Hi
Many dishwashers ( but not all ) use a BI-metal strip that heats up once power is applied to it. The BI-metal strip bends and allows the soap door spring to open up the dispenser. This bi-metal strip is not given full 120 volts power, the timer "shunts" the power through either the heating element ( most common ) or the motor and this gives the bi-metal strip lower than full power to work and open. Most often the bi-metal strip has lost it's ability to bend properly and needs to be replaced. Older GE dishwashers used an mechanical arm driven by the timer to open the dispenser = no electrical bi-metals. Newer ( plastic liner ) Maytag dishwashers and many newer Whirlpool and Frigidaire dishwashers use a wax motor to open the soap dispenser, this wax motor does receive 120 volts to work. The plunger inside the wax motor slowly moves and pushes the plunger and door open. This is a what a wax motor looks like.
Please do rate the solution as FixYa and revert for further assistance.
Thanks
Rylee
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