The dispenser flap doesn't open

Arm might not be spinning. I think they use the arm to swing and operate the flap?

Sounds like the dispenser door isn't opening. If it isn't being blocked by dishes, the dispenser door spring might be broken, the dispenser release solenoid could be faulty, or not getting power from the control panel. While you're waiting for it to get fixed, you can just put the detergent in the bottom of the dishwasher and run it on normal cycle. It also possible the dispenser door isn't opening wide enough for the puck to fall out. Make sure the door opens freely under it's own spring assist.

Many Kenmore side-by-side refrigerators have an ice and water dispenser installed on the outside of the freezer door. The ice dispenser has a flap that opens to allow ice to be released, and closes after dispensing to keep the cold air inside of the freezer. The dispenser flap is opened and closed by a solenoid, that when energized pulls the plunger attached to the flap, opening the door. If the flap stops opening and closing, it is likely due to a faulty solenoid.

The answers gave me the confidence to have a look and on mine the arm had come out of the catch the other end from the solenoid.I just had to push it back in. So grateful thank you very much. It's not been working for about 18 months and I couldn't afford to pay someone for something that was just a luxury. A BIG THANK YOU!!

HI there is a solenoid behind the the little control panel there that is bad or rusted, The part is $30-50.00, You will need to remove the control panel on the freezer door to change it.


Sean

This has hapened to me twice. I am no expert so treat the following with caution. This is what has worked for me.

1/ I sugest you check the dispenser solenoid - it should be about 1.65K. If it is open circuit buy a new dispenser assy - about £29.00 - try http://www.hotpoint-spares.co.uk/dispenser-assembly-for-fdw70p-p-121945.html. This sorted my first failure.

2/ My second failure occured 18 months later. I removed and checked the solenoid as above. I found the resistance was OK so I put it all back together and it now works OK so I can only think that there was a bad connection at the dispenser which all the disconnection / reconnection sorted out (two connectors at dispenser).

3/ A word of warning - take especial care not to damage the seal aroud the dispenser - this seal is somewhat delicate.

4/ If all else fails, try an expert !

I don't know about the control panel - I am having trouble with mine too, but in regard to the soap dispenser -- don't use it anymore. Just buy those little tablets. That is what the secretary at the repair shop told me when I had a problem and that's been fine.

If the detergent cup doesn't open, check the detergent cup, the bi-metal switch or wax motor, and the timer. Make sure that no dishes are blocking it from opening.
The cup that holds the detergents can get caked and gooped up with old detergent. You should try to clean away any old detergent. If you can't clean the detergent away, you should replace the cup.
The bi-metal switch is activated by the timer and is an electrically operated device that bends when electricity is applied to it. It uses two different metals that are bonded together. As they warm up, they expand at different rates causing the metal to bend. The degree of bending can be set with a high degree of precision. Many devices use the bi-metal switch. A lot of newer dishwashers use a wax motor instead of the bi-metal switch. The wax motor has a wax block that gets heated up when the timer sends electricity to it. The wax expands as it gets heated up, and it pushes a plunger that opens the detergent door. Depending on how your dishwasher is wired, the switch may be wired through the motor circuitry or through the heating element. If the heating element is broken, there will be no electricity to properly activate the switch or heat the wax block in the wax motor to open the cup. If the motor doesn’t let enough electricity through its circuit, the bi-metal switch won't operate properly, or the wax motor wax block won't get heated up to expand and push the plunger.
On many dishwashers, an actuator arm links the timer to the detergent cup. When the timer reaches the correct time of the cycle, it activates a lever that opens the cup. If this link is broken or in any other respect faulty, the cup will stay closed, and won't let the detergent into the dishwasher. Check this linkage and either fix or replace it.

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.

machine not loaded correctly
or low water level
or faulty wash pump