Dishwasher Repair Problem Detergent Cup does not Open

If you are having problems with your dishwasher not getting the detergent that you placed in the cup to release then you need to read this tip.

There are three things that are often the cause for this to happen.

-There is a problem with your timer
-The Bi-metal switch or wax motor is bad or not activating
-The detergent cup itself

First we will look at the wax motor switch. On newer dishwasher they have a wax motor in which the wax is heated. This pushes a piston out which mechanically opens the door. The Timer activates the heat to the wax motor. So if this is not working the timer may not be starting the heater or the wax motor is not heating or has lost its seal. You will need to be able to identify which of these problems is causing it not to work.

Next is the bi-metal switch. These also are activated by the timer. These bi-metal switches will move or deform when electric which cause a bit of heat, is applied. With these switches the current often runs through the pump motor or the heating element. This greatly complicates things, because if the pump motor is not pulling enough current because of low water, or the heating element is burnt out, then the bi-metal switch will not open the detergent cup. The problem you see, that of the cup not opening, may if fact be caused by an unseen and unnoticed problem. Like low water or a burnt out element.


Then there is the timer that actually has an arm or linkage that activates the cup door at the right time to dump the detergent. This linkage can get worn or broken. This can be one of the easiest to troubleshoot. If the linkage is broken or not operating, then simply replace it.

The final cause can also be a very simple fix. Sometimes the cup will just get a build up of mineral or detergent on it that will cause it to become inoperable. If the cup door is hard to close or does not release easily, then a good cleaning may be all that is needed to get it working properly again.


http://www.fixya.com/support/r4078724-dishwasher_problems_water_will_not_drain

http://www.fixya.com/support/r4021363-dishwasher_trouble_no_water_entering