions. Pulled the bottom of the panel out after removing the six side screws, but it wouldn't budge. I guess it's time to call in a pro. Thanks for your help anyway.

whirlpool_trainee and hvtech42- Not quite ready to give up on this. Have you ever actually removed this type of door front? Do I just pull real hard on the bottom, straight toward me, to get it off? Then pull it downward? All six screws have been removed from the sides. Any other suggestions are much appreciated. Thanks!

No, I haven't. Looking at the video here (https://youtu.be/AbxxgWf_3pk / 50 seconds into it), they remove the door just like it is written in the service manual. :/

Alex

Thanks so much, Alex. Will try once more, looks so easy in the vid!

flopsycat1, were you ever successful in getting that front panel removed? I am having the same difficulty with the same type of door with a recessed handle. Just as you described, the panel will not budge once all 6 screws have been removed.

Was this ever resolved? curious as I have the same issue.

There is also a small screw in the underside of the recessed handle that needs to be removed. I thought that I had tried that without success, but my husband tried it and that worked for him.

I just did the replacement. First remove the 3 screws from the existing handle and save them for the new one. Next, remove the front panel. Taking the front panel off is easy and just requires removing the 6 screws vertically down each side on the inside. If needed you can loosen the controls at the top of the unit view the additional screws at the top inside. I wouldn’t remove it completely if you can help it as it is wired in and the wires are taped to the front (I did but thought it unnecessary in the end).

Note the pressure clips inside the handle are very very strong to the point that I had to break some of them on the old handle to be replaced just to get it out, which I did from the inside after taking off the front panel. I figured I’d rather break the old handle than bend/dent the sheet metal.

After getting the old handle out put the panel back on and screw everything back tight (but not too tight).

Now you can just install the new handle. Start at the top, angling it in and then use some quick force to get it clipped in on the bottom.

Then replace the 3 screws gently. If you see the handle visibly bending you’re doing it too tight. Too tight will snap the plastic and you’ll be right back where you were.

Good luck!

Aaron - your instructions were very helpful and spot on. Then only thing I would add is that the 12 screws holding the panel in place are not all the same length so make a note of which screws you remove from each location. Once the screws are removed the panel will literally fall off, so a second person is required to hold the front panel to the door when the last few screws are removed. Other than that, everything Aaron said is accurate.

I also have been trying to remove the recessed handle on our bosch dishwasher as well. Once removed, I'm hoping to install a custom panel on the front that matches my cabinets. Once the handle is gone, do you think it will be possible with this type of dishwasher? thank you in advance!

I just realized the recessed handle clicks the dishwasher open... this may be an issue.

No need to remove the 6 screws on either side. My wife dabbed vaseline on each clip area with a cotton swab and we were able to snap in the replacement part with firm pressure.

How did you remove the old handle without removing the entire front panel? I followed Aaron's instructions and successfully replaced the handle. I had to remove the front panel to get the old handle out.