Whirlpool Quiet Partner I Dishwasher will not start

Whirlpool Quiet Partner I Dishwasher will not start

I have a Whirlpool Quiet Partner I Dishwasher and it will not start. I believe the issue may be with the locking mechanism. If I fuss with it enough, it starts. Has anyone experienced this issue? Is the issue truly with the lock? Is it easily replaceable? Please advise. Thanks.