Detergent Dispenser does not open

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.

Dispenser Lever

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open or close properly the dispenser lever might need to be replaced.

Detergent Dispenser Cover

If the detergent dispenser cover is broken and the detergent dispenser doesn't work, the dispenser assembly should be replaced.

Wax Motor Actuator

If the dispenser will not release the detergent the actuator connected between the wax motor and the dispenser might be broken. Check the wax motor actuator and replace it if necessary.

Detergent Container

If the dishwasher dispenser doesn't work the detergent container may need to be replaced.

Dispenser Lid

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open or close properly the dispenser lid may have to be replaced.

Detergent Dispenser

If the dishwasher dispenser doesn't work the problem is often related to the release mechanism. If the problem is with the dispenser itself, it may be easier to replace the entire dispenser.

Dispenser Door Spring

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open during the wash cycle the dispenser door spring may have to be replaced.

Dispenser Latch

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open or close properly the dispenser door latch may have to be replaced.

Dispenser Door Pin

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open or close properly the dispenser door pin may have to be replaced.

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Dispenser Actuator

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open or close properly the dispenser actuator may have to be replaced.

Dispenser

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open or close properly the entire dispenser assembly may have to be replaced.

Enter your model number to see parts for your dishwasher.

Wax Motor

There is an electrically powered device called a wax motor which opens the detergent dispenser. If the dispenser is broken and will not open to release the detergent, the wax motor might need to be replaced.

Enter your model number to see parts for your dishwasher.

Bi-Metal

If the dishwasher dispenser doesn't work the bi-metal actuator might be burned out or defective. The bi-metal is a simple metal loop which acts as a latch for the dispenser door. As electricity is applied to the metal loop, the loop deforms and bends away from the latch, releasing it. If the bi-metal is burned out it won't deform or release the detergent door.

Enter your model number to see parts for your dishwasher.

Dispenser Slide

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open or close properly the dispenser slide may need to be replaced.

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Dispenser Repair Kit

If the dispenser is broken this dispenser kit may need to be replaced.

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Main Control Board

The main control board provides power to nearly every component of the dishwasher including the detergent dispenser. If the dispenser will not actuate the main control board might be defective. You should first check for more common parts. Many times control boards are replaced unnecessarily because the problem was not diagnosed properly.

God bless you . see the photo attached.

Dispenser Lever

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open or close properly the dispenser lever might need to be replaced.

Detergent Dispenser Cover

If the detergent dispenser cover is broken and the detergent dispenser doesn't work, the dispenser assembly should be replaced.

Wax Motor Actuator

If the dispenser will not release the detergent the actuator connected between the wax motor and the dispenser might be broken. Check the wax motor actuator and replace it if necessary.

Dispenser Lid

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open or close properly the dispenser lid may have to be replaced.

Detergent Dispenser

If the dishwasher dispenser doesn't work the problem is often related to the release mechanism. If the problem is with the dispenser itself, it may be easier to replace the entire dispenser.

Dispenser Door Spring

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open during the wash cycle the dispenser door spring may have to be replaced.

Dispenser Latch

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open or close properly the dispenser door latch may have to be replaced.

Dispenser Door Pin

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open or close properly the dispenser door pin may have to be replaced.

Dispenser Actuator

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open or close properly the dispenser actuator may have to be replaced.

Dispenser

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open or close properly the entire dispenser assembly may have to be replaced.

Wax Motor

There is an electrically powered device called a wax motor which opens the detergent dispenser. If the dispenser is broken and will not open to release the detergent, the wax motor might need to be replaced.

Bi-Metal

If the dishwasher dispenser doesn't work the bi-metal actuator might be burned out or defective. The bi-metal is a simple metal loop which acts as a latch for the dispenser door. As electricity is applied to the metal loop, the loop deforms and bends away from the latch, releasing it. If the bi-metal is burned out it won't deform or release the detergent door.

Dispenser Slide

If the dispenser is broken and doesn't open or close properly the dispenser slide may need to be replaced.

Dispenser Repair Kit

If the dispenser is broken this dispenser kit may need to be replaced.

Main Control Board

The main control board provides power to nearly every component of the dishwasher including the detergent dispenser. If the dispenser will not actuate the main control board might be defective. You should first check for more common parts. Many times control boards are replaced unnecessarily because the problem was not diagnosed properly.

Gd bless you

An automatic dishwasher detergent dispenser door can become stuck for a few different reasons. Some problems are easy to fix, while some require more work. Repairs are basically the same no matter what brand of automatic dishwasher you have, although specific parts might be required. Fortunately, even if the detergent dispenser needs to be replaced, the problem is not an emergency. The dishwasher will clean dishes fine even with a stuck detergent dispenser.

Fixing a Stuck Automatic Dishwasher Detergent Dispenser
1. Step 1 Move the basket that holds silverware as far from the detergent dispenser as possible, or make sure no tall items are blocking the dispenser. Also, keep other items such as plates and pans away from the dispenser. Anything that winds up touching the dispenser during the wash cycle can cause the dispenser door to stay closed. Run the dishwasher to see if this solves the problem.
   
2. Step 2 Remove the front door panel according to your instruction manual, or find the manufacturer's instructions online, which will probably be in a PDF file. The panel is typically held on by 6 to 8 screws along the edge, which you can see when the door is open. With most models, you won't need to remove the screws at the bottom of the door, which are part of the hinge assembly.
   
3. Step 3 Clean the detergent dispenser thoroughly from the inside of the dishwasher and the exterior side as well. Accumulated detergent and other material can interfere with the spring mechanism or halt the pivot action of the door. Use very hot water and a micro-sized brush. You also can use a mix of hot water and vinegar.
   
4. Step 4 Most dispensers have a bimetallic strip or switch, attached by screws, which triggers the door release. With the front door panel removed, locate the switch, and push on it gently with a screwdriver until the dispenser door opens. You might simply need to adjust the alignment of the switch.
   
5. Step 5 Purchase a new switch if re-aligning the old one does not fix the problem. Typically, these switches cost under $10. See Resources for a link to different manufacturers where you can buy the part.
   
6. Step 6 Label the two wires connected to the switch so you can correctly reconnect them afterward, and then remove them from the terminals by holding the slip-on connectors --- not the wires --- and pulling firmly. Use a pair of needle-nosed pliers for a better grip. Then remove the switch from the dispenser by removing the screws holding it in place. Connect the wires to the terminals of the new switch, and attach the new switch to the detergent dispenser. Replace the door panel.
   
7. Step 7 Run the dishwasher again to see if the switch replacement has done the trick. If not, decide whether to replace the entire dispenser according to the manufacturer's instructions, or call a repair technician.
   

this is Usually caused by a tablet sticking in the Detergent Dispenser. This will stop the Detergent Dispenser from opening at the correct time on the wash cycle.

Hi,


1. The most common problem with the detergent doors on KitchenAid dishwashers is that they either don't open during the cycle or open only halfway. Before looking into more complicated repairs, make sure that the door is able to open. Check the seal around the door and the door latch for soap- and food-related gunk, and scrub it off if present. Sometimes this can keep the detergent door from operating properly. Consider switching detergents, as some liquids and pouch-style dish detergents can gum up the detergent dispensers. Also, make sure that there is nothing blocking the detergent door when the dishwasher is loaded. Because of the location of the detergent door, a large item such as a cookie sheet or a pan can prevent the door from opening. Run the dishwasher through a cycle without anything placed in front of the detergent dispenser and see if that solves the problem.
Broken Timer
2. KitchenAid dishwashers rely on an internal timer to complete the wash cycle properly. When this timer malfunctions, certain steps in the wash process (such as the release of soap from the detergent dispenser) can be interrupted. If the dishwasher detergent door is either not opening or appears to be opening late in the cycle, this is likely the mechanical culprit. A broken timer isn't something that's simple to replace without knowledge of dishwasher repair, so it's best to consult a professional if you suspect that this is the problem.
Malfunctioning Door Components
3. For the detergent door to function properly, all of its mechanical components must be in working order. Older dishwashers' detergent doors rely on a spring-loaded hinge to pop all the way open when the timer gives the signal. If the door doesn't swing all the way open instantly when it's manually released, the spring may need to be replaced for the dispenser to operate properly. If the particular model is newer and does not rely on a spring to open the door, chances are it either uses a wax motor or a bi-metal switch to release the detergent door at the appropriate time. If either of these components is dying, that can mean that the detergent dispenser will not operate properly.

thank you
vijay(vote for me)

there is a problem with the soap dispenser not getting signal to open 9 out of ten times it is the dispenser its self and needs to be replaced the other problem is the main control board

I've been told we can replace the dispenser. See AppliancePartsPro.com. Part AP2834000

the pcb will need replacing,the dispenser gets its power from there.

Behind the dispensor door there is a small selanoid you will need to replace this, test to see if its open circuit, alternatively you can just place the detergent in side the machine before you put it on a wash cycle is this would have the same effect. the only cycle you can not do this on is the one with the prewash, I think its number 1.