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why does my dishwasher detergent door not open

by Sharon Daniel Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

The Most Common Reason Your Dishwasher Soap Dispenser Isn't Opening. The dispenser may be blocked. Check to see if there's detergent in the dispenser or on the bottom of the tub after the cycle. Tall items like cookie sheets and cutting boards placed in the lower rack can block the dispenser door.

Full Answer

Why is my dishwasher not opening?

  • After you have filled your dishwasher up with dishes and turned it on, the dishwasher will then fill with water and heat it up to a high temperature.
  • The dispenser door will then open, and the pod (or powder) will drop out and dissolve in the water.
  • The soapy water is then pumped up into the spray arms and distributed around the dishwasher.

More items...

Why does my dishwasher soap door not open?

The 7 Most Common Problems With Your Dishwasher Soap Dispenser

  1. Soap Buildup. Understandably, the number one most common cause of soap dispenser trouble is a buildup of soap. ...
  2. Broken Latch. Next, take a look at the latch mechanism. ...
  3. Broken Spring. ...
  4. Warped Dispenser Door. ...
  5. Worn Out Dispenser Gasket. ...
  6. Wax Motor. ...
  7. Loose Rinse Aid Cap. ...

How to fix a dishwasher not dissolving detergent or tablet?

Why Is My Dishwasher Tablet Not Dissolving?

  • Inlet Valve Malfunction. The inlet valve is what allows water into your dishwasher. ...
  • Your Water Isn’t Hot Enough. Not heating properly is one of the dishwasher problems you’ll regret ignoring. ...
  • The Dispenser Door Is Blocked. ...
  • The Spray Arm Is Clogged or Broken. ...
  • Circulation Pump Failure. ...

Why is my dishwasher not using soap?

Why Your Dishwasher Detergent is Not Dispensing

  • Dishes Blocking the Detergent Hatch. The first thing to check for is accidental and avoidable causes. ...
  • Soap Build-Up has Gummed the Hatch. ...
  • Loose or Jammed Rinse Aid Dispenser Cap. ...
  • Damaged Dispenser Door Spring or Hinges. ...
  • Malfunctioning Dispenser Trigger. ...
  • Dishwasher Control Timer. ...

What makes the detergent door open on a dishwasher?

The thing that makes the detergent door pop open instead of falling open in the dishwasher is a tiny spring that powers the soap dispenser. When the right time comes in the cycle, the spring triggers and pops the soap dispenser open so that hot water jets can instantly cause suds and blast the soap around the dishes.

Why is my dishwasher not releasing the tablet?

The Dispenser Door Is Blocked If the dispenser door (which the tablet sits in) is blocked, the tablet won't be released. If water can't reach the tablet, it won't dissolve. The most likely culprit in this situation is how each shelf is stacked within your dishwasher. Make sure not to stuff it too full!

Can I just throw dishwasher tablets in the bottom?

Tossing your detergent pack into the machine Single dose detergent packs should be placed in the dispenser. Tossing one into the bottom of the dishwasher will cause it to dissolve too quickly during the prewash, leaving no detergent for the main wash portion of the cycle.

Why is my Whirlpool dishwasher soap dispenser not opening?

If the dispenser door spring is defective, the dispenser might not open during the wash cycle. Inspect the dispenser door spring for damage. If it is bent, broken, or damaged in any way, replace it. If the dispenser latch is defective, the dispenser won't open or close properly.

Can I use my dishwasher if the soap dispenser is broken?

How to use dishwasher with broken soap dispenser – Final words. If you're having trouble with the soap dispenser, just add the detergent pods inside your dishwasher (at the bottom). But ultimately, it is best to fix the soap dispenser – it's there to release the soap at the right time for a perfect wash.

How do I fix the soap dispenser on my dishwasher door spring?

0:362:18How To: Whirlpool/KitchenAid/Maytag Detergent Lid Spring WP8066018YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure that the two ends of the spring are on the bottom side of the coil when the center portionMoreMake sure that the two ends of the spring are on the bottom side of the coil when the center portion of the spring is facing down engage.

How do I fix my dishwasher detergent dispenser?

0:374:27Dishwasher Detergent Cup Not Opening - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhen you open the door a dish might be blocking the detergent dispenser during the wash cycleMoreWhen you open the door a dish might be blocking the detergent dispenser during the wash cycle preventing the soap from dispensing avoid blocking the dispenser when you load the dishwasher.

When should dishwasher detergent door open?

The dishwasher soap dispenser is controlled by a spring-operated door latch. This mechanism is wired into the control board of your dishwasher. When the dishwasher's cycle has reached the point where it needs to release soap, the control board sends a message to the soap dispenser that it's time to pop open.

Why do you put dishwasher tablets in your shower?

Because dishwasher tablets are small, they cover a very small surface area when you're on your hands and knees scrubbing away. It might take some time for the surfaces to sparkle again, but as long as you're ready to put in the effort, the tablets should clean up your shower without breaking the bank.

How do you fix a Whirlpool dishwasher soap dispenser?

1:182:31Whirlpool Dishwasher Replace Detergent Dispenser #W10304416YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRelease the tabs and pull the old dispenser. Out install the new dispenser by aligning it in theMoreRelease the tabs and pull the old dispenser. Out install the new dispenser by aligning it in the inner door panel and snapping it into position replace the shields realign the bracket.

Why is my Kitchenaid dishwasher soap dispenser not opening?

If dishes, utensils, or dishwasher racks are blocking the detergent dispenser door, the dispenser door may not open. This can happen when the dishwasher is not loaded properly. Make sure water action can fully reach the dispenser.

Check the dispenser unit for damage

Before you look into any of the components that make the dispenser work, start by giving the whole dispenser unit a good inspection to see if there are any obvious signs of it being damaged or cracked.

Check the bi-metal actuator

The first component to check is the bi-metal actuator. This component is a metal loop that acts as a latch that allows the dispenser door to open when electricity is applied to it. When it becomes faulty, your dispenser door will not open and release any detergent or powder.

Check the dispenser door pin

In your soap dispenser door is a pin that holds it in place. When the pin becomes bent out of shape or faulty, it might stop the door from opening when it needs to.

Check the dispenser actuator

Your soap dispenser has an actuator that helps the door open. If it becomes defective, the dispenser won’t be able to work properly.

Check the dispenser door spring

The dispenser unit has a spring in the door that helps the dispenser to open during a wash cycle so that soap can get into your dishwasher. Sometimes, the spring can become defective, which will stop your dispenser from opening.

Check the dispenser latch

The next component to check is the dispenser latch. The latch is a key component within the dispenser unit that helps it to open. If defective your dishwasher won’t work properly.

Check the dispenser lever

The next component to check is the dispenser lever. The lever helps the door to open when it needs to, and if it becomes faulty, your dishwasher won’t work correctly.

What to do if detergent dispenser doesn't work?

If there’s an excess of detergent, it may make it difficult for the dispenser to release the detergent into the washing area. Cut it down a bit, and you might see results. You shouldn’t have to press the dispenser door forcefully ...

What to do if dishwasher door is rusty?

If your dishwasher has a spring and hinge pin that keeps the detergent dispenser door closed, check it out. If it’s corroded, rusty, or broken, it needs to be replaced. Your owner’s manual may have instructions on how to replace this part if you need a little help. Take a look at the dishwasher’s other operations.

How long does it take for a dishwasher to start leaking?

Most dishwashers will start having detergent dispenser issues once they reach the five to six-year mark . It’s a normal aspect of wear and tear.

What happens if the timer doesn't get a good multimeter read?

If your timer doesn’t get a good multimeter read, you need to replace the part. This is an electrical issue. Have the professional check the wax motor, too. A bad wax motor means there’s no way for the dishwasher’s door to open up and release the soap. If it’s starting to go, this part has to be replaced.

How long should a dishwasher last?

Some people suggest that you should expect your washer to last at least three years after the warranty expires, if not more.

How much does it cost to replace a dishwasher?

Most dishwasher replacement parts that can be replaced via a DIY approach will cost between $5 to $25. If you need to call a professional to fix your dishwasher, things will get pricey. You can expect to pay between $75 to $150 for a typical dishwashing repair call.

Can you overload a soap dispenser?

There’s not much you can do to prevent most of the items in your dispenser from breaking, since it’s usually a matter of wear and tear. With that said, being careful not to overload the soap dispenser can help reduce the chances of having a clog.

Reasons Behind Dishwasher Soap Dispenser Not Opening

Let’s see some of the top reasons that cause your dishwasher soap dispenser not opening problem.

How to check the dishwasher rinse aid cap?

It is a very simple process and no advanced tools are required for it.

KitchenAid Dishwasher Dispenser is Not Opening

The dishwasher detergent door should open automatically to release the detergent at the appropriate time in the cycle. If the door is not opening, there are several things to check to determine why:

Are items blocking the dispenser which kept it from opening fully?

If dishes, utensils, or dishwasher racks are blocking the detergent dispenser door, the dispenser door may not open. This can happen when the dishwasher is not loaded properly. Make sure water action can fully reach the dispenser.

Is the detergent old or clumped (when using powdered detergent)?

Older detergent, exposed to air, will clump and not dissolve well, which causes the dispenser door to stick to the detergent. Replace detergent if necessary.

Why is my dishwasher detergent door not opening?

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.

What can prevent the dishwasher door from opening?

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.

Do dishwasher detergent doors need to be in working order?

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.

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