Dishwasher detergent door won't release soap

Most likely it's a corroded door catch or a bad solenoid. Hopefully it's not the main control board. You'll need a repair manual or technician. A work around would be to use detergent tablets in the compartment

Hi,

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

Dishwasher Repair Problem Detergent Cup does not Open

heatman101

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)

Most detergent cups are spring loaded and released by either a mechanical trip or by a bi-metal strip latch. If your model is a simple dial timer type, look for a mechanical linkage between the timer and detergent cover. If it is a touch panel control, look for the other type. The bi-metal strip type has a heating wire wraped around it that can open electrically or burn out physically.

Mechanical types can be checked by rotating the timer knob 360 degrees while watching the detergent cover linkage. Electrical types require use of an ohm meter to check the resistance of the heating element on the bi-metal strip.

If you are using powder type detergent, make sure it is not caked when added to the cup or it can jam the rotating type covers.

Please reply your exact model number so we can see what the door looks like.

Use gel run a few cycles and help clear and then don't overfill w gel soap

There's an answer at: http://www.partselect.com/dishwasher+cup-wont-open+repair.htm.

Pretty in depth, but not a simple fix.

disasemble the pump housing and remove the debris that are located in the housing, not enough pump pressure to spin the spray arms to desolve the detergent

The detergent cup itself can become clogged with old dried detergent that prevents it from opening. Sometimes just cleaning the cup takes care of the problem. In case it will not solve your problem, the unit should be replaced. Good luck!