Sope dispenser will not open when running - KitchenAid Dishwashers

Hi


Thanks for using FixYa. 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 its ability to bend properly and needs to be replaced. Older Kitchen-aid dishwashers used a mechanical arm driven by the timer to open the dispenser = no electrical bi-metals. Newer (plastic liner) Kitchen-aid dishwashers use a wax motor to open the soap dispenser. The plunger inside the wax motor slowly moves and pushes the plunger and door open. And, if this wax motor doesn’t receive 120 volts, then it’ll not work.



Please do rate this solution and revert for further assistance.


Thanks

Rylee