My dishwasher soap dispenser is not dispensing soap. After cleaning cycle, the soap dispenser is open but the soap is just sitting there in a big clump on inside of door.

here are a few possible causes for a dishwasher soap dispenser's trigger/spring to continuously try to open the dispenser after it has been opened:

The trigger/spring mechanism may be damaged or broken. This could be caused by normal wear and tear over time, or it could be the result of a foreign object getting stuck in the mechanism.
The dishwasher's control board may be malfunctioning. If the control board is not functioning properly, it could send a signal to the soap dispenser to continuously open and close.
There may be a problem with the dishwasher's timer or motor. If the timer or motor is not working properly, it could cause the soap dispenser to malfunction.
To troubleshoot the problem, you could try cleaning the soap dispenser and checking for any foreign objects that may be stuck in the mechanism. You could also try resetting the dishwasher by turning off the power and unplugging it for a few minutes, then plugging it back in and turning it on. If these steps do not resolve the issue, it may be necessary to call a professional for further assistance or to consider replacing the soap dispenser.

Whirlpool dishwashers use a wax motor or a solinoid to release the door at a specific time during the cycle. So for proper cleaning the soap cup is nessesary . The part isn't that expensive and fairly simple repair.

make sure that the soap dispenser if clean and free of residue build up. if this is clean you need to replace the dispencer

Check the water supply. Start cycle then open the door after it fills and check water level and spray action. If everything is soaking wet, there is probablyl a pizza pan blocking the soap tray.

Hi,
There are three common problems that cause the Soap Dispenser or Cup not toopen. I have a tip that will explain these problems in detail....

Dishwasher Repair Problem Detergent Cup does not Open

heatman101

I had the same problem once. Make sure nothing is stacked in front of the soap dispenser when you close the door. Slowly close the door and follow the soap dispenser to make sure it has enough clearance to open.
Let me know how it goes.
Regards,

Not a solution but exactly the same problem. I should have sent the machine back (I bought mine about 2008 too) but by now, 2010, the machine is a complete waste of time and money. The soap dispenser fails to open every time, wasting money, water and my patience because I then have to hand wash after all. will try the suggested oil trick, but it was obviously a bad design to start with.

I noticed you didn't rate out chat and saw that your problem was posted. I'm happy to continue to help you if you encountered problems or were not happy with the solution in your chat session.

These rely on mechanical timers and springs on the soap dispenser. They get a bit gunked up after a while. Don't prewash and run the the dishwasher for a few cycles with the dispenser open (put the soap tablet in the cutlery basket). If you listen to the machine you may be able to hear the click when the dispenser should open which at least tells you that it should be working

its either the dispenser or the timer/pcb.