Covered detergent dispenser not opening

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.

If the dispenser door is opening, then it is working properly. You have some kind of problem during the wash causing the soap to not wash out of thye dispenser. Either the pump is clogged or not pumping for some reason, there is not enough water coming into the unit or it is draining for some reason, or the water is sudsing up for some reason, usually rinse aid leaking into the water.

Start a wash cycle and let it fill completely with water then open the door and see how much water is in the tub. It should be just under the heater.
If it is ok, let it wash a few minutes then check it again to see if there are a lot of suds. If so, there is usually a leak in the dispenser.
Post back and let me know what you find.
Thanks/Mike

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.

Enter your model number to see parts for your dishwasher.

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.

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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.

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

Dishwasher Repair Problem Detergent Cup does not Open

heatman101

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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

This manual will cover all your components. Locate the dispenser section and follow the testing directions.

https://secured.whirlpool.com/Service/SrvTechAdm.nsf/2cd44500d572193285256a45004fd9d6/56e33eb0e839a7fa85256a8e00510938/$FILE/4322430.pdf

Either:

1. the water does not get into the dishwasher open the dishwasher 3-4 times during cycle, you should see some water at least once, if not - check water valve, water level float and water pressure.
2. the pump is clogged - there is water, the motor will run but no water is circulated. Check pump filters, check chopper and impeller.
3. motor in main pump is not working - could be caused by something stuck on the impeller or chopper or could be a problem with the motor itself or control board. Check if line voltage is coming to the motor during wash/rinse cycle.

Good luck,
Vlad
First Choice Appliance

I bet your clumps of soap began with the beginning of the use of a different DW detergent powder.

Try this (trust me) Go buy a box of brand name Dishwasher powder (e.g. Electrosol or Cascade) Use it for two loads of dishes and report your results back here. OK?

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

check to see if anything like dried up soap in there if so wash out with warm water or try a liquid